Looking for a fun family getaway that’s not too far from home? Kentucky is just a five-hour drive from Ohio and perfect for a summer road trip! Here are some awesome places to visit that your kids and family will love:
Kentucky Capitals Quest Road Trip
This summer, take your family on the Kentucky Capitals Quest. It’s a road trip adventure where you visit cool and quirky spots, collect stickers, and win prizes! Here’s a sneak peek at some must-see places:
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1. Bowling Green – Corvette Capital of the World
- What to Do: Visit the National Corvette Museum and see the “Ground to Sky: The Sinkhole Reimagined” exhibit. Your kids will be amazed by the story of the sinkhole that swallowed eight Corvettes!
2. Frankfort – Historic Heartbeat of Kentucky
- What to Do: Check out the Floral Clock, a giant clock made of flowers. It’s a great spot for a fun family photo!
- If you are planning a stop here, also plan to visit Ark Encounter, located just 1 hour north of here. It’s a full day of family fun experiencing a life-size Noah’s Ark with a petting zoo outside!
3. Hopkinsville – Batter Capital of the World
- What to Do: Explore the town known for its yummy batter and the famous 1955 Kelly UFO Incident. The kids will love the stories about aliens!
4. Lexington – Horse Capital of the World
- What to Do: Walk among life-size bronze statues of horses at Thoroughbred Park. It’s like being in the middle of a horse race!
5. London-Laurel Co. – Cycling Capital of Kentucky
- What to Do: Enjoy quirky chicken-themed events and the World Chicken Festival. The Colonel Sanders lookalikes and giant skillet cooking fried chicken will be a hit with everyone!
6. Morehead-Rowan Co. – Musky Capital of the South
- What to Do: Fish for musky at Cave Run Lake! There are also plenty of ghost stories centered around Morehead State University you might be interested in.
7. Oldham Co. – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky
- What to Do: Have a farm-to-table meal and bourbon tasting at Barn8 Restaurant on Hermitage Farm. Moms will love the food, and kids will enjoy seeing the farm animals!
- If you drive through the Cincinnati area to get to Oldham County, I suggest stopping by Newport Aquarium on the way down or on the back back, it’s about 1 hour 20 minutes from there and well worth a visit!
8. Owensboro – Bluegrass Music Capital of the World
- What to Do: Visit the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and see the world’s largest sassafras tree. Perfect for music-loving families!
9. Somerset and Lake Cumberland – Houseboat Capital of the World
- What to Do: Learn about the houseboat industry and see the beautiful lake. Kids will be fascinated by the houseboats!
10. Winchester – Beer Cheese Capital of the World – What to Do: Try the Grilled Beer Cheese Melt on the Beer Cheese Trail. The whole family will enjoy the delicious food and interesting history about Daniel Boone’s daughter.
11. Paducah – Quilt Capital of the World
What to Do: Explore the National Quilt Museum and find all 16 tigers hidden in the “Tiger, Tiger” quilt. A fun activity for kids who love puzzles!
Collect and Win
Pick up a passport at any of the 11 visitor centers and collect stickers as you travel. Collect three stickers for an air freshener, six for a special offer, and all eleven for a cozy branded blanket.
For more details, visit www.kentuckycapitalsquest.com.
Plan Your Trip
Kentucky offers fun, history, and unique experiences perfect for a family road trip. Pack up the car and get ready for an adventure filled with quirky sights and memorable moments!
Safe travels and happy exploring!
