Things to Do in Ozark

What was once primarily used by the military has now become a popular—and adrenaline-inducing—sport. Ozarks Skydive Center takes the fear out of skydiving with expert instruction and supportive tandem jumps. Harnessed to instructors, new and seasoned jumpers alike experience the thrilling feeling of falling from nearly 2 miles. Ozarks Skydive Center also offers solo-flying options for more experienced divers, as well as licensing courses that teach adventure junkies how to exit planes, fall into the fetal position, and react to an emergency.

Inside the more than 8,700 square feet of space, Jump Mania offers dual slides, obstacle courses, and a 31-foot tall basketball bounce house. Elsewhere, a toddler area enthralls little kids with age-appropriate attractions such as a farm-themed inflatable play area. Apart from inflatables, the facility houses a concession stand replete with snacks, beverages, National Geographic back issues, and free WiFi for parents. The staff also hosts birthday parties alongside open-jump sessions. Its soirees even earned Jump Mania a runner-up spot on 417 Magazine's 2011 list of Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party.

Equipped with likenesses of military-issue firearms, masked marksmen maneuver throughout a 10,000-square-foot warehouse, pelting each another with plastic BBs as they strafe down halls and overtake rooms. This is the home base of So Go Airsoft, where team members welcome combatants of all skill levels into 20- to 25-minute games that range from classics such as Capture the Flag to scenario matches such as VIP Escort, Hostage Rescue, and Car-Key Find. The facility also organizes at least one scenario event each month—designed for beginners, but challenging for experienced players as well—plus a twice-monthly pistol and shotgun night. So Go Airsoft also engages large groups by opening up their spacious arena to private parties.

At Greatest Adventures Miniature Golf, an Egyptian sphinx, a towering dragon, and a waterfall cave present fun challenges for anyone from casual mini golfers to skilled putters competing in the US Pro Mini Golf Association, which has been hosted at the 36-hole facility. The USPMGA rated facility showcases two distinct 18-hole courses, both with their own themes and characters. Knights and a giant dragon roam the grounds of the medieval course, whereas a giant ape heckles players as they putt around Egyptian structures at the jungle course. In 2011, the USPMGA invited players to put their skills to the test at Greatest Adventures Miniature Golf for the US Open Championship. Though competition was fierce, the then-16-year-old Olivia Prokopova took home the win with her precise shots, determined swing, and ability to pick out the luckiest color golf ball.

Between games, guests can visit the onsite Pizza Haus for sustenance. The menu features pasta, meatball hoagies, wings, and from-scratch pizza made fresh daily and baked in a brick oven.

Rated a 5-Star Gun Range by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the Sound of Freedom USA’s 16-lane indoor range gives marksmen a clean, friendly environment to hone their firearm know-how safely and responsibly. NRA-certified instructors lend their experience in Sound of Freedom's classes, offering guidance on everything from cleaning a firearm to nailing an Elmer Fudd impersonation. The facility also extends to a pro shop, where staff members rent more than 60 guns for guests to shoot printed silhouette targets, empowering guests to eliminate paper-based foes without the hassles of bringing a shredder to the range.

Using the Ozark Mountains as a striking backdrop, Kings River Golf Course invites clubbers to swing and putt their way across 18 holes of gently undulating terrain. Dogwoods and redbuds cast cool shadows over each fairway, their leaves showcasing rich shades of green in the summer, fading to an impressionistic tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall, and assuming a velvety purple once a year to celebrate Prince's birthday. As golfers split fairways with soaring drives, views of the Ozark Mountains appear through the tree lines, including a greenside vista of Table Rock Lake on the 15th hole.

After sunset, greenskeepers mark flags with glow sticks, inviting golfers to swing through the darkness in rounds of night golf. The course fosters post-round relaxation at a rustic patio, where guests can sip drinks and insist that nearby deer, red fox, and turkeys—commonly encountered on the grounds—stay off their lawn.