Affordable Fun with Kids in Kentucky: A Comprehensive Family Adventure Guide [From A Local – 2024]
Kentucky offers adventure, learning, and endless options for affordable fun with kids and families. From the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Kentucky’s state parks to the fascinating history museums in Louisville, there’s something to spark the curiosity and excitement of kids and adults alike.
We’ve explored from Breaks Interstate Park in far eastern Kentucky to the Land Between the Lakes in Western Kentucky to provide a comprehensive guide of affordable AND fun things to do with kids in Kentucky. As parents of two teens, we know finding fun things to do with kids in Kentucky is a challenge.
Our home state of Kentucky is truly a destination where families can create fun and exciting, affordable family adventures while making every visit unforgettable.
TL;DR: Unforgettable Family Experiences in Kentucky: Adventures with Kids
In Kentucky, every day is a new opportunity for adventure. For families seeking an adrenaline rush, like ziplining high above the treetops, river’s edge, or even deep underground or zipping around in the fastest indoor go-karts in the area, Kentucky is THE place to be!
If a slower pace is more your speed, Kentucky is filled with endless opportunities, like hiking in magical recreational areas filled with natural arches, exploring the world’s longest cave, or discovering how Noah escaped the epic flood.
Maximize Your Affordable Family Fun: How to Use This Guide
- Mix and match these items to suit your family’s taste. Some recommendations are perfect for your family and some won’t be a good fit.
- Exploring these adventures is NOT a race. Take your time exploring the great state of Kentucky! These adventures have operated for years and often decades. So pace your exploration and let this guide serve as your roadmap to fun for the next several seasons and summers!
- We grouped similar activities. For example, Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures or Indoor Fun and Entertainment!
- Everyone has a different budget. Many recommendations include a cost. Therefore, everyone’s definition of affordable is different. For example, zip lines in the Mega Cavern is really expensive ($115 per person!) while the Mega Cavern ropes course is more affordable ($40 per person), and hiking in Jefferson Memorial Forest is FREE! In otherwords, choose your own adventure!
Please note some places we have not visited, but we read a ton of reviews on these destinations to make an informed decision about whether we would visit. And if we would skip it based on the reviews, we will share that with you!
The National Corvette Museum captivates with its sleek designs and history, while the Daniel Boone Challenge calls to the brave and adventurous. These fun things provide entertainment and a chance to bond, learn, and create stories we’ll share for years to come.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Kentucky
1. Zipline Through Kentucky’s Breathtaking Landscapes
Ziplining in Kentucky offers an exhilarating way to appreciate its natural beauty. Since I was a little kid, I’ve dreamed of flying. Flying through the air on zip lines is the closest thing to actually flying!
I can’t find anything else that matches the adrenhline rush I feel as I place my trust in the harness around my waist and the steel cable overhead and then step off the platform to go whooshing down the zipline high above the treeline. The wind blowing back my hair and the acceleration to top speed to the 360 degree views of world around me makes ziplining an adventure I love!
Kentucky’s best ziplining adventures are located throughout the state!
- Louisville – Zipline deep UNDERGROUND at the Mega Cavern
- Lexington – Soar high above the Boone Creek Gorge and the Kentucky River
- Eastern Kentucky – Soar through Red River Gorge at 55 mph with Red River Gorge Ziplines
- Southern / Southwestern Kentucky – After exploring the underground of Mammoth Cave, take in the views of the amazing rolling hills while ziplining with the Adventures of Mammoth Cave!
2. Mammoth Cave National Park – Explore the World’s Longest Cave System
Mammoth Cave National Park is a must-visit for families exploring Kentucky with kids. The park offers nature trails (FREE) and guided tours of the cave system (LOW Cost), revealing stunning rock formations and the mystery of its underground rivers, with additional tours available in nearby Cave City and Horse Cave.
Cave tours take us deep into the earth, showcasing the immense beauty hidden beneath Kentucky’s surface. Whether you’re trekking through the forest or exploring underground tours in Cave City and Horse Cave, the park is a fascinating world of its own.
Mammoth Cave is about 90 minutes from home so we try visiting every year or so. Here are our favorite cave tours:
- Domes and Dripstones
- Historic Tour
- Self-guide Discovery Tour
Pro Tip: Tickets sell out! So, Buy Tickets early. Tickets are required to enter the cave. If all the Mammoth Cave tours are sold out, try the nearby Crystal Onyx Cave or Diamond Caverns.
3. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park – Hike Through History
Hiking through Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a journey back in time. The park’s outdoor adventures reveal the rich history of early American exploration and settlement.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park straddles Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee, providing magnificent mountaintop views all year, especially during fall, with park ranger-guided walking tours that bring history to life! Hikers and explorers will enjoy the 85+ miles of trails that lead throughout the park. Both day and overnight backcountry hiking options are available. For hikers up for a challenge try the Tri-State Peak and stand in 3 states at once.
Make sure to check out Pinnacle Overlook, Gap Cave, and the Hensley Settlement.
Relive American history as NPS park rangers share the history of the thousands of pioneers who crossed the Cumberland Gap seeking a new beginning in the wildlands of Kentucky! Ranger programs require reservations and have a small charge per person.
Since we loved Breaks Interstate Park so much, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is on our short list of fall destinations for the upcoming season!
4. Go Arch Hunting in Daniel Boone National Forest
Daniel Boone National Forest is home to several of our favorite places like Red River Gorge, the Big South Fork National River Recreation Area, and Cumberland Falls State Park.
Miles of hiking trails make this National Forest the perfect place to step away from the world, explore nature, and discover all the great natural features that make Kentucky special.
Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park
Red River Gorge is home to over 150 natural sandstone arches, giving it the distinction of the most arches east of Utah, and offers exciting rock climbing opportunities for adventurers! We find the arches in Kentucky are more special because they are tucked away in the forest and visitors generally get to hike through the forest to see the arch. We recommend visiting during the Spring or Fall.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park includes a sky lift so all visitors can experience Kentucky’s natural beauty from atop this magnificent natural wonder.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Kentucky’s Cumberland Falls is home to one of two regularly occurring moonbows in the WORLD. This lunar rainbow is truly a sight you must see to believe. The best part is it’s FREE. You may need a place to stay, but camping nearby at Cumberland Falls State Park is very affordable!
Carter Caves State Resort Park
Carter Caves State Resort Park, located in Eastern Kentucky, offers a range of outdoor activities, including camping, guided cave tours, hiking, horseback riding (including multi-use trails), canoeing, and rock climbing (permits required!). The park features scenic views, camping facilities, and cozy cottages.
Visitors can explore natural attractions like the Cascade Cave, X-Cave, and the Smoky Bridge. The park also provides a lodge with a restaurant, a pool, and event spaces for gatherings. Perfect for adventure enthusiasts and families looking to experience nature.
Educational and Fun Learning Experiences: Fun Things to Do with Kids in Kentucky
5. Kentucky Science Center – Igniting Curiosity in Young Minds
The Kentucky Science Center is where hands-on activities make learning fun and engaging. Kentucky’s Science Center is centrally located in downtown Louisville. We recommend a quick stop at Louisville Slugger to watch how Major League Baseball bats are made…and go home with your souvenir bat.
The Science Center is geared toward younger kids. Kids ages 10 and younger will have a blast learning about science in this hands on museum. When our kids were younger they would spend hours playing in the kids center.
One of my favorite things about the Science Center is the four-story IMAX theater. I remember visiting this larger-than-life movie screen as a kid. The roar of the space shuttle would rock the seats, and as the shuttle traveled into space, my imagination traveled alongside for days at a time. Alas, I became an accountant rather than an astronaut.
Museum admission costs $25 per person plus $5 to watch the movie. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a picnic lunch in nearby Waterfront Park. Then head back to the museum for an afternoon of fun!
6. The American Cave Museum – Investigate Subterranean Mysteries
The American Cave Museum, located in Horse Cave, plunges into the depths of Kentucky’s underground. The museum’s exhibits on the underground river and the fascinating world beneath our feet are sure to captivate your imagination.
Develop a deeper understanding of subterranean life, how sinkholes are formed, and the importance of cave ecosystems.
The museum is FREE and is right next door to Hidden River Cave Tours, which offers underground boat rides on the underground river throughout the cave! Find out how they got a boat on this underground river—it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
7. Ark Encounter: A Journey into Biblical History
Northern Kentucky is also home of the Ark Encounter, which offers an immersive experience that brings biblical history to life. It showcases a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark and interactive exhibits that engage kids of all ages. This full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark provides a unique exploration of the Genesis flood narrative. The on-site petting zoo enhances the visit by allowing kids to interact with animals, fostering a deeper connection to the stories and lessons of the Bible.
Pro Tip: Skip the virtual reality. Sara and the kids tried it and found it to be jerky and not fun. Moreover, about half of the advertisement was for the Ark Encounter!
This attraction blends education and entertainment, enriching our understanding of both history and the natural world through a biblical perspective.
