Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary to Ark Encounter

Day 1: Exploring Cincinnati

Columbus, Ohio

8:00AM

Breakfast at Taste of Belgium

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Taste of Belgium, known for their waffles and coffee.
Head south on I-71 for about 2 hours to reach Cincinnati.
$20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Spend the morning exploring the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, home to a variety of animals and beautiful gardens.
Located in Avondale neighborhood.
$50, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Skyline Chili

Enjoy a Cincinnati favorite for lunch at Skyline Chili, known for their delicious chili over spaghetti.
Head to a nearby Skyline Chili location.
$15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, a historic train station turned museum featuring interactive exhibits for all ages.
Located in Queensgate neighborhood.
$30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Eagle OTR

End your day with a hearty dinner at The Eagle OTR, known for their fried chicken and southern sides.
Head to Over-the-Rhine neighborhood for dinner.
$25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Ark Encounter Adventure

Williamstown, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lisa's Coffee House

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at Lisa's Coffee House before heading to the Ark Encounter.
Take I-75 South for about 45 minutes to reach Williamstown.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Ark Encounter

Explore the life-sized Noah's Ark at the Ark Encounter, filled with educational exhibits and activities for the whole family.
Follow signs to Ark Encounter.
$50, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Emzara's Kitchen

Enjoy a biblical-themed lunch at Emzara's Kitchen, located inside the Ark Encounter.
Head to Emzara's Kitchen within the Ark Encounter complex.
$20, 1 hour

3:30PM

Petting Zoo & Zip Line

Spend the afternoon at the petting zoo and try the zip line adventure at the Ark Encounter.
Located within the Ark Encounter grounds.
$30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Farmstand Cafe

Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Farmstand Cafe in Williamstown.
Head to Farmstand Cafe for dinner.
$30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Historic Lexington

Lexington, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at Doodle's

Start your day in Lexington with a Southern breakfast at Doodle's, known for their biscuits and gravy.
Take I-75 South for about 1.5 hours to reach Lexington.
$15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Exploring Kentucky Horse Park

Visit the Kentucky Horse Park to learn about the history of horse racing and meet some beautiful horses.
Head to the Kentucky Horse Park.
$25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Wallace Station Deli

Enjoy a deli-style lunch at Wallace Station Deli, a local favorite in Lexington.
Head to Wallace Station Deli for lunch.
$20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Bluegrass Distillers Tour

Take a tour of Bluegrass Distillers to learn about bourbon making in Kentucky.
Head to Bluegrass Distillers for the tour.
$20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tony's of Lexington

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Tony's of Lexington, known for their elegant atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
Head to Tony's of Lexington for dinner.
$50, 2 hours
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Day 4: Kentucky Exploration

Lexington, Kentucky

Kentucky Exploration

Return to Columbus
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