There’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned day trip, and luckily for you, we’re rounded up some of the best family-friendly day trips in Kentucky! If you’ve lived in the Bluegrass for a while and haven’t really explored, then it’s time to get out and experience all our amazing state has to offer. No matter what type of outing you enjoy, we have it here in our fun-filled and beautiful state. To get you started, we’ve outlined what are some of the best Kentucky day trips, each one with something different to offer. Some of these may be better as an overnight, depending on where you live, but they are all guaranteed to be memorable. Plan a few adventures with these 12 unforgettable Kentucky day trips, one for each month of the year.
January — Eagle Watch Weekends
Facebook/KY Dam Village State Resort Park Throughout January and early February, a few Kentucky State Parks host Eagle Watch Weekends. You can reserve a spot on a yacht that will take you out onto the water in search of the majestic bald eagle. Learn more about this exciting excursion in our previous Eagle Watch article. Kentucky Dam Village, 166 Upper Village Dr, Gilbertsville, KY 42044, USA
February — Winter Zip Line Tour
Facebook/Red River Gorge Zipline Tours You may not think about zip lining in the winter, but it can be such a unique and beautiful experience! Red River Gorge Zipline Tours is open all year long and is ideal for flying through the winter scenery. If you want to extend your day trip, consider a stay at adjacent Cliffview Resort. Plan your adventure with our previous article. Red River Gorge Ziplines, 455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY 41301, USA
March — Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Louisville Zoo Take a walk on the wild side this spring! This is the only day trip that is month-specific. Each spring, the Louisville Zoo hosts a Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival that’s truly magical. The zoo will be transformed with magical, larger-than-life lanterns at this can’t miss event in Kentucky. See more of what to expect in our previous article, and be sure to check the Louisville Zoo website for information on specific dates. Of course, if you miss the festival, no worries: the Louisville Zoo happens to be an amazing family-friendly day trip in Kentucky any time of the year! Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, USAWild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
April — Hike to Sand Cave
Facebook/Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Kick off spring with an epic hike to one of the most mesmerizing places in Kentucky. The hike to Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap actually begins in Virginia, but you’ll cross back into Kentucky before reaching this massive cave. See and learn more in our previous article about Sand Cave. Sand Cave Road, Sand Cave Rd, Ewing, VA 24248, USA
May — Hike amongst wetlands and wildflowers at John James Audubon State Park
Facebook/John James Audubon State Park This scenic park in western Kentucky is definitely worth a day trip, if not a few days. Visit in spring and witness wildflower trails and walk along the newer wetlands boardwalk. It’s the perfect spot to be as Kentucky comes back to life. Take a closer look at the trails in our previous article. John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA
June — Visit Land Between the Lakes
Photo Courtesy of KY Tourism Land Between the Lakes is an area of Kentucky that everyone should visit at least once. There is so much to do here along the water and in the water, and of course, it’s filled with incredible plant and wildlife. One unique way to spend a day trip here is to go horseback riding. Learn more about this outing in our previous article. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
July — Head to Rabbit Hash
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM July is a great time to visit this slice of Americana and charming small town along the river in Northern Kentucky. Visit the famous general store, take in some live music, and enjoy the character of this unique place. Learn why this is one of the best day trips in Kentucky in our previous article. Rabbit Hash, KY 41091, USA
August — Take an Underground Paddle Tour
Gorge Underground This unique adventure checks off so many bucket list boxes! It’s in Red River Gorge, you get to kayak, and it’s underground! Located in Red River Gorge, this unique kayak or pontoon boat tour takes you beneath the gorge and shows you the area like never before – and it’s definitely a bucket list-worthy adventure for everyone. Kentucky cave tours are popular in other areas of the state, but Red River Gorge underground kayaking is also a must. Gorge Underground, 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, USA
September — Visit a local festival
Facebook/Marion County Country Ham Days September is a popular festival month in Kentucky and one of the best is Country Ham Days in Lebanon. You’ll be charmed by this small town that is known as the “Heart of Kentucky,” and you’ll also love the parade, activities, and of course, the food. Find out more about this local tradition in our previous article.
October —Take a scenic fall hike
Google/Clinton Bowles October, especially later in the month, typically offers the best hiking of the year. The brilliant scenery can’t be beat when it’s filled with colorful foliage. There are so many options when it comes to fall foliage trails, but you can narrow it down with this list of seven of the best.