8. Historic Railpark & Train Museum – All Aboard for Learning
Step back in time at the L&N Historic Rail Park & Train Museum in Bowling Green, featuring exhibits that highlight the golden age of rail travel and guided walking tours. Located in the 1925 L&N Depot, this museum offers a glimpse into the golden age of rail travel. Explore authentic 1930s locomotives, luxurious Pullman cars, and a Presidential Railroad car. While rides aren’t offered, the detailed exhibits provide a hands-on learning experience that fascinates both young and old. Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, with tours starting every hour at quarter past. Visit today to share in America’s rich rail history. Secure early bird tickets for an exclusive, in-depth exploration.
Animal Encounters and Conservation
9. Louisville Zoo – Meet Exotic Animals from Around the Globe
The Louisville Zoo, located at 1100 Trevilian Way, is large enough to have world-class exhibits and small enough to offer an enjoyable afternoon for families to see animals from around the globe.
Glacier Run is an award-winning exhibit showcasing Grizzly and polar bears in an arctic-themed environment. Visitors even get the chance to be nose to nose with a ferocious bear.
Don’t miss Gorilla Forest for a chance to see how you stack up next to Silverback Gorillas!
The Louisville Zoo, home to animals in naturalistic habitats, is open all year, featuring popular exhibits like Glacier Run with its polar and grizzly bears. Animals are most active during the Spring and Fall when temperatures are cooler. Visit during the Fall for Boo at the Zoo, when two-legged ghosts and goblins take over the zoo for Louisville’s largest Halloween Party!
10. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo – Explore the Australian Outback
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo brings the wildlife of the Australian Outback to Kentucky. Founded by Bill and Judy Austin, the attraction was created to share Judy’s Australian heritage with Kentuckians.
Visitors can experience the Outback firsthand with exhibits featuring kangaroos, The Land of Lorries where colorful lorikeets land on your shoulder for a snack, a petting zoo, Mammoth Onyx Cave, and interactive animal shows. Additional charges apply for feeding the kangaroos and lorikeets.
Open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM Central Time, Kentucky Down Under offers a hands-on animal experience that visitors often praise for its friendly staff and unique encounters, making it a favorite over big city zoos.
For more details, visit the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo website.
11. Newport Aquarium – Dive into an Underwater World
Located in northern Kentucky at the Levee, Newport Aquarium offers a thrilling, affordable family adventure into the ocean’s depths. As Kentucky’s only aquarium, it’s the crown jewel of this entertainment complex.
Marvel at the wonders beneath the waves as you walk through immersive tunnels, surrounded by a mesmerizing underwater world where colorful fish dart past and sharks glide overhead. This awe-inspiring experience captivates both kids and adults, sparking curiosity about the ocean’s mysterious inhabitants.
Don’t miss the white alligators, and plan to spend at least half a day fully enjoying all the fantastic exhibits. Newport Aquarium promises a day of exploration and excitement for the entire family.
Pro Tip: Try the touch-a-shark experience, where you can safely touch a shark!
12. Kentucky Horse Park – Discover the Legacy of the Kentucky Derby
The limestone found under Kentucky’s ground is great for making bourbon and fast racehorses. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington showcases the equine industry and its importance to Kentucky and the world, featuring exhibits like the International Museum of the Horse and a thoroughbred retirement farm.
Key Attractions
- International Museum of the Horse: This Smithsonian-affiliated museum is the largest equestrian museum in the world, covering 64,000 square feet. It offers a comprehensive look at the 50-million-year history of horses and their relationship with humans. Highlights include exhibits on famous racehorses, chariots, carriages, and the contributions of Black Americans to the horse industry.
- Hall of Champions: Here, visitors can meet retired champion horses from various disciplines, including thoroughbred racing. This exhibit celebrates the achievements of these equine athletes and provides a closer look at their careers.
- Parade of Breeds Show: This daily event showcases different horse breeds from around the world, highlighting their unique characteristics and historical significance.
- American Saddlebred Museum: Located next to the park’s visitor center, this museum celebrates Kentucky’s native horse breed with interactive exhibits and displays that detail the breed’s versatility and contributions to American history.
- Equine Activities: The park offers horseback and pony rides, horse-drawn tours, and numerous equestrian events throughout the year, making it an engaging experience for both novice and experienced horse lovers.
Check the calendar before planning your visit to confirm the specific times of the attraction you are most interested.
Indoor Fun and Entertaining Escapes
Unique Kentucky Attractions
Kentucky is filled with amazing places to explore. If it’s raining check out some of our favorite Indoor Escapes!
13. Louisville Mega Cavern – Adventure Beneath the City
The Louisville Mega Cavern is an underground adventure like no other. Choose your own adventure in the Mega Cavern. From Ziplines to Adventure Ropes Courses to Miles of Christmas Lights, this place has so much to see and do!
The Adventure Ropes Course is the perfect place to challenge your mind, physical endurance, and burn off some energy on pretty much any day. Since the cavern is underground the temperature is cool year round!
Fun Fact: The Louisville Mega Cavern is located UNDER the Louisville Zoo!
The Ziplines are expensive and we usually stick to the ropes course because it’s a more affordable option and the kids enjoy the challenge!
14. Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
Full Throttle has the BEST go-karts in Louisville and maybe Kentucky. Kids karts reach speeds up to 27mph! The fastest adult karts can reach 40mph. Racers are racing for the best time of the heat. Advanced software tracks lap times of the day, week, and year to show drivers who the best drivers are. Ax Throwing and a rage room are available as well!
15. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Home Run Family Fun
At the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, we step into the world of America’s favorite pastime. The interactive exhibits not only teach us about the history of baseball and its legendary players but also give us a hands-on experience. From holding bats used by baseball greats to watching the craftsmanship that goes into each bat, our visit here scores a home run for family fun.
Interactive and Creative Play
Our adventures in Kentucky also lead us to spaces where interactive and creative play takes center stage. At these destinations, our kids dive into hands-on activities that stimulate their imaginations and encourage exploration. Whether they’re solving puzzles, engaging in physical play, or expressing their creativity, these experiences are invaluable, fostering a love for learning and discovery that lasts well beyond our trip.
16. Explorium of Lexington – A World of Interactive Exploration
The Explorium of Lexington is a playground of discovery especially for younger kids (ages 8 and below will love it)! With exhibits that span various interests—from science and art to history and culture—every visit offers new opportunities for hands-on learning and fun. It’s a place where questions are encouraged, and curiosity leads the way, making each exploration a valuable addition to our educational adventures in Kentucky.
17. Waverly Hills: Ghost Hunting and Tours
Starting in the 1920s a massive Tuberculous epidemic swept the United States infecting thousands of people. TB hit Louisville particularly hard because the Ohio Valley air trapped the virus in the valley. At the time TB patients were sent to special hospitals in the country to get healthy in the clean country air.
Since there was no cure, many people died horrifically painful deaths. Many of the souls never fully made to the otherside and their spirits keep Waverly Hills alive!
Tours are available during evening hours and are a great way to learn more about the history of this fascinating historic site. And if you’re into paranormal investigations, then try your luck reaching the spirits on an overnight lock in at Waverly Hills.
18. Recbar: Relive Your Childhood Arcade Memories!
Recbar in Louisville (and New Albany, IN) invites adults to reconnect with their inner child through an extensive selection of over 60 arcade games and 70+ pinball machines. Reminisce about the joy of playing games at the mall while indulging in their famous tater tots. The nostalgic atmosphere, complete with skeeball and air hockey, makes it a perfect spot for reliving those carefree gaming days. Family-friendly until 10 PM, it’s a haven for both retro and modern gaming enthusiasts.
Seasonal Activities and Festivals
Kentucky’s calendar is filled with seasonal activities and festivals that bring us closer to the heart and soul of the Bluegrass State. These festivities share Kentucky’s rich history and vibrant community spirit. Visiting festivals, picnics, and fairs gives us a chance to reconnect with old friends.
21. Church Picnics around Louisville – Community Fun and Festivities
Louisville’s thriving Catholic community pulls out all the stops with summer picnics. Picnic season kicks off in June and builds momentum to the largest Catholic picnic in the city, St. Joe’s picnic. The St. Joe’s picnic benefits the orphanage and the entire city turns out for this event in early August.
Church picnics offer games of chance, rides, bounce houses, and the best chicken dinner you ever ate! Where else can you win a cake for a dime?
Catholic Church picnics offer a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy delicious food, engaging games, and spending time with friends. Connect with neighbors and make new friends, all while enjoying summer evenings in Louisvlle.
22. Take Me Out to the Ballgame with the Louisville Bats
2024 marks the 25th anniversary of Louisville Slugger Stadium. This amazing stadium welcomes fans to a fun evening at the ballpark. As the Triple A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, the Bats field excellent teams that play baseball at a very high level.
Taking in a Bats game is more than just watching baseball, its a full experience. On Tuesday nights take advantage of $2 menu night! How cool! You can “dine out” with the entire family for about $20! The Bats shoot fireworks after many games; check the schedule for fireworks nights. On Sunday’s kids get to run the bases after the game.
A Journey Through Kentucky’s Rich Heritage
Kentucky’s rich heritage is kept alive in many historical sites that connects the past with the present. From historic landmarks like Logust Grove and the Thomas Edison House to civil war battlefields in central Kentucky there is an adventure throughout the commonwealth.
23. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park – Walk in the Footsteps of a President
Jack and I recently explored the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Here are the highlights:
- Guided Tour: Ranger Nick provided an engaging and informative tour of Lincoln’s early life.
- Interactive Exhibits: The Visitor Center includes hands-on exhibits, like a replica one-room cabin.
- Hiking: We hiked the Boundary Oak Trail, enjoying the scenic Kentucky countryside.
- Junior Ranger Program: Fun activities for kids to learn about history.
This historic park highlights Lincoln’s humble beginnings and how his early years shaped his leadership. For a complete experience, also visit the nearby Knob Creek Farm.
24. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Simply Life
The Shakers arrived in America in the late 1700s seeking religious freedom and the chance to pursue a more simple and pure life. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill reflects one of the largest Shaker settlements, 500 residents at its peak, that existed from Maine to Kentucky.
Visiting Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill takes families back in time and illustrates the simple, communal lifestyle of the Shakers. Through hands-on activities and guided tours, visitors gain a unique insight into the Shakers’ way of life, innovations, and commitment to community and sustainability. This experience not only educates but also inspires, highlighting the values of simplicity, hard work, and harmony with nature.
25. Old Louisville – A Stroll Through Victorian Elegance
A guided walking tour through Old Louisville, located minutes from downtown Louisville, offers a stroll through Victorian elegance. It showcases one of the country’s most extensive collections of preserved Victorian homes. Wandering the tree-lined streets, it’s easy to see the magnificent architecture of the late 1860s. Old Louisville represents the city’s growth as its importance as a manufacturing and logistics hub grew following the Civil War.
Following World War I, families began migrating to the new suburbs that began sprawling east of the city. And Old Louisville began to fall into disrepair. Restoration, Inc. was founded in the early 1960s to preserve as much of Old Louisville as possible. Take one of the walking tours or stroll along the streets and step back in time.
Central Park is a beautiful green space that is perfect for a picnic lunch. Stop by nearby Ollie’s Trolley for some “sliders” and head to the park to enjoy lunch surrounded by these Victorian homes.
Bonus Tip: Ghost tours are available in the evening, and share the stories of one of the most haunted areas in the country!
Bonus Adventures
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay
Louisville is home to Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay. What started as a small local theme park has grown into a full-scale amusement park with awesome roller coasters, a lazy river, and over 70 rides.
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay in Louisville, KY, is a family-friendly theme and water park featuring over 70 exhibits and attractions. Highlights include thrilling rides, wave pools, water slides, and a variety of kid-friendly activities.
In 2023, the park was purchased by a new owner who is creating special events throughout the year. In 2024, Kentucky will offer “Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom” with over a million lights and a snow tubing hill.
Dining, shopping, and group options are available, making it a versatile destination for fun and adventure.
Pro Tip: Single-Day ticket prices start at $30 while the season pass is $80. We recommend the season pass so you can visit multiple times throughout the season.
Belle of Louisville
The Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark, is a Mississippi River-style steamboat and the oldest operating one in the U.S., launched in 1914. It offers sightseeing, dinner, and special event cruises along the Ohio River. The steamboat features a paddlewheel for propulsion and a blend of original and modern equipment. Guests can enjoy live music and dining on the ballroom deck.
Where to Stay
Louisville, Lexington, Northern Kentucky, and Bowling Green have countless hotels, AirBnbs, and campgrounds. Or stay closer to some of Kentucky’s hidden gems by staying at one of Kentucky’s state resort parks like Lake Cumberland or General Butler State Resort Park. Whether you stay in a city or closer to the action, you will love your time in the Bluegrass state!
Wrapping Up Your Fun Things to Do With Kids in Kentucky Adventures
Kentucky offers endless opportunities for fun and exciting, affordable family adventures. Whether ziplining through stunning landscapes, exploring historical sites, or enjoying hands-on museums, there’s something for everyone.
Our comprehensive guide helps you mix and match activities to create unforgettable experiences, regardless of your budget or interests. Enjoy the rich heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions Kentucky has to offer, making each adventure a memorable family journey.
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
