Family activities in Broken Bow go far beyond boating and swimming at the lake. When someone wants to sit out the boat ride or the kids need a change of scenery, Hochatown offers plenty of entertaining options within a small area. From animal encounters and mini golf to go-karts, escape rooms, and laser tag, here are seven activities worth adding to your itinerary.
Hochatown Rescue Center and Petting Zoo
Most of the animals here are rescues, injured, orphaned, or surrendered, and roughly 95% are domestic or native wildlife rather than exotic imports. Kids can feed and pet goats, guinea pigs, and baby ducks, and staff sometimes bring out reptiles or birds for a closer look. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and mornings tend to be the best time to visit since the animals are more active before the afternoon heat sets in. Admission is modest and goes directly toward the animals’ care.
Mini Golf (With a Few Different Personalities)
Hochatown has more mini golf than you’d expect for its size, and each course has its own theme:
- Chili Dippers Golf Club is an 18-hole course with turf fairways and sand traps, closer to a real course layout than typical putt-putt.
- Kraken’s 9 Miniature Golf at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company is a 9-hole pirate-themed course built for younger kids (ages 2 and up), complete with a 14-foot Kraken and a mermaid shipwreck.
- Dino Dig Golf, also at Beaver’s Bend Mining Company, is an indoor dinosaur-themed course open year-round from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., which makes it a solid backup plan on a rainy or scorching afternoon. Admission runs around $9 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under.
- Hochatown Amusements rounds things out with an 18-hole course plus hand-dipped Blue Bell ice cream on site.
Go-Karts at Bigfoot Speedway
Bigfoot Speedway sits on Stevens Gap Road, just a few miles from Broken Bow Lake, and it’s become a go-to for families looking to burn off some energy. Riders need to be at least 55 inches tall to drive solo; shorter kids can ride along in a double kart operated by someone 21 or older with a valid license. Current summer hours are Monday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday noon to 8 p.m.; they’re closed Sundays. It’s also a cash-only spot, so plan accordingly.
ATV and UTV Rentals
For families with older kids or teens, Bandits ATV and Boat Rentals offers UTV rentals for exploring the forest trails around Hochatown, no towing required since they offer direct trail access. They also now offer street-legal UTVs, which means you can legally cruise between attractions, grab lunch, or head down to the lake without needing a separate vehicle. Renters should expect a refundable security deposit, and everyone in your group should plan on closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing.
Bigfoot Axe Throwing
Yes, actual axe throwing, Bigfoot-themed and all. Participants need to be at least 10 years old, and anyone under 18 needs an adult with them. Staff run a mandatory safety briefing before you start, so even total beginners are covered. It’s a fun way to spend 30 to 60 minutes, and there’s a gift shop and snack counter next door if part of your group wants to sit this one out.
Hochatown Escape Games
If your crew includes puzzle people, this is worth a look. There are six differently themed rooms, most built for groups of 2 to 8, ranging from a “Missing in the Woods” scenario to a hidden cabin mystery. It’s a good option for an evening activity after a full day outside, or as a rainy-day backup.
Laser Tag at Battle on the Rocks
Rounding things out, Battle on the Rocks offers laser tag in an outdoor arena, with games priced around $5 per person for two 5-minute rounds. It’s built for ages 8 and up, and there’s a restaurant and bar on site if the adults want to watch from the sidelines with a drink in hand.
Building It Into Your Trip
Most of these spots cluster around Hochatown, so it’s realistic to knock out two or three in a single afternoon, mini golf and axe throwing, or go-karts and the petting zoo, without much driving in between. It’s a good rhythm for a Broken Bow trip: mornings on the lake, afternoons split between something active and something low-key, and evenings winding down over dinner at one of the best restaurants in Broken Bow.
If you’re traveling with a bigger group, it’s worth checking out cabins built for large groups in Broken Bow, which tend to be centrally located enough that none of this requires much of a detour. If you’re staying at a Host with Wander property like Tahoe in the Pines, you’re well positioned to fit all of this in without eating into your relaxation time.