November — Walk along the longest underground swinging bridge in the world
Photo Courtesy of Spillman Photography Did you know such a thing existed in Kentucky? This bridge is located within Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave, an area that makes for a great Kentucky day trip. You can head underground all year long, so why not make this your stop in November? See more of this underground bridge in our previous article. Hidden River Road, Hidden River Rd, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA
December — Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement In December, you have to head somewhere festive and there is no better place than Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers. See the amazing light display, eat delicious food, and be sure to also make it down by the marina to check out the famous lighthouse all decked out for Christmas. Learn more in our previous article. Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, 1793 J H O’Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
This list of the best day trips in Kentucky is just the beginning of what you can experience here in the Bluegrass State. Once you’ve checked these off, be sure to search our site for more ideas! Are you ready to explore Kentucky this year? Which one of these looks the most exciting? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Facebook/KY Dam Village State Resort Park
Throughout January and early February, a few Kentucky State Parks host Eagle Watch Weekends. You can reserve a spot on a yacht that will take you out onto the water in search of the majestic bald eagle. Learn more about this exciting excursion in our previous Eagle Watch article.
Kentucky Dam Village, 166 Upper Village Dr, Gilbertsville, KY 42044, USA
Facebook/Red River Gorge Zipline Tours
You may not think about zip lining in the winter, but it can be such a unique and beautiful experience! Red River Gorge Zipline Tours is open all year long and is ideal for flying through the winter scenery. If you want to extend your day trip, consider a stay at adjacent Cliffview Resort. Plan your adventure with our previous article.
Red River Gorge Ziplines, 455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY 41301, USA
Louisville Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side this spring! This is the only day trip that is month-specific. Each spring, the Louisville Zoo hosts a Wild Lights: Asian Lantern Festival that’s truly magical. The zoo will be transformed with magical, larger-than-life lanterns at this can’t miss event in Kentucky. See more of what to expect in our previous article, and be sure to check the Louisville Zoo website for information on specific dates. Of course, if you miss the festival, no worries: the Louisville Zoo happens to be an amazing family-friendly day trip in Kentucky any time of the year!
Wild Lights at the Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, USAWild Lights at the Louisville Zoo
Facebook/Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Kick off spring with an epic hike to one of the most mesmerizing places in Kentucky. The hike to Sand Cave in Cumberland Gap actually begins in Virginia, but you’ll cross back into Kentucky before reaching this massive cave. See and learn more in our previous article about Sand Cave.
Sand Cave Road, Sand Cave Rd, Ewing, VA 24248, USA
Facebook/John James Audubon State Park
This scenic park in western Kentucky is definitely worth a day trip, if not a few days. Visit in spring and witness wildflower trails and walk along the newer wetlands boardwalk. It’s the perfect spot to be as Kentucky comes back to life. Take a closer look at the trails in our previous article.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson, KY 42420, USA
Photo Courtesy of KY Tourism
Land Between the Lakes is an area of Kentucky that everyone should visit at least once. There is so much to do here along the water and in the water, and of course, it’s filled with incredible plant and wildlife. One unique way to spend a day trip here is to go horseback riding. Learn more about this outing in our previous article.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
July is a great time to visit this slice of Americana and charming small town along the river in Northern Kentucky. Visit the famous general store, take in some live music, and enjoy the character of this unique place. Learn why this is one of the best day trips in Kentucky in our previous article.
Rabbit Hash, KY 41091, USA
Gorge Underground
This unique adventure checks off so many bucket list boxes! It’s in Red River Gorge, you get to kayak, and it’s underground! Located in Red River Gorge, this unique kayak or pontoon boat tour takes you beneath the gorge and shows you the area like never before – and it’s definitely a bucket list-worthy adventure for everyone. Kentucky cave tours are popular in other areas of the state, but Red River Gorge underground kayaking is also a must.
Gorge Underground, 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, USA
Facebook/Marion County Country Ham Days
September is a popular festival month in Kentucky and one of the best is Country Ham Days in Lebanon. You’ll be charmed by this small town that is known as the “Heart of Kentucky,” and you’ll also love the parade, activities, and of course, the food. Find out more about this local tradition in our previous article.
Google/Clinton Bowles
October, especially later in the month, typically offers the best hiking of the year. The brilliant scenery can’t be beat when it’s filled with colorful foliage. There are so many options when it comes to fall foliage trails, but you can narrow it down with this list of seven of the best.
