From astronaut training and weather simulators to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, families can keep kids engaged while making lifelong memories

BRANSON, Mo. – (July 3, 2026) – While kids may love being out of school for summer break, many parents are aware that they may have a significant loss of knowledge while outside of the classroom. The good news is that WonderWorks Branson offers a great place to help parents combat the “summer slide.” The indoor amusement park for the mind is a go-to spot for locals and vacationers alike who are looking for a fun way to keep their kids learning, engaged, and entertained throughout summer break.

“Here at WonderWorks, our mission is to provide educational fun for all,” said Tim Church, education sales manager at WonderWorks Branson. “That makes us a local favorite every summer! Our unique, hands-on exhibits ensure young minds stay sharp outside of the classroom and allow them to really fall in love with the world of STEAM. Plan your visit soon!”

Keeping kids actively learning during the summer break is important to helping ensure they don’t lose the knowledge they gained during the school year. WonderWorks Branson is an upside-down laboratory filled with interactive experiences that keep guests of all ages learning in a fun way. The educational exhibits dive into a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) topics that challenge the mind and spark imaginations. However, because visitors are having such a good time, they often don’t even realize that they’re learning something new while doing it.

Adventure awaits in WonderWorks Branson’s six unique Wonder Zones, where guests can discover a wide variety of interactive exhibits and exciting experiences, including:

  • Meteorology & More. Experience hurricane-force winds of 74 miles per hour and feel how cold the water was when the Titanic sank.
  • Physical Physics. Lie on a bed of nails and become a human lightning rod with the Tesla Coil.
  • Light, Sound & Senses. Become part of the action in the XD Theater, make life-sized bubbles, and explore the power of light & shadows.
  • Space Discovery. Get in a four-person astronaut training gyroscope, explore a replica space suit, and sit in a replica Mercury capsule.
  • Elements, Earth & Life. Create a landscape in the interactive sandbox and use the Google Earth virtual globe to travel the world.
  • Wonder Art Gallery. Be mesmerized in the illusion art gallery and see art showcased by local young artists.

On top of all the exhibits guests can experience during their visit, WonderWorks Branson also offers activity sheets online in the “Kids Corner” that allow families to continue the wonder and learning at home. There are two new sheets being added this summer, including one to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, and another that celebrates 100 years of the iconic Route 66 highway. These printable activity sheets offer a challenge to name all 50 states, a Route 66 word search, a connect-the-dots puzzle revealing a patriotic picture, and more.

“America and innovation go hand in hand, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate the country’s exciting anniversary in the upside-down laboratory! From several patriotic exhibits to the limited-time special offerings, WonderWorks is a must-visit during this all-American summer,” said Eric Smith, general manager at WonderWorks Branson.

WonderWorks Branson is breaking out their red, white, and blue, launching The Great American Summer of Wonder to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. Special offerings include patriotic decorations, official America 250 merchandise in the gift shop, and a “Red, White & Delicious” family meal in the Cruisin’ Café that is only $17.76, which includes one large pizza, four soft drinks, and four freezer pops. Plus, cool off with another brand-new menu item: delicious Pineapple Dole Whip. The Great American Summer of Wonder is running now through Labor Day.

Guests will not want to miss the highlight of American innovation and patriotism on display in the American Pride exhibit and theater on the second floor. This popular exhibit–unique to WonderWorks Branson–explores the greatest achievements and innovations in the history of our country, showcases various ways in which every military branch is involved in STEM education and more.

The over 100 interactive exhibits at WonderWorks Branson have been designed to provide guests with a fun and memorable way to learn more about various educational topics. They also offer STEAM activities and events throughout the year to take the experience to the next level. There are numerous event packages and group rates available with advanced reservations. WonderWorks Branson offers over 48,000 square feet of family-friendly, engaging activities. The attraction is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm this summer. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/branson.

 

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, the upside-down adventure, is a science-focused indoor amusement park for the mind that holds something unique and exciting for visitors of all ages. There are three floors of nonstop “edu-tainment,” featuring over 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination. WonderWorks has locations in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information visit: WonderWorksBranson.com and follow @WonderWorksBranson on Facebook, @WonderWorksBR on X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_BR on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

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