4 Days in Kentucky: An EPIC Itinerary with Kids

Kentucky is way more than just horses and bourbon trails, it’s a region steeped in history. In fact, Mammoth Cave holds 4,000 years of human history!

With this itinerary, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Jesse James and Abraham Lincoln. You’ll learn all about cave systems and Corvettes. You’ll tour a few caves (one with an underground river you can explore by boat). This itinerary takes you through the Kentucky countryside, past lovely farms to some lesser-known attractions the Bluegrass State has to offer.

Table of Contents

Day One: Bowling Green, Kentucky

Did you know that Kentucky is the only place in the world that manufactures Corvettes? Learn about the history of this muscle car and its part in American culture at the National Corvette Museum. The museum has an excellent, interactive kids section that your kiddo will love!

Hop back in your own (less cool) car and head to the Aviation Heritage Park and Museum. Even if the museum is closed, this spot is worth the stop! There is an outdoor display that features several historical aircraft.

Your last stop for the day is the Lost River Cave. The cave was once a hideout for Jesse James, a nightclub! The cave has an underground river beckoning you to explore it!

Book a tour in advance for a guided walking tour/boat tour that you won’t forget!

The eco-park has a fun kids’ play space, hiking trails, mining and a butterfly garden.

If you have time, consider visiting the Kentucky Museum.

Day Two: Mammoth Cave

Today you’ll head to Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world! So far, about 400 miles of the cave have been mapped out…and they’re just getting started!

Spend some time in the museum in the Visitor Center learning about the history of this monstrous cave.

There are several different tour options available. You should consider booking your family’s favorite in advance.

If you have time to kill before your tour, visit the historical cemetery or explore one of the nearby trails.

Next, drive just a couple of miles down the road and check into Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Mammoth Cave. Trust me, the kids are going to love this place!

Spend the day at the lake, at the pool, in the splash pad, and playing mini golf. This place has endless amenities that your kiddos will love!

There are different lodging options including camping and several different cabin options.

If you have extra days you can tack on to your itinerary, add them here! Book at least 3 nights her for this itinerary.

Day Three: Mammoth Cave Area

Today you’ll explore more of the Mammoth Cave Area. Start your day by grabbing breakfast at Farmwald’s Dutch Bakery. If you haven’t tried Amish food, you’re in for a treat!

Next, drive northeast to Kentucky Stonehenge, probably one of the quirkiest places in the whole state!

Afterward, head back south to the charming town of Horse Cave. Your first stop is the free American Cave Museum where you can learn more about how caves are formed.

There’s a super awesome cave, Hidden River Cave, adjacent to the museum. It’s well worth a visit if you aren’t all caved out.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the amenities at Jellystone.

Day Four: Lincoln's Birthplace

Drive north about 40 miles through the Kentucky countryside. Today you’ll visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Traipse through the 16th President’s old stomping grounds. Visit the memorial which holds a symbolic cabin.

Travel just 10 minutes down the road to visit Lincoln’s boyhood home.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the amenities at Jellystone.

Afterword

While this itinerary barely scratches the surface of all of the things the Bluegrass State has to offer, it’s a great start. You can easily sprinkle in some Kentucky Bourbon Trail and equine spots to enhance your trip.

Our family traveled to Kentucky in the summer of 2023 and visited all of the sites listed. This is the order I wish we visited things, but since we were on a sponsored trip our actual itinerary looked a smidge different.

Staying at the Jellystone Mammoth Cave, you have built-in entertainment each afternoon. Our kids loved the amenities that the park had to offer.

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For more inspo for your Kentucky trip, check out 8 Totally Fun Things to Add to Your Kentucky Itinerary, 6 National Parks in Kentucky, Kentucky Stonehenge, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, and Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave.