Has anyone been to these places during Spring Break? Looking to travel with some friends. 6 Adults and kids from 16-5...Is there things for kids to do there? Worth it or not?

My husband and I went to hot springs last year. It's an interesting little town, we've been there, done that though. Not worth a second visit. We did a duck tour-kids always seem to enjoy that. The Garvin Gardens are beautiful depending on the time of year. You may actually hit tulip season during spring break. There are some activities for kids there and "hiking" on paths. The bathhouses are definitely unique and worth a gander. There is one that actually still operates. You may check if they have minimum ages. It basically looked like a large indoor swimming pool that uses the hot spring water. There's a viewing tower kids might think is neat. There is also theme park, putt putt, go karts, laser tag, etc. we saw advertised as well as a "gangster museum" (unsure if appropriate for kids). We spent a lot of time checking out all of the shops on the Main Street. We compared it to the Arkansas version of Fredericksburg. Not too many great dining options but not expensive and never had to wait. We stayed at the Embassy Suites-probably not walking distance with kids. We, too, are interested in Branson so I'm interested to see what others have to say.

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The Garvin Gardens are beautiful depending on the time of year. You may actually hit tulip season during spring break.

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yep - went last year on the way to central Arkansas and that place was beautiful. They have a facebook page and website so you can keep up with what is blooming.

We did Branson the past two spring breaks (2017 and 2016). We stayed the whole week, and the kids were 6-13. Silver Dollar City is the way to go. However, keep in mind that Texas spring break is before Missouri and SDC is not open every day. Also, the cold weather this past year had the park rides shut down for a large portion of a few days. The kids loved it. Buy the annual pass, pays for itself on the 2nd day. The crowds weren't too bad except for nice weather afternoons on Friday and Saturday on the roller coasters.

There's other things to do, too. We did the butterfly thing, the Sights & Sounds "Moses" performance, the Titanic museum, and a few other things. The kids are disappointed we're not going back to Branson this year. For comparison, they rave about Branson about as much as they rave about WDW. YMMV.

Never done Branson, but we did Hot Springs last summer. Random things I recall that we did:

1) Bath houses - fun and unique history. Worth taking a day or two and checking out / walking down that section of town for sure. You'll find tons of things to do in that area.

2) Maxwell Blade - Magic show. Pretty fun show overall if you like this type of thing - my kids loved it.... although my youngest was falling asleep near the end (too late for him)!

3) Made a day trip to Ron Coleman Crystal Mine - one of those places you can dig for your own crystals/rocks. Pretty fun times - you will get dirty. My kids felt like they were searching for burried treasure.

4) Based on the fun we had there, we also tried out Crater of Diamonds State Park - sounded similar to (3) above. We stopped by as we drove to another place in Oklahoma we were staying at. Not nearly as much fun when it came to digging as (3) above to be honest - it was a bit of a let down. To be fair, there are other things to do there that we didn't have time to check out.

5) Hiking trails galore. I don't remember all the names, but there are a bunch in that area and up the surrounding hills/mountains. You can also drive up either side of the mountains in that area, and there are places to stop and take in the scenery. There is an observation deck on the top of one you can drive to that is worth a visit - great views from on top!

6) Duck tours. One of those tours that takes you through town and onto the water via a modified bus. There is some cool history and things to see. Our guide was trying too hard to be funny (kept trying to make lame duck jokes & noises), but was more annoying after a while than anything else.

7) Lots of water activities being right next to Lake Ouachita.

8) Steinhaus Keller - German restaurant was legit. Most German food I find in the States is a let down for me, but I was impressed.

Branson is an excellent location for young and old. We go several times year.
Silver Dollar City excellent entertainment. Has some excellent roller coasters and other rides.
Lots of musically entertainment (blue grass) and theater shows. Food everywhere
Season pass is way to go, has many benefits (50% off Branson Belle and also discount for Dixie
Stampede).
Loaded with excellent theaters if that's your thing.
Food: Our first choice is at College of the Ozarks, the Keeter Center. Exceptional place for food, costs
and service. All waiters/service performed by students at the college and they do a great job.
Branson Belle has a good show and meal is excellent. The Dixie Stampede is kid friendly, good show, and
food is good.
Lambert's up the road in Ozark is the land of the tossed roll, food is excellent and guaranteed you won't
leave hungry.
Burgers and Ice Cream at Cakes and Cream '50s Diner........... Excellent
Cantina Laredo on the Boardwalk is good for Mexican Food.
Check the show schedule:
ON your way up/back: check out Eureka Springs
off the beaten path to War Eagle Mill
Stop in Harrison at Neighbor's Mill, good food, great bakery
Have lunch at Mt. Magazine
Breakfast/lunch at Cliff House over looking Grand Canyon of the Ozarks.

It's a good location to visit, from Dallas/Tyler areas its about 8 hours. Mosts trips for us is one night on rode up/back and a week in Branson.