When summer comes around in the Bluegrass State, it’s best to pack up the car and embark on one of the best day trips in Kentucky. If you’re wondering what those epic excursions include, you’ve come to the right place! If you find yourself getting a little restless and looking to try something new, do we have some adventures for you! Kentucky is full of adventure all year long, but especially in the summer, so we’ve rounded up 11 ideas for out of this world day trips you can still take advantage of this summer.

1. View Kentucky by paddle board.
SUP Kentucky, 2478 Glencairn Rd, Rogers, KY 41365, USA
Facebook/SUP Kentucky
Kentucky loves its lake life, and we absolutely love this exciting new trend in the workout world that has made its way to Kentucky with SUP Kentucky - or Stand Up Paddle Boarding. They offer relaxing trips around Grayson Lake or a more thrilling option where you can get up close and personal with Cumberland Falls. For more info, check out our recent article about Stand Up Paddle Boarding and all their adventures.
2. Take a train ride.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, 602 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, USA
Facebook/My Old Kentucky Dinner Train-RJ Corman
What better way to see beautiful Kentucky in the summertime than by train? My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a variety of rides, all of which are a unique way to spend a day in Kentucky this summer. For more info, check out our previous article about My Old Kentucky Dinner Train.
3. Explore Kentucky's backcountry aboard an ATV.
750 Sutton Memorial Drive, Leburn, KY 41844, USA
Facebook/Mine Made Paradise Adventure Park and Campground
Let's take our adventure off-road, shall we? With arguably the best off-road trails in the state, Mine Made Paradise Adventure Park and Campground is a great destination for excitement this summer and it's one of the best day trips in Kentucky. You do need to bring your own ATV, so if you don't have one, find someone who does and make plans to explore Kentucky this summer. For more info, check out our previous article about Mine Made Paradise Adventure Park.
4. Chase a few waterfalls.
Greg Grayson
Kentucky is filled with waterfalls, some easier to find and better known than others. Whether you seek out the tallest falls in the state or stumble across a lesser known beauty, it's an exciting way to spend a summer day. For more info, check out our recent article that highlights some of our favorite waterfalls to chase in Kentucky.
5. Enjoy an ice cream treat at a Kentucky landmark.
Chaney's Dairy Barn, 9191 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
Facebook/Chaney's Dairy Barn
Ice cream and summer go hand in hand and there's no better way to enjoy it than on a beautiful farm in Kentucky. Chaney's Dairy Barn serves a delicious variety of freshly made flavors and you can also tour the farm and spend time playing on the new playground. For more info, check out our recent article about Chaney's Dairy Barn in Kentucky.

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6. Float down Kentucky's lazy river.
Awesome Lazy River, 165 Dawson Dr, Shepherdsville, KY 40165, USA
Facebook/Awesome Lazy River
The Awesome Lazy River in Shepherdsville is the ultimate way to relax this summer in Kentucky. Located right next to the Awesome Flea Market, you can spend a peaceful few hours floating through Kentucky, with the summer sun shining down on you. Just be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on river levels and availability! For more info, check out our recent article about this awesome summer day trip in Kentucky.
7. Set up camp by the lake.
Facebook/Lakeside Campground
Kentucky has many beautiful lakes, but only a handful of campgrounds that allow you waterfront status. We rounded them up for you in the article linked below, so be sure to pick a favorite and plan a summer camping trip in the next few months! For more info, check out our previous article about the very best lakes for summer recreation in the Bluegrass State.
8. Cool off with an underground adventure.
Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Facebook/Louisville Mega Cavern
When you just can't take the heat anymore, head to the Louisville Mega Cavern, where it's always a refreshing 58 degrees Fahrenheit. This massive underground adventure park has something for everyone and is a unique way to spend a day this summer. For more info, check out our previous article about the amazing Louisville Mega Cavern.
9. Stock up on some Kentucky gear.
Shop Local Kentucky, 1099 W High St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
Facebook/Shop Local Kentucky
Head to Lexington for a day to visit Shop Local Kentucky, a charming locally-owned store that features a plethora of items to show your Kentucky pride. The store is a longtime favorite, and after visiting for yourself, you'll understand why. For more info, check out our previous article about Shop Local Kentucky.
10. Zipline through the Gorge.
Red River Gorge Ziplines, 455 Cliffview Rd, Campton, KY 41301, USA
TripAdvisor/Samantha D.
For a surefire way to cool down this summer, feel the wind in your face on the most epic zipline in Kentucky. Red River Gorge Zipline Tours will have you sailing over the Gorge and racing with friends during this exciting day trip. For more info, check out our previous article about this epic, only-in-Kentucky adventure!
11. Dive into Kentucky's most beautiful swimming hole.
FRP LaGrange Quarry “The Quarry”, 2201 Fendley Mill Rd, La Grange, KY 40031, USA
Facebook/Falling Rock Park
You will be amazed at the crystal clear, sapphire water of the gorgeous Falling Rock Park in LaGrange. If there's one spot you need to visit this summer, it's this ultimate swimming hole. You must have a raft and safety is their number one priority, which means you must be 18 or older and there is no alcohol allowed. This beloved quarry truly is one go the most picture-perfect day trips in Kentucky. For more info, check out our previous article about this Kentucky gem.

Have you enjoyed any of these activities this summer? Have you added them to your list? What are your picks for the best summer day trips in Kentucky? Share your favorite spots for summer fun in Kentucky with us in the comments below!

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Best day trips in Kentucky

Sarah M. | May 10, 2022

What are the best road trips in Kentucky?

Summer was made for road trips, and we can't resist a good car ride through the Bluegrass. These six road trips are some of the best in the state, and include only-in-Kentucky destinations such as My Old Kentucky Home, the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Byway and Museum (an adventure where the journey is as amazing as the destination!), US 23 Country Music Heritage Museum, and our personal favorite, the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Pack up the car and enjoy one of these bucket-list-level road trips in Kentucky!

What are some fun summer day trips in Kentucky?

In addition to the above list of the best summer day trips in Kentucky, there's a scuba diving spot in Kentucky that we bet you didn't know about. Underwater adventures await at Pennyroyal Scuba Blue Springs Resort, Kentucky's only full-service scuba diving facility. Located in the southwest corner of Kentucky, a stone's throw from Land Between the Lakes (another place of acclaimed water recreation), this might just be the most unexpected spot in the Bluegrass! Go and have an undersea adventure in these cerulean blue waters... who knows what you'll find down there!

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