Category: Outdoor

Cave Run Lake Beach

Outdoor, Southeastern, Summer

Learn more about swimming at Cave Run Lake in Kentucky Take your family swimming at Cave Run Lake Beach Cave Run Lake Beach is a fantastic option for families if you are looking for a lake with a beach. We’re a family that LOVES the beach – and water in general. However, with the nearest ocean a few hours away, my kids (ages 10, 9, and 6) and I set out to find what a Kentucky beach had in store and were not disappointed. After some research, I found Cave Run Lake, which is part of the Daniel Boone National

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Visiting Big Bone Lick State Park

Fall, Northern, Outdoor, Spring, Summer
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Visit Big Bone Lick State Historic Site What do you need to know before heading to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site? When they were younger, my kids were totally OBSESSED with dinosaurs and fossils and paleontology. The older two (9 and 8) may act like they’ve outgrown the whole dino craze, but the fact is you never outgrow skulls as big as your whole body! When I saw Big Bone Lick State Historic Site with pictures of bison and a mastodon skull, I knew we had to go. Located in Union, Kentucky, BBL is about 1.5 hours northeast of

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Let’s Celebrate the 4th of July Kentucky!

Outdoor, Statewide, Summer

Plan to attend one of these celebrations near you on the 4th of July! Independence Day in Kentucky is upon us and we are ready to cheer on some great parades, enjoy some great food, and see some bright fireworks displays. 4th of July around Kentucky is in full swing and we have found some of the best events around the state for you and your family.  For 4th of July Ideas in Louisville, click here.  Eastern Kentucky Berea 4th of July Spectacular – Activities start at 6:00PM and Fireworks at 10:00PM. Celebrate with food, live music, kids activities and

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Let’s Go Hiking Kentucky

Fall, Outdoor, Spring, Uncategorized

Don’t be tempted to stay indoors this year.  Get outside and explore!  Take off on foot and immerse yourselves in Kentucky’s natural beauty. With families in mind, we have compiled a short list of recommended family hikes around Kentucky. Whether you are looking for a no-fail trail to introduce your child to hiking or just for a quick stroll with your family’s best friend, this list is a good place to start.  This is by no means a comprehensive list, but they are hikes recommended by Kentuckians who are passionate about our commonwealth’s natural resources.   Family Friendly Trails:  Listed

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101 FREE things to do with your kids in Kentucky!

Fall, Indoor, Outdoor, Spring, Summer, Uncategorized, Winter

There are so many free things to do with kids in Kentucky! We are lucky to live close to historical sites, many parks, cities with rich culture, and natural sites for outdoor adventures. We have updated this post and it is now housed on our sister site – LouisvilleFamilyFun.net – please click here to see the updated list.  During the pandemic, some of these places may not be open or they may have different programming. Please check with them before you go to make sure they are open! Most events have not been taking place and in 2021, still many

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Let’s Go Birding Kentucky – Christmas Bird Count

Outdoor, Uncategorized, Winter

Get outside, count birds and participate in the statewide Christmas bird census. Why Go Birding? It is also time for the annual early-winter statewide bird census.   On December 15, birders and bird enthusiasts across Kentucky participate in an annual statewide census that helps track the health and well being of our environment. You can participate, everyone can!  The practice of bird watching forces us to slow down and be present with our kiddos. Explore a local trail and see how many birds you can identify together as a part of the statewide early-winter bird count. It is a fun activity that does not require a

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Let’s Go Camping HomeGrown HideAways

Fall, Outdoor, Southeastern, Spring, Summer

Looking for a few days away from it all but close to home? Love nature but don’t want to deal with packing a car full of camping gear for just a day or two getaway. Try out HomeGrown HideAways just outside of Berea, Kentucky. HomeGrown HideAways is located in a beautiful valley (holler) with a small creek running through a big wide open field surrounded by lush forests and knobs. We spent an overnight here in the foothills of the Appalachian forest on our way back from the Red River Gorge. HomeGrown HideAways is a working farm and member of

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Free Fishing Weekend – Kentucky

Outdoor, Spring

Thanks to Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, you can fish for free (no license) this weekend. It’s always the first weekend of June. You can fin fishing spots all over Kentucky.! During Family Fishing Days, no license is required to fish.  The FINS program (fishing in neighborhoods) showcases lakes all over the state that are great for fishing.  See information here. You can also search for fishing spots here and the FINS locations are noted. LexFun4Kids has a great list of special events that are taking place around town for free fishing weekend…….fishing derbies are popular. We encourage

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Shelby Trails Park in Simpsonville

Fall, Northern, Outdoor, Spring, Summer, Uncategorized

Shelby Trails Park in Simpsonville is one of the few places in the Louisville area that provides guided horseback trail rides. Hour-long rides are $40 per person, and run most days as long as the weather is good (call ahead for appointments). There is a minimum age of 8 and a maximum weight of 200 pounds, and the horses are very gentle so that even beginners can ride. This post is from an experience in the past and some of their details, fees, information may have changed. The ride itself covers a variety of terrains. In addition to somewhat steep

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The Beach at Green River Lake State Park

Central, Fall, Outdoor, Spring, Summer, Uncategorized

Families always ask where the beaches are in Kentucky. The answer is: at the lakes! Green River Lake State Park has a swimming lake that’s great for cooling off in summer On a quick trip to Campbellsville on a hot summer day, my daughter and I decided on a short stop at Green River Lake to swim at the beach. We love the beach and living in Kentucky, we can’t get to the ocean for a quick dip. There are several Kentucky State Park lakes that offer beach swimming and Green River Lake is one of them. The lake was

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