Photo Courtesy of Spillman Photography
Did you know such a thing existed in Kentucky? This bridge is located within Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave, an area that makes for a great Kentucky day trip. You can head underground all year long, so why not make this your stop in November? See more of this underground bridge in our previous article.
Hidden River Road, Hidden River Rd, Horse Cave, KY 42749, USA
Facebook/Patti’s 1880’s Settlement
In December, you have to head somewhere festive and there is no better place than Patti’s 1880’s Settlement in Grand Rivers. See the amazing light display, eat delicious food, and be sure to also make it down by the marina to check out the famous lighthouse all decked out for Christmas. Learn more in our previous article.
Patti’s 1880’s Settlement, 1793 J H O’Bryan Ave, Grand Rivers, KY 42045, USA
Looking to extend your family-friendly day trip into a multi-day adventure? Then you’ll want to pack a bag and embark on this family-friendly road trip in Kentucky, which visits several of our favorite kid- and adult-approved attractions and destinations in the Bluegrass State!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best day trips in Kentucky May 29, 2022 Sarah M. What are some family-friendly day trips in Kentucky? If you’re looking for some of the best day trips in Kentucky everyone can enjoy, you have a ton of options. Got animal lovers? Take them to the Newport Aquarium, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Horse Park, or Kentucky Down Under Adventure Park! If you have little outdoor adventurers in the family, places like Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, the Louisville Mega Cavern, and Mammoth Cave are all fun options. In terms of museums, the Explorium of Lexington, Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, Kentucky Museum, International Paranormal Museum and Research Center, and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory are all epic day trips in Kentucky that are as educational as they are fun. For history buffs, Butcher Holler is iconic, while Kentucky State Parks like My Old Kentucky Home, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Old Fort Harrod State Park, Fort Boonesborough State Park, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Park, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and, of course, the Abraham Birthplace National Historic Park are absolutely worth checking out. Really, there is so much fun to be had around this wonderful state of ours, and no matter where in the Bluegrass you hail from, if you’re searching for “day trips near me” in Kentucky, you are pretty much guaranteed to find something right in your own backyard!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best day trips in Kentucky
May 29, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some family-friendly day trips in Kentucky? If you’re looking for some of the best day trips in Kentucky everyone can enjoy, you have a ton of options. Got animal lovers? Take them to the Newport Aquarium, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Horse Park, or Kentucky Down Under Adventure Park! If you have little outdoor adventurers in the family, places like Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, the Louisville Mega Cavern, and Mammoth Cave are all fun options. In terms of museums, the Explorium of Lexington, Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, Kentucky Museum, International Paranormal Museum and Research Center, and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory are all epic day trips in Kentucky that are as educational as they are fun. For history buffs, Butcher Holler is iconic, while Kentucky State Parks like My Old Kentucky Home, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Old Fort Harrod State Park, Fort Boonesborough State Park, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Park, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and, of course, the Abraham Birthplace National Historic Park are absolutely worth checking out. Really, there is so much fun to be had around this wonderful state of ours, and no matter where in the Bluegrass you hail from, if you’re searching for “day trips near me” in Kentucky, you are pretty much guaranteed to find something right in your own backyard!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking for some of the best day trips in Kentucky everyone can enjoy, you have a ton of options. Got animal lovers? Take them to the Newport Aquarium, Kentucky Reptile Zoo, Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Horse Park, or Kentucky Down Under Adventure Park! If you have little outdoor adventurers in the family, places like Red River Gorge, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, the Louisville Mega Cavern, and Mammoth Cave are all fun options. In terms of museums, the Explorium of Lexington, Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, Kentucky Museum, International Paranormal Museum and Research Center, and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory are all epic day trips in Kentucky that are as educational as they are fun. For history buffs, Butcher Holler is iconic, while Kentucky State Parks like My Old Kentucky Home, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Old Fort Harrod State Park, Fort Boonesborough State Park, Perryville Battlefield State Historic Park, Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, and, of course, the Abraham Birthplace National Historic Park are absolutely worth checking out. Really, there is so much fun to be had around this wonderful state of ours, and no matter where in the Bluegrass you hail from, if you’re searching for “day trips near me” in Kentucky, you are pretty much guaranteed to find something right in your own backyard!
