Bringing the kids along? The whole family is sure to find entertainment at countless family-friendly attractions in Kentucky. For family fun, let Choice Hotels® help you find the perfect attraction for your next family adventure.
In the Western Waterlands
Ardsmore House and Gardens
304 N. Jefferson Street
Princeton, KY
270-365-3114
Transport yourself back to the old days of Kentucky, when horses and carriages reigned supreme and gardens sprawled to encompass roses and lilacs in their floral beauty. This Greek Revival-style home has been restored to its late Victorian grandeur, and comes fully equipped with the Smith-Garrett family's personal belongings. Take a tour with a Victorian-costumed guide, adding the final touch to a historical experience the whole family won't soon forget.
Barlow House Museum
509 Broadway Street
Barlow, KY
270-334-3010
Does the whole family want to experience life at the turn of the century in the beautiful, historically rich state of Kentucky? Why not treat them all to a day at the Barlow House Museum, where they'll soon be acquainted with a rich, original 11-room structure built by local patriarch Clifton Jesse Barlow. Richly appointed original furnishings and more await the entire family at this wonderful Kentucky destination.
In the Bluegrass, Blues and Barbecue Region
Dawson Springs Performing Arts Center
127 S. Main Street
Dawson Springs, KY
270-797-3891
Find amazing plays, musicals and more on the stage of the Dawson Springs Performing Arts Center. Past shows have given the center a reputation for dazzling and surprising audiences, but the company is perhaps best-known for its wonderful family-friendly renditions.
Bluegrass Motorcycle Museum
5608 US Highway 231 North
Hartford, KY
270-298-7764
If you've got young male company in your ranks, you'll definitely want to treat them to a day spent at the Bluegrass Motorcycle Museum. Boys the world throughout will find themselves inspired by the 20 vintage American-made motorcycles on display at the museum, which also houses more than 30 years of motorcycle memorabilia.
In Kentucky's Derby Region
Muhammad Ali Center
144 N. 6th Street
Louisville, KY
502-584-9254
Experience one of the premier destinations for celebrating the history of acclaimed boxer Muhammad Ali. The Muhammad Ali Center is at once a fantastic destination and a center of international education, and also serves as a cultural facility inspired by the ideals of its visionary founder, none other than the boxer himself. Learn about Muhammad's legacy and explore the civil rights era, all at the center.
Heaven Hill Distilleries Trolley
1 Courthouse Square
Bardstown, KY
502-337-6490
Experience the beauty of old-town Kentucky at Heaven Hill Distilleries Trolley. This treasured form of transportation has been immortalized in the lyrics of Judy Garland, and its actuality lives on today. Take this full-service trolley tour of Bardstown with the whole family, and you'll all be talking for days.
In Northern Kentucky River Region
Mefford's Fort
Old Main Street
Maysville, KY
606-759-7411
There's truly something for everyone at Mefford's Fort, which is a prime family destination in the Northern Kentucky River Region of this historically rich state. Explore an authentic 1787 flatboat log cabin with the entire family at this cultural destination, which was constructed in days well before our time.
Museum of Anthropology
200 Landrum Academic Center
Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY
859-572-5259
Experience Kentucky at the hands of some of the most academically proficient learners known to the entire state. At the Museum of Anthropology, located at the venerable academic institution known as Northern Kentucky University, the whole family will learn about the history of man, from evolution into a concrete species to the modern marvels which have accompanied our growth into the 21st century.
In the Bluegrass Region
American Saddlebred Museum
4083 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY
859-259-2746
Experience one of the most popular family attractions in the state of Kentucky at the American Saddlebred Museum. The museum is well-known for its draw towards younger members who want to learn about the fantastic history of Kentucky's oldest native horse breed, the American Saddlebred.
The Henry Clay Estate
210 Sycamore Road
Lexington, KY
859-266-8581
Does the family want to experience life in days of yore? Take them down to the Henry Clay Estate, and they're bound to enjoy a day they won't soon be able to keep their minds of off. This stunning 18-room mansion was built in the heart of one of Lexington's most affluent residential districts, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
In Kentucky's Appalachians Region
Artist's Collaborative Theatre, INC
270 North Patty Loveless Drive
Elkhorn City, KY
606-754-4228
This quality theatre program was founded with the hope of providing the greater Appalachian area with unparalleled cultural experiences, and it gives us pride to say that it's fulfilled its duty. Whether you're searching for top-notch Shakespeare or a night the entire family won't soon forget, be sure to make a visit to Artist's Collaborative Theatre, INC.
Coal Miner's Museum
78 Miller's Creek Road
Van Lear, KY
606-789-8540
Located in a building which originally housed the headquarters of the Miller's Creek Division of the Consolidation Coal Company, this museum is a must-see for any family traveling throughout this region of Kentucky. From displays on coal mining tools to a fully restored "company" doctor's office, there's certainly something for everyone at this family-friendly Kentucky destination.
In Daniel Boone Country
Mountain Life Museum
998 Levi Jackson Mill Road
London, KY
606-878-8000
The Mountain Life Museum pits visitors face-to-face with a pioneer settlement, faithfully reconstructed to make this an experience the whole family won't soon forget. From historical buildings which have been preserved in their antiquity to hard-to-find relics which include tools, agriculture products and household implements, there's truly something for everyone in the family here.
In the Southern Lakes Region
The Homeplace on Green River
6045 New Columbia Road
Campbellsville, KY
270-465-4511
Treat the whole family to a day they won't soon forget at the Homeplace on Green River. Here, folks have steadily been churning the agricultural landscape for countless years, and they'd love to bring their experience straight to the eyes of your little ones. After you learn about farming, explore the historic barns which dot the farms.
McCreary County Museum
1 Henderson Street
Stearns, KY
606-376-5730
A fascinating experience awaits the entire family at the McCreary County Museum, where you'll spend the day learning about the history of McCreary County, a quaint municipality which typifies the kind of life Kentuckians have made for themselves. Interpret the land through the museum's fascinating exhibits and more.
In the Caves, Lakes and Corvettes Region
Saddle Factory Museum
S. Breathitt Street
Russellville, KY
270-726-4181
Does the whole family want to learn about the fascinating, yet often untold, history of the saddle? Well, treat them to a day at the Saddle Factory Museum, which in the year of 1817 was a working factory producing saddles. This is perhaps the oldest industrial building in Kentucky, so take the family down today to absorb an impressive swath of history.
American Cave Museum
119 E. Main Street
Horse Cave, KY
270-786-1468
One of the most fantastic family destinations in the state of Kentucky is the American Cave Museum, which displays the history of the American cave through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays. Learn about one of the most famous cavernal areas in the world - all underfoot at the American Cave Museum.