Finding a destination where everyone in the family can find something they love is a truly special thing. The experience becomes even more magical when shared with friends who feel like family. Recently, a group of families with children ranging from 2nd grade to 10th grade embarked on a 9-hour journey from Ohio to Table Rock Lake, just outside Branson, MO. We stayed at the beautiful Big Cedar Lodge, where we enjoyed four activity-filled nights.

Kids wearing life jackets posing for a photo on a low cliffside on Table Rock Lake ready to jump in and swim. — Safety first then fun with friends.

Big Cedar Lodge Cabins

A coffee mug on the deck of Big Cedar Lodge, a Missouri Lake Resort — Views from the cabins and Table Rock Lake

Each family rented a Lakeside Cottage that came with two queen beds and a loft with 2 twin beds. This sweet little cottage are perfect for families of 3 to 6. The cabins were spacious, comfortable, and provided stunning views of the lake. They also had the convenience of home, with a full kitchen. The charm of the cabins, combined with modern amenities, created the perfect home base for our adventures or peaceful mornings on the deck. The resort also has a variety room options including a standard hotel room and Private Log Cabin.

Things to Do at Big Cedar Lodge

Our days were packed with fun and adventure. Here’s a detailed look at our activities:

Morning Routine

Each morning began with a refreshing mile-long walk to the gym, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of Table Rock Lake. The clean morning air and scenic surroundings were invigorating. After a good workout, we headed to Truman Café for coffee or a breakfast sandwich. Sharing this experience with seven friends made it even more special. The café’s epic views of the lake and delicious offerings made it the perfect spot to kick-start our day. As Charlie Chaplin once said, "A day without laughter is a day wasted," and each morning we laughed and cherished these moments together.

Boating Adventures

A turtle that was begging for food on our vacation in Missouri — Meet our new friend.

One of the highlights of our trip was renting two boats for an afternoon from Bent Hook Marina. The kids had an absolute blast tubing in and out of Arkansas (checked off another one of the 50 states from the list). Their laughter and excitement were infectious as they bounced across the waves. We found a perfect spot for rope swinging from rocks, which was an exhilarating experience (maybe a bit stressful for the parents!). Most of the afternoon was spent floating in a cove, jumping off the boat, and becoming friends with the cutest begging turtle.

Poolside Fun

A beautiful pool at Big Cedar Lodge with the sunset in the background — Pool views at Big Cedar Lodge

We spent several mornings and evenings soaking up the son at one of the many lakeside pools available at the lodge. The lazy river was an instant hit with the kids, providing hours of fun as they floated along. The pools were well-maintained, and the surroundings were beautifully landscaped, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and play.

Epic Golf

The 19th Hole at Payne's Valley at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri — The 19th Hole at Payne’s Valley

The dads in the group enjoyed an epic round of golf at Payne’s Valley Course. The course, designed by Tiger Woods, offered stunning views and challenging holes. The picturesque landscape and meticulously maintained greens made for an unforgettable golfing experience. The highlight was the 19th hole.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Big Cedar Lodge offers a plethora of activities to keep kids entertained. Our kids enjoyed playing putt-putt and fishing off the dock right by our cabin. This was a relaxing and rewarding experience, with several kids catching their first fish. But the highlight for the kids was definitely Fun Mountain. This adventure zone is filled with a ropes course, race car driving, and an arcade.

Best Places to Eat at Big Cedar Lodge

Big Cedar Lodge offers a variety of dining options that catered to everyone in our group:

Uncle Buck's
We enjoyed a large group dinner at Uncle Buck’s, where the food was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect for our lively crew. Located at Fun Mountain, this restaurant’s unique décor, reminiscent of a rustic hunting lodge, added to the experience.
Grill Out
One evening, we had a grill out right from the decks of our cottage. This was the most relaxing night as the kids got to enjoy their burgers poolside! Having a cottage with a full kitchen made many meals easy and simple.
Top of the Rock
For the adults, we had a special dinner at Top of the Rock. The sunset ceremony was a grand finale for our trip, providing breathtaking views and a perfect ending to our getaway. The culinary experience was exceptional, but the laughs and memories made were really the highlight of the day.

The Full Resort Map

Navigating this expansive property was made easy with the user-friendly app and shuttle system. The app provided a comprehensive map of the property, making it simple to find our way around and order a shuttle.. The shuttle system was efficient and convenient, allowing us to easily move between different activities and locations. You can check out the full map of the property here.

A detailed Big Cedar Lodge map — A Map of Big Cedar Lodge with a few of our favorite spots marked.

Our Final Thoughts on our stay at Big Cedar Lodge

Our trip to Big Cedar Lodge was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of beautiful scenery, diverse activities, and the joy of spending time with friends made it a memorable experience for everyone. Whether it was the thrilling adventures, relaxing moments, or the delicious meals, every part of our trip contributed to a perfect vacation. These are the reasons why Big Cedar Lodge is our our top 5 family friend resorts in the USA list. Our families strengthened our bonds and created lasting memories. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!

A Memorable Friends Group Trip at Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake