Things to do in Kentucky

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A historic building with arched windows and a sign reading "Newport Kentucky".
A multi-deck riverboat docked at a pier with a bridge in the background.
A brightly lit bridge at night with reflections on the water.
An indoor museum with stone arches, a sign for the Verbum Domini, and a Creation Museum exhibit.
A building with ornate architecture and large windows.

Kentucky Attractions

Find out what makes Kentucky tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Browse through our top {157 fun activities in Kentucky fun activities in Kentucky}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Cincinnati: Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket

$15
per adult
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum Entry Ticket
Kentucky Derby Museum

Kentucky Derby Museum - General Admission and Guided Track Visit

$25
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Kentucky Derby Museum - General Admission and Guided Track Visit
Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game at Great American Ballpark

Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game at Great American Ballpark

$26
per adult
Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game at Great American Ballpark
Louisville: 3-Hour Food and History Tour of NuLu District

Louisville: 3-Hour Food and History Tour of NuLu District

$129
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Louisville: 3-Hour Food and History Tour of NuLu District
Kentucky Derby Museum - Admission with Guided Track Visit

Kentucky Derby Museum - Admission with Guided Track Visit

$25
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Kentucky Derby Museum - Admission with Guided Track Visit
Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting

Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting

$54
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Hidden Brewery Caverns Tour in Cincinnati with Beer Tasting
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Kentucky must see attractions

1. Mammoth Cave National Park

Explore grand, high-ceilinged underground rooms and investigate remarkable limestone formations at Mammoth Cave National Park. Spot strange eyeless creatures that are unique to this mysterious labyrinth. Return to the surface to find a pretty woodland full of colorful plants and lively animals.
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A cave with stalactites and stalagmites, a metal railing, and a person standing near the railing.

2. Kentucky Horse Park

Visit the Kentucky Horse Park to learn about one of America’s favorite sports and actually meet some of its celebrated competitors. The Hall of Champions introduces retired winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stake and other major races.
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A Kentucky Horse Park entrance with a stone archway, a gold emblem, and a plaque.

3. Newport Aquarium

At the Newport Aquarium more than 7,000 aquatic creatures from every continent live in more than one million gallons (nearly four million liters) of water. Experience the sensation of being surrounded by deep-sea creatures and river fish as you wander through the long tunnels of one of the most visited aquariums in the Midwest. Go to Shark Central to touch ocean predators. Learn about other dangerous and deadly fish, or gaze at bizarre and beautiful species.
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A modern building with a blue sign reading "The Newport Aquarium."

4. Creation Museum

The Creation Museum tells Bible stories through realistic tableaus and dioramas. Come face-to-face with Adam and Eve, the evil serpent and Noah’s Ark. The three surrounding gardens and lake are full of insects, birds and butterflies, forming a lush Eden-like paradise. There is a planetarium and petting zoo with hybrid animals.
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A stone wall with a dinosaur silhouette and the words "CREATION MUSEUM" on it.

5. Churchill Downs

Every May, Churchill Downs comes alive, packed with people and horses celebrating the races and excitement of the Kentucky Derby. The crowds have descended on the racetrack every year since 1875, making the Kentucky Derby the longest-running sporting event in United States history.
Learn more
A horse race with jockeys on horses, a crowd in the stands, and a grandstand.

What to do in Kentucky

Free Things to Do in Kentucky

Escaping to Kentucky on a budget? The following can be experienced for nix.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary - Organize a picnic and enjoy a walk around the interesting plants.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kentucky? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Kentucky attractions

A large building with a curved roof, surrounded by potted plants and flowers, with a clear sky in the background.

Ark Encounter

9.8/10 (3,108 reviews)
Have a fun-filled day at Ark Encounter and see why people love this amusement park in Williamstown. Discover the restaurants and museums in this family-friendly area.
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Where to stay in Kentucky

Find the best Kentucky areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kentucky
Learn more about Kentucky
A steamboat docked at a pier with a bridge in the background.

Downtown Louisville

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Louisville is its fantastic nightlife. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Whiskey Row and KFC Yum Center.

A city skyline with illuminated buildings and a church spire.
Photo by Jeff Rogers /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
Open Photo by Jeff Rogers /Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Downtown Lexington

While visiting Downtown Lexington, you might make a stop by sights like Lexington Opera House and Rupp Arena.

A nighttime hot air balloon festival with colorful balloons, including one labeled "OLIVER WINERY."
Photo by Hyelsinta
Open Photo by Hyelsinta

Fairgrounds

While visiting Fairgrounds, you might make a stop by sights like Freedom Hall and Kentucky Kingdom.

A nighttime cityscape with a brightly lit bridge and a skyline featuring a prominent dome-shaped building.

St. Matthews

St. Matthews is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mall St. Matthews and Saint Matthews Pavilion Shopping Center.

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings reflecting on the water.

Jeffersontown

Jeffersontown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Jeffersontown Commons Shopping Center and Bluegrass Indoor Karting while you're in town.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kentucky

A city skyline with prominent buildings like the Fifth Third Bank, a large pyramid-shaped building, and the Millennium Hotel.

Cincinnati

An aerial view of a town with a river, dense greenery, and cloudy skies.

Evansville

A city skyline with illuminated buildings and a church spire.

Lexington

A modern building with a cylindrical structure and a glass facade.

Louisville

A riverside cityscape with historic buildings, a bridge, and boats.

Richmond

A forested area with a small waterfall flowing into a clear pool.

Brooks

A mountainous landscape with dense forests and a rocky cliff.

Barbourville

Maker's Mark Distillery

Bardstown

Frequently asked questions

What is Kentucky famous for?
Pack your walking shoes because there are loads of landmarks that simply beg to be explored:

  • Churchill Downs
  • Muhammad Ali Center
  • Paramount Arts Center
  • U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum

What should I not miss in Kentucky?
If you want to see the best of this destination, find time for these attractions in your itinerary:

  • Kentucky Exposition Center
  • Rupp Arena
  • University of Kentucky
  • University of Louisville

Are there cheap things to do in Kentucky?
What can you do in Kentucky for free?
You could even leave your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these terrific attractions will cost you nothing at all:

  • Central Park
  • KYOVA Tri-State Mall
  • Pendleton Art Center
  • University of Kentucky

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