Family travel destinations attractions and things to do with kids in kentucky

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

If youve had the chore of being the one to plan the family vacation each year, you know how much work it can involve. The first hurdle is deciding upon a great vacation spot that will target the interests of the children. This year, consider Kentucky as your vacation destination. The Bluegrass State has a lot to offer in the way of entertainment C and its kid-friendly, too. Here are some suggestions for fun-filled attractions to make the planning stages just a bit easier.

It seems as though kids are always divvying up to form baseball teams during the spring and summer. If your youngsters are enthusiasts of Americas favorite pastime, consider taking them to Louisville Slugger Museum, located in Louisville, Kentucky. From the moment you arrive, theyll be delighted by what they see: a giant bat leans against the outside of the building to welcome visitors. Within its walls, youll see a variety of exhibits which include Silver Bat Winners, such as Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Roberto Clemente, Pete Rose, Keith Hernandez and Tony Gwynn, as well as a multitude of others. The museum also provides children an opportunity to crawl through an enormous baseball glove, which was carved out of 17 tons of ancient Kentucky limestone. A theater is also available, as well as an indoor dugout, allowing the kids to step up to the bat as their heroes once did. The Oval Room houses various baseball-related exhibits, and the Factory offers tours so that visitors can get a glimpse of the famous baseball bats being produced C youll even get a free miniature version of the Louisville Slugger at the end of the tour. Finally, dont forget to visit the Gift Shop, where you can purchase plenty of baseball, hockey and golf souvenirs.

The city of Louisville is also home to the Louisville Science Center C an interactive facility that helps your children learn mathematics, science and technology in a fun-filled arena. Youngsters will be thrilled by the opportunity to participate in exhibits, such as Chemistry Kitchen, Inventors Garage, Tech Works, Bone Gym, Time Machine and Out of Control, including a number of others. The Center also offers both temporary and traveling exhibits, which are definitely worth checking out. In addition, theres the Space Science Gallery C kids will learn about the space program, see artifacts and watch videos at Star Station One. You might not expect to see a rock climbing wall at a science center, but Louisville Science Center has that, too! Journey to the top of the tallest indoor climbing wall in Kentucky, but be sure that those under 18 have written parental permission. An IMAX theater is included among the many offerings of this facility, as well as special events which may include programs such as Weather on the Planets, Spooky Science, Mad Scientist Ball and Science with Santa. Theres a series of demonstrations that take place on a daily basis, for those who care to learn a bit more about specific areas of study. Specialized programs are available for those who are looking for a bit more excitement, such as Midnight Magic Camp-Ins and Family Fun Night. This facility is definitely a must see for the family.

Bowling Green, Kentucky is home to Beech Bend Amusement and Water Park. In addition to Looping Star, the parks giant rollercoaster, youll find thrilling rides such as Shock Drop, Power Surge, Avalanche, Jitterbug, Sizzler, Starship and Tornado, as well as a wide variety of others. For the little ones, theres Jungle Jeep, Kiddie Harley, Mighty Mac, Oscar and the Whales, Western Train and lots more. Splash Lagoon is the waterpark section of Beech Bend, with its Raging Rapids Waterslides, Lotta Watta Island and two leisure pools C one for tots and the other for adults and older kids. Also on the premises are the Oval Track, - which will be the setting for exciting racecar events - and The Strip, for drag racing. Picnic grounds are available for large groups, such as families who are hosting reunions; campgrounds are on the property, as well, for those families that prefer to stay for an extended period of time. Over 250 campsites are available for both tent and RV campers. The campground is open 365 days a year and allows campfires C and pets, too. This would certainly help to round out an exciting vacation stop for families who enjoy the great outdoors.

Kentucky Down Under/Kentucky Caverns, in Horse Cave, Kentucky, is a dual attraction, featuring an Australian themed animal park and spectacular caverns that offers tours for the entire family. Among the specialized areas that the park has to offer are Outback Walkabout, Walk-In Flight Cage, Camp Corroboree and Discovery Area. Also on the premises are the Nature Trail, Woolshed Program and the Overlook Deck, where you can watch the Bison roam freely from an observation point at the rear of the park. Activities for kids are offered, as well, including Shrinking Habitat, Ethi-Reasoning and Carrying Capacity. The caverns offer splendid onyx and coral formations, columns and lots of colors. Conservation discussions are given routinely by tour guides, as well as information about the formations, groundwater and general ecosystem. Cavern tours typically take approximately 45 minutes, and the interior of the caverns remain at a stable 60 degrees. Definitely wear comfortable walking shoes for this activity, and bring a sweater if you think that the temperature may be a bit cool for your tastes.

The Newport Aquarium C in Newport, Kentucky C is host to an abundance of sea creatures, programs and special events. Among their 13 galleries are Bizarre & Beautiful, Dangerous & Deadly, Amazon Rain Forest, Coral Reef, Jellyfish Gallery, Shark Safari and Hidden Treasures of the Rain Forest Islands. Adding to the excitement are a number of exquisite murals and transparent floors C there are even glass tunnels that visitors can walk through to get the experience of being inside of a shark tank, as the creatures swim above, below and to the sides of them. Programs consist of Turtle Conservation and Adopt an Animal, which allows folks to receive an 8 X 10 glossy of the animal of their choice, along with a fact sheet of their animal, a certificate of recognition and more, depending upon the amount of their donation. Special events are offered on a regular basis, including programs such as Ghost of Pirates Cove. For your convenience, the Aquarium is open 365 days a year with extended hours during prime vacation times, such as summer and holidays. Parents, keep in mind that strollers are not allowed except during certain special events. The New Aquarium will provide snugglies and carrier backpacks for the little ones, at no cost to you.

For those who are planning an autumn vacation, be sure to visit the Double Stink Hog Farm in Georgetown. From the middle of September through the end of August (during the weekends), the farm is host to Pumpkinfest C a regional fall favorite that offers lots of exciting activities for the youngsters. Included among them are Pig Races, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, The Big Blue Bin, Scarecrow Farm Village and a number of other fun-filled activities and events. The kids will be delighted by Pumpkin Playland and the Petting Zoo. When all is said and done, you can even bring the kids into the Pumpkin Patch to pick out their own pumpkin. Arts and Crafts booths are available, as well, ranging from edible treats such as home-made candy and fresh ground corn meal to inedible crafts such as glass-blown jewelry, Halloween decorations, painted gourds and more. Refreshments are available on the premises, or you can bring your own picnic lunch. While youre there, be sure to get some of their fresh produce - people come from miles around to enjoy these notables. Its important to be prepared for a good deal of walking, so comfortable shoes should be worn when visiting this site.

Hummel Planetarium and Space Theater, at the Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, provides wonderful shows and exhibits for folks who are interested in space exploration and education. Offering a variety of presentations for both children and the general populace, the planetarium provides programs such as Sol & Company and Oceans in Space. Laser programs are often on the program, as well, offering fantastic displays that will enthrall adults and provide exciting entertainment for the youngsters. Special events will be presented, on occasion, including a live play or concert, in addition to the many other sights that Hummel has to offer to visitors. A gift shop is on the premises, selling space-related items and merchandise with celestial images emblazoned on them. Included among the wares are radiometers, tornado tubes, gyroscopes, stomp rockets, sundials and home planetariums. Youll find the prices to be quite reasonable, enabling you to pick up a number of souvenirs and gifts for the folks back home. Since Hummel Planetarium and Space Theater is located on a university campus C and since the facility is rather large C be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Whitley City is the home of Sheltowee Trace Outfitters, which offers a variety of watery adventures from which to choose. Among the many outdoor sporting activities, youll find whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking and riverboat cruises. You and your family will enjoy a day in the fresh air and sunshine on one of the area rivers, including The Big South Fork River, The Russell Fork River and The Cumberland River. For those who arent proficient in water sports, there are accommodations for beginners, as well as the more seasoned outdoorsmen. Should the family choose to take a riverboat cruise, you can choose between a Lunch Cruise and a Charter Cruise aboard the Cumberland Star. Lunch Cruises last approximately 2 ? hours and accept casual dress. Charter Cruises would be ideal for a family reunion setting, offering a number of amenities to large groups. The options for Charter Cruises include packages such as Cruise-Only, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Dessert. Each of these will provide a tour from between 1 ? to 2 hours around Lake Cumberland. If your family enjoys nature and outdoor sports attractions and activities, this will make a great addition to your itinerary.

In addition to these highlights, Kentucky has a multitude of other events and attractions that are designed to please visitors from all points of the globe. For further information, contact the Department of Tourism or your local travel agent.