7-Day Family Friendly Adventure Road Trip Itinerary in Kentucky

Day 1: Louisville Exploration

Louisville, Kentucky

9:00AM

Breakfast at Wild Eggs

Start your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Wild Eggs, famous for their creative twists on classic breakfast dishes.
Drive to the restaurant; parking directly available.
USD 60, 1 hour

10:30AM

Louisville Zoo

Spend the morning exploring the Louisville Zoo, where kids can get up close with wildlife from around the world.
A 15-minute drive from breakfast; parking available at the zoo.
USD 80, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Against the Grain Brewery

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Against the Grain Brewery featuring a great selection of sandwiches and locally brewed beers.
Just a 5-minute drive from the zoo; ample parking.
USD 70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kentucky Science Center

Engage your family with hands-on learning at the Kentucky Science Center, an exciting spot for all ages.
A quick 10 minute drive; parking available.
USD 60, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Brown Hotel

Experience fine dining at The Brown Hotel, where you can savor the iconic Hot Brown sandwich.
15-minute drive from the Science Center; valet parking available.
USD 120, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Mammoth Cave Adventure

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before departing for Mammoth Cave.
No travel required.
USD 0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Mammoth Cave National Park

Take a scenic drive to Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the world's longest cave system.
A 1.5-hour drive from Louisville; follow I-65 N.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Cave Tour

Take a family-friendly guided tour through the magnificent underground passages of Mammoth Cave.
Visitor center parking available.
USD 100, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Green River Grill

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at The Green River Grill, offering local favorites and outdoor seating.
5-minute drive to the restaurant; parking available.
USD 60, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hiking in Mammoth Cave National Park

Spend the afternoon hiking on one of the many trails in Mammoth Cave National Park, exploring its natural beauty.
Trailheads located within the park; parking available.
USD 0, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cracker Barrel

Indulge in a comforting Southern-style dinner at Cracker Barrel, a family favorite.
10-minute drive from the park; parking available.
USD 80, 1 hour
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Day 3: Bowling Green Exploration

Bowling Green, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at Country Cupboard

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Country Cupboard with classic American meals.
A 15-minute drive from your hotel; parking onsite.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

National Corvette Museum

Visit the National Corvette Museum and see iconic cars that will excite the whole family.
3-minute drive from breakfast; parking available.
USD 60, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Peddler

Enjoy delicious Southern cuisine at The Peddler, known for its friendly atmosphere.
5-minute drive; parking available.
USD 70, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lost River Cave

Explore the beauty of Lost River Cave with a guided boat tour in a captivating setting.
10-minute drive from lunch; parking available.
USD 70, 2 hours

4:00PM

Bowling Green Ballpark

Catch a minor league baseball game at the Bowling Green Ballpark, enjoying a classic American pastime.
15-minute drive from the cave; parking available.
USD 100, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Smokey Bones BBQ

Savor delicious BBQ choices at Smokey Bones BBQ, perfect for families craving grilled favorites.
Just a 5-minute drive from the ballpark; parking available.
USD 80, 1 hour
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Day 4: Lexington History & Nature

Lexington, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at First Watch

Enjoy a vibrant breakfast at First Watch, known for its fresh foods and healthy options.
Drive 1 hour to Lexington; parking available at the restaurant.
USD 70, 1 hour

9:30AM

Mary Todd Lincoln House

Discover the history of Mary Todd Lincoln in this beautifully preserved historic site.
A short 10-minute drive from breakfast; parking available.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lexington Thoroughbred Horse Farm Tour

Experience the world of thoroughbred racing with a guided tour of a horse farm.
15-minute drive; parking available.
USD 100, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Grey Goose

Refuel at The Grey Goose, a restaurant featuring a mix of American bistro classics.
20-minute drive; parking available.
USD 80, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Kentucky Horse Park

Spend the afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park, enjoying horse shows and museums.
5-minute drive; parking available.
USD 80, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Antonio's Italian Restaurant

End your day with a delicious Italian dinner at Antonio's known for its pizzas and pastas.
A short drive of 10 minutes; parking available.
USD 90, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Natural Bridge Hikes

Natural Bridge, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
No travel required.
USD 0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Take a scenic drive to Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where nature awaits.
A 1-hour drive from Lexington; follow US-60 E.
USD 0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hiking at Natural Bridge

Explore some of the best hiking trails in the state with breathtaking views.
Parking available at the park entrance.
USD 0, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch picnic

Have a packed lunch picnic overlooking the beautiful scenery of Natural Bridge.
No travel required; enjoy nature.
USD 30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sky Lift at Natural Bridge

Take a scenic sky lift ride for a different view of the Natural Bridge formations.
Located in the park; no travel needed.
USD 60, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at the lodge

Spend some time relaxing at the lodge, enjoying the surroundings.
Situated in the park; parking available.
USD 0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Miguel’s Pizza

Eat at Miguel's Pizza, a favorite local spot known for its delicious pizza and casual atmosphere.
5-minute drive from the lodge; parking available.
USD 60, 1 hour
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Day 6: Red River Gorge Adventures

Red River Gorge, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Enjoy a fulfilling breakfast at the lodge before heading to your next adventure.
No travel required.
USD 0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Red River Gorge

Travel to the Red River Gorge, known for its natural beauty and outdoor fun.
A 30-minute drive from Natural Bridge; parking available.
USD 0, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Hiking Trails Exploration

Choose from several scenic hiking trails suited for families, filled with stunning views.
Parking available at trailheads.
USD 0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Red River Gorge Cabin Rentals

Have lunch at the cabin facilities that offer pizza and sandwiches for quick grab-and-go meals.
Onsite dining options available.
USD 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ziplining Adventure

Experience an exhilarating zipline tour through the gorge for a thrilling afternoon.
Zipline company located nearby; transportation provided.
USD 150, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Rock Bridge Restaurant

Dine at The Rock Bridge Restaurant, enjoying comfort food and a family-friendly atmosphere.
A 15-minute drive from the ziplining site; parking available.
USD 80, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Frankfort Finale

Frankfort, Kentucky

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your lodging in the area before traveling to Frankfort.
No travel required.
USD 0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Frankfort

Take a leisurely drive to Frankfort to conclude your Kentucky adventure.
A 1-hour drive from Red River Gorge; parking available.
USD 0, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Kentucky State Capitol

Explore the Kentucky State Capitol building, known for its stunning architecture and history.
Parking available near the capitol.
USD 0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Brunch at The Willow Roof

Savor a delicious brunch at The Willow Roof, offering contemporary dishes with views of the river.
Short drive to the restaurant; parking available.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore the José Ferrer Gardens

Take a stroll through the José Ferrer Gardens, a beautiful space perfect for family photos.
A 5-minute drive; parking available.
USD 0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Tour the Buffalo Trace Distillery

Engage in a family-friendly tour of the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery for a unique experience.
10-minute drive from the gardens; parking available.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Final Dinner at O'Charley's

Conclude your Kentucky adventure with a casual family dinner at O'Charley's, known for its warm hospitality.
5-minute drive; parking available.
USD 80, 1.5 hours
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