Free Outdoor Family Activities in Central Kentucky

We've always been outdoor people. Out there we can create our own fun! Whether it's catching bugs, snakes, swimming, shooting, or just hanging out, we always find something the whole family can enjoy. There are so many rivers, camping spots, and National Forest's in Kentucky that offer more than just a place to pitch a tent. Some of the most breathtaking views, the best fishing, and the best forms of relaxation are all waiting for you. All it costs you is the gas to get there.

Camping is my favorite family activity. We pack a tent, cooler (packed with what we would normally eat during the day, like sandwiches, chips, hot dogs, marshmallows, breakfast supplies, and drinks), our favorite sleeping bags, a couple of flashlights, and usually some sort of axe or machete to cut firewood. We drive for a little while until we find a spot far enough from the road to have some privacy and room for the kids to play away from the road. Once we find our spot, we pitch the tent, lay out all of our sleeping backs, zip the tent up, and go hunting for firewood. While we're looking for firewood, we keep an eye out for any interesting creatures that may be hiding in the forest. My daughters (ages 2 and 5) caught 15 tiny frogs one day on the bank of a creek, and you would have thought they were at Disney Land! Once I gathered enough wood, we had a "releasing of the frogs" and watched them all hop back down into the creek. Their squeals of joy had already made the trip for me! We take the wood back to the camp site where my husband gets a fire started and I get out the iron skillet. I've always been a fan of breakfast for dinner, but when you're out camping, it's perfect. I fry up some bacon and eggs while he's helping the kids look for all the critters they can find. We all sit down around the fire and enjoy dinner as a family. We then roast marshmallows after dinner (if anyone is still hungry!). The kids are usually so worn out after the day, that they fall asleep in the tent early and the "grown ups" can