25 Great Family Experiences in or near Bowling Green, Kentucky

When you think of a fun place for a family vacation, you might not consider Bowling Green, Kentucky as a great destination. But, let me tell you, we recently visited this area and we had a wonderful time.

Bowling Green Kentucky is a charming city located about an hour north of Nashville, TN, and an hour south of Louisville, KY. There are plenty of activities that the whole family will enjoy. You will find magnificent caves, a Corvette museum, historic sites, art, and animal experiences.

Here are some fun family experiences you want to check out when you’re visiting Bowling Green!

P.S. Also, if you’re planning a trip to Bowling Green, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page – I’ve got some interesting places you might want to stay during your visit.

1. Lost River Cave and Zipline

• Cave Tour – Kentucky’s only Underground Cave Boat Tour. Open seven days a week. Boat tours are available 10 am-4 pm.
• Flying Squirrel Zip Line – (Lightning Bug Zipline for little ones is opening in spring 2022)
• Seasonal Butterfly Habitat
• Gift Shop – Wildflower Gifts offers local food products, apparel, home decor, collectibles, jewelry, fossils, etc. The gift shop is open 9 am-6 pm.

In addition to these activities, the area features nature trails, picnic areas, and a gemstone sluice.

Walk-in visitors are always welcome, or you can reserve your activity on the Lost Cave Website (link below).

Lost River Cave Tour & Zipline // 2818 Nashville Road – Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 // (270) 393-0077

WEBSITE

2. Mammoth Cave National Park

I know some folks will be upset with me for including Mammoth Cave in this list. Mammoth Cave is actually about 45 minutes outside of Bowling Green, KY. On our last trip, we stayed in Bowling Green because of the hotels and restaurants. We made a little day trip from Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave. I think if you’re in the Bowling Green area, Mammoth Cave is worth a visit!

With more than 400 miles of vast chambers and rock tunnels, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world’s longest-known cave system. If you are not a fan of caves, there is plenty to do above ground. The Park is a nature lovers’ dream offering hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and rock climbing. There is also canoeing and kayaking on the Green and Nolin Rivers.

Pick the right cave tour(s) for you:

• Historic Cave Tour – This tour is 2 miles and lasts 2 hours. There are 540 steps with several inclines (in addition to ascending and descending into the cave). I am old and out-of-shape but I did this tour and lived to tell you about it. It’s a great tour if you’re adventurous and you love history.
• Domes & Dripstones Tour – This tour is only 3/4 mile, but lasts 2 hours. There are several steep inclines that some may find difficult. There are 500 steps, but 280 of those are the ones on the descent into the cave if that helps you decide on taking the tour.
• Frozen Niagara Tour – This is a short and easy tour. It only consists of 12 steps. You can take about 100 more steps but you don’t have to -it’s an optional part of the tour. This is probably the most popular and famous spot on all the tours at Mammoth Cave. It lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and you travel about 1/4 mile.
• Mammoth Passage Tour – This tour is about 3/4 mile and lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. It’s basically 1/2 of the Historic Tour. The inclines are easy and the cave is HUGE – think Wide Open Spaces! And, the walkways are broad as well. There are about 130 steps, mostly to enter and leave, but it is an easy tour.
• Gothic Avenue Tour– This tour is one mile and lasts 2 hours. There are 160 stairs and is considered to be a moderate trail.
• Cleaveland Avenue Tour – This moderate hike is 2 miles and lasts 2 hours. The descent is 200 steps and there is an elevator to exit the cave. If the elevator is not in service, you will backtrack through the cave and exit up the original 200 steps.
• Grand Avenue Tour – This is the longest and most difficult tour that is offered at Mammoth Cave National Park. The tour lasts 4 hours, has over 1300 steps, and has steep inclines (as well as the ascent and descent). I recommend this cave for someone with a lot of stamina or someone very athletic.

Read more about the cave tours, and directions, and make reservations HERE

Read about our trip to Mammoth Cave National Park HERE.

3. The National Corvette Museum

The National Corvette Museum showcases over 80 Corvettes, including concept cars. Corvettes from every era since 1953 are on display in the nostalgia area. The museum is set up in a way that showcases the different time periods. We walked through a mid-century barbershop, a service station, and a historic race track. I thought this was an excellent and interesting way to display the cars.

While visiting, you can learn more about the sinkhole here and even drive a Corvette (see photo above) in a VR-type setting.

National Corvette Museum // 350 Corvette Drive – Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 (I-65 Exit 28) // 270-781-7973

WEBSITE

4. GM Corvette Assembly Plant

Here, you can see how Corvettes are made in the assembly process. Watch the chassis and body come together and then see the brand-new Corvettes roll off the assembly line. The tour is a walking tour and is about a mile long. To learn more about the plant, what you can/cannot wear, and what you can/cannot bring with you, please click HERE.

Tours are $7.00 per person (Or free for active military, GM employees, and GM retirees -up to 10 additional guests are also free). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.

Public Tours are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. Central Time. 

GM Corvette Assembly Plant // 600 Corvette Drive – Bowling Green, KY 42101 //

WEBSITE

5. Dinosaur World

Dinosaur enthusiasts will love seeing hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in a natural, outdoor setting. In addition to the dinosaurs, there is a dinosaur-themed playground where kiddos can play on the slides and swings. There is also a 5,000 sq ft gift shop with prehistoric artifacts, toys, games, and geodes.

Other activities at Dinosaur World include:

• Fossil Dig -The Fossil Dig is a 15-minute guided activity where kids can dig for fossils. They can choose from shark teeth, gastropods, stingray barbs, and Mosasaur teeth. They can select three of their favorites to take home. 
• Dino Gem Excavation – Find real minerals, arrowheads, and/or gems. You get to keep everything you find!
• Bone Yard – Under the sand lies a 27-foot dinosaur skeleton. Tools are provided for digging and excavating.
• Kentucky Prehistoric Museum Gallery – Visit this indoor museum to see real and cast prehistoric fossils. 
• Geode Cracker – Choose your own geode and crack it open.

Dinosaur World is open every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (CST). You can bring your own snacks and drinks in a cooler if you like (there is no food service here). And, friendly dogs (on leashes) are also welcome.

See prices for Dinosaur World and all activities HERE.

Dinosaur World Kentucky // 711 Mammoth Cave Road – Cave City, KY 42127 // (270) 773-4345

WEBSITE

6. Kentucky Down Under Animal Zoo

Things to do at Kentucky Down Under Animal Zoo:

• The Outback – This is an open field where kangaroos and emus roam freely. You can walk through this area and buy food for the animals if you like.
• Land of Lorries – This huge cage/enclosure is full of lorries that you can feed and interact with
• Mammoth Onyx Cave – See onyx formations found underground. This tour also features stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. You will also learn what cave popcorn and cave cauliflower are.
• Gem Mining
• Petting Zoo –  See farm animals including goats, horses, and sheep. You can buy feed for the animals for $1.00.
• Animal Show – Meet and learn more about 3 to 4 exotic animals
• Woolshed Program – You can meet Blossom, a shepherd dog, while she shows you how to herd sheep.

Kentucky Down Under Animal Zoo // 3700 L&N Turnpike Road – Horse Cave, KY  42749 // (270) 786-1010

WEBSITE

7. Jesse James Riding Stables & Cave Tour & Mini Golf

Actually located in Cave City, about 20 minutes outside of Bowling Green, this beautiful and scenic trail is the perfect place for horseback riding. The ride is about 2 1/2 miles long and lasts about an hour. Here are all of the activities you can find here:

• Horse Riding Stables
• Outlaw Cave & Beyond Outlaw Cave Tour
• Mini Golf
• Cabin Rentals and RV Camping

Jesse James Riding Stables and Outlaw Cave // 3057 Mammoth Cave Rd. – Cave City KY 42127 // 270-773-2560

WEBSITE

8. African American Museum

This museum showcases the historical contributions of African Americans in the Bowling Green community. Here, you can take a tour to see all of the amazing African American history Bowling Green has to offer. These tours are available by appointment.

African American Museum // 1783 Chestnut Street – Bowling Green, KY 42101 // (270) 745-5753

WEBSITE

9. Historic RailPark & Train Museum

Here, you can do a self-guided museum and a guided railcar tour. In the museum, you can see Vintage equipment and artifacts, interactive displays, and listen to five different trains. After exploring the Museum, you can climb aboard five restored railcars:

• The E-8 Engine 
• 1921 Railroad Post Office Car
• The Duncan Hines Diner
• The Towering Pine Sleeper
• The Presidential Office Car
• The Little Red Caboose

Historic RailPark & Train Museum // 401 Kentucky Street – Bowling Green, KY 42101 // 270-745-7317

WEBSITE

10. Fountain Square Park

Fountain Square Park is located in the district’s downtown area. It is a beautiful area where visitors can take a break in the center of the city’s urban environment. There are benches where you can sit and take in the atmosphere. The park is great for taking photos and Instagram pics.

Fountain Square Park // 445 E Main Avenue – Bowling Green, KY 42101

WEBSITE

11. Chaney’s Dairy Barn

First, you gotta get a sandwich, burger, wrap, or salad with the family (see the full menu HERE). Be sure to save room for dessert because Chaney’s is known for its delicious ice cream – see all the ice cream flavors HERE. There is also a gift shop if you want to grab a souvenir or a snack for the road.

I think Chaney’s is the perfect place to stop in Bowling Green and let the kiddos run around. There is a free playground for all customers and it is open during Chaney’s normal business hours. The playground has unique slides, obstacles, swings, and a ten-spin. Chaney’s playground is designed for a variety of ages and disabilities. See more photos of the playground HERE.

Chaney’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on Sundays they are open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Kitchen closes at 8:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday and at 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. They are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Chaney’s Dairy Barn // 9191 Nashville Road – Bowling Green, KY 42101 // 270-843-5567

WEBSITE

12. Beech Bend Amusement Park & Splash Lagoon & Dragstrip

Things to do at Beech Bend Amusement Park & Splash Lagoon:

• Amusement Park – 379 acres of fun! See all of the rides and attractions HERE.
• Dragstrip – See the full racing schedule HERE.
• Camping – Beech Bend’s Campground covers 14 acres and offers over 400 camping sites for tent camping and full hook-up. See more info on the campground HERE.

Beech Bend Amusement Park & Splash Lagoon // 798 Beech Bend Park Road – Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 // 270-781-7634

WEBSITE

13. Riverview at Hobson Grove

Tour this lovely, Italian-inspired, 400-acre historic home and museum. You can see how the Hobson family lived at Riverview at Hobson Grove. This is a historic landmark that has been restored to its original splendor. Visitors can see what life was like for this 19th family living in a prosperous Victorian home.

Riverview at Hobson Grove // 1100 W. Main Avenue – Bowling Green, KY 42101-4894 // 270-843-5565

(Located in Hobson Grove Park, at the end of Main Street)

WEBSITE

14. Capital Arts Center – SKyPAC

If your family enjoys a great show, this is the place for you in Bowling Green. Hear orchestras, concerts, and musical tributes in this 1,800-seat state-of-the-art auditorium. You can also see musicals and other shows in this beautiful theater.

Capital Arts Center – SkyPAC // 601 College Street – Bowling Green, KY 42101 // 270-904-1880

WEBSITE

15. Kentucky Museum

Located at Western Kentucky University, the Kentucky Museum is free to the public for self-guided tours (parking is also free). They are open Wednesday – Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

There are exhibits showcasing textiles, Duncan Hines, Civil War arms, and contemporary university art. This is a great place to spend a few hours learning about the history of Kentucky.

Kentucky Museum // 1444 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101 // 270-745-2592

WEBSITE

16. Hot Rods Baseball

If you have baseball fans in your family, you might want to check out a Hot Rods Baseball Game while in Bowling Green. The Bowling Green Hot Rods are a professional Minor League Baseball team. There are more than seventy home games that are held between April and October.

They also have a great kid’s play area, including a playground and carousel. They have theme nights (like Star Wars night) and other events. Fireworks are also a popular event here. Be sure to check the calendar/schedule to see what fun things will be happening during your visit.

Hot Rods Stadium // 300 E. 8th Avenue – Bowling Green, KY 42101

Detailed Directions HERE.

 WEBSITE

17. Warren County Blueways

Things to do here:

• Canoe
• Kayak
• Fish
• Boat

Learn more about these activities and the licenses needed HERE.

Warren County Blueways // 7101 Scottsville Road – Bowling Green, KY 42104

WEBSITE

18. Aviation Heritage Park

Learn how Central Kentucky has played a significant role in the history of aviation – from flying aircraft to recent shuttle missions into space. The Aviation Heritage Park recognizes local, modern-day pilots and aviators from the past.

The Park features military planes, jets, and helicopters and you will learn about the history of each (years and missions flown, military usage, etc). This museum is FREE, but donations are accepted.

Aviation Heritage Park and Museum // 1825 Three Springs Road – Bowling Green, KY 42101 // (270) 421-4885

WEBSITE

19. Baker Arboretum & Downing Museum

The Baker Arboretum is an educational and research facility for WKU. Featuring over 600 species and 1200 varieties, The Baker Arboretum showcases the beautiful variety of plants that can grow in western Kentucky. There is something to see here in all four seasons!

You can also visit the Downing Museum at the Baker Arboretum and see the works of world-renowned artist Joe Downing. Entrance to the museum is free.

Open:

Baker Arboretum // 4801 Morgantown Road – Bowling Green, KY 42101 // (270) 842-7415

• Tues.-Sat. 10 am-5 pm from April – October.
• Tues.-Sat. 10 am-4 pm from November – March.

WEBSITE

20. Barren River Lake State Resort Park

• Boating -There are boat launches available for the public in the campground at the park. Another boat launch and dock are located next to the marina. The marina at the state dock has 100 open slips, 40 covered slips, a launching ramp, and boat rentals.
• Fishing –  A Kentucky Fishing License is required.  You can ask at the park front desk or recreation office about their fishing loaner program. If you are visiting without your fishing equipment, you can borrow some free here.
• Play Golf Play on the scenic award-winning 18-hole golf course. There is a pro shop, riding carts, and rental clubs available for guests.
• Paddling – flat-water to whitewater. You can rent  canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards at the park
• Driftwood Restaurant & Highlands Pub
• Swimming
• Birding–
• Hiking Trails – There are four self-guided trails to explore at the park. The Bicycle & Hiking Trail is paved. It is a 2 1/2 loop. 
• Basketball Courts – well-lit basketball court overlooking the lake
• Biking – 2 1/2-mile paved loop. The trail begins at the golf course entrance near the lodge. There are also restrooms located near Highland Field.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park // 1149 State Park Road – Lucas, KY 42156 // (270) 646-2151

WEBSITE

21. Jackson’s Orchard

Jackson’s market here sells a wide range of produce – including peaches and apples. They also make their own honey and have many seasonal products (like ciders, jars of butter, and preserves).

What you’ll enjoy at Jackson’s:

• The Greenhouse and Nursery – annuals, perennials, roses, bedding plants, hanging baskets, ferns, ornamental grasses, garden herbs, fruit bushes, and vegetable plants, and orchard-quality fruit trees. 
• Pick-Your-Own Apples – Pick your own apples in the fall
• Applefest – Labor Day Weekend
• Pumpkin Festival – The last weekend of September through Halloween. There’s a hayride, pumpkin patch, corn maze, and chance to pick your own apples.
• FREE Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop –  This workshop is held each year on the first Saturday in March and is taught by the owner of Jackson’s Orchard 

Jackson’s is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and they are closed on Sundays.

Jackson’s Orchard & Nursery // 1280 Slim Island Road – Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101 // 270-781-5303

22. Civil War Discovery Trail

This driving trail is completely self-guided and you can take your time exploring. There is a detailed brochure and map available from the Bowling Green Convention Visitor’s Bureau (address below). This brochure/map will take you to all of the important sites and landmarks from the war. Visitors can request the brochure before their visit HERE (or download a digital guide). You can also see cemeteries and historical markers (see the website link below to prepare for your trip; the site offers a list of markers on the trail).

Bowling Green Area Convention & Visitors Bureau // 352 Three Springs RoadBowling Green, KY 42104 // (270) 782-0800

WEBSITE

23. Basil Griffin Park

Located in the southern part of town, Basil Griffin Park is a natural space with 111 acres. You can go fishing or boating on the 33-acre lake at the park. The park also has an athletics complex (with 10 baseball/softball fields, 3 youth football fields, and 3 outdoor basketball courts), an 18-hole disc golf course, Paradise Playground, 2 tennis courts, an inline hockey rink, horseshoe pits, and plenty of shelters (with tables and benches for resting or having picnics).

Aviation Heritage Park is also located here.

Basil Griffin Park // 2055 Three Springs Road – Bowling Green, KY 42104

WEBSITE

24. Community Farmer’s Market

If you love visiting farmer’s markets, then you will love Community Farmer’s Market. Meet local vendors who sell anything from seasonal fruits and veggies and artisanal ice cream to handmade soaps and local wine. See all of the vendors and what they offer HERE.

The market is open year-round:

• Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Community Farmer’s Market // 2319 Nashville Rd., Bowling Green, KY 42101

WEBSITE

25. Stay in a WigWam Village

Historic Wigwam Village No. 2 is actually located in nearby Cave City (about 30 miles outside of Bowling Green). This wigwam village was built in 1937. Americans were just beginning to take road trips and look for fun ways places to visit on automobile vacations. It is still a popular place to stay for families on road trips, those visiting Mammoth Cave, and anyone visiting the Bowling Green and Cave City areas.

You can stay in a single wigwam that sleeps 2 people or a double that sleeps 4 people. Columbus Hickory Furniture Company created the original hickory bed frames, caned chairs, nightstands, and vanities. The wigwams have bathrooms with hot water. There is also hot tea and coffee in the rooms. At night, guests can gather around the campfire and meet each other.

You can see more pictures of the interior of these wigwams here on TripAdvisor.

WEBSITE

Other Places to Stay in Bowling Green, Kentucky:

P.S. I didn’t get paid to recommend any of these places – I just thought they were interesting.

• Serenity Hill Bed & Breakfast – This popular BNB is located on Mammoth Cave Road in Brownsville. This quiet country home is full of rustic charm. The rooms are comfortable and the views are quite beautiful. In the morning, enjoy a fresh, home-cooked breakfast that is very popular.
• Wren’s Nest BnB – Run by retired school teachers, this BnB has perennial gardens, a gazebo, hiking trails, and/or fishing in Willow Wreath Pond
• Airbnb – Find homes, condos, lofts, cabins, and apartments in/near Bowling Green
• If you don’t mind staying about an hour outside of bowling Green, you can stay in some pretty cool Treehouses in Germantown, KY. This Treehouse was featured on the TV show “Treehouse Masters” on Animal Planet. Another cool Treehouse in Germantown sleeps up to 6 people and has a slide!
• TownPlace Suites Marriott – This is actually where we stayed on our trip to Bowling Green. There are other hotels in the area, but we really enjoyed having 2 separate bedrooms, a living room/dining area, and a kitchen.

Have you been to Bowling Green, Kentucky? Any recommendations? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!

If you would like to save this information to Pinterest, you can click on the Save button on the photo below.

Let's Be Friends! Follow Me:

• 
• 
• 
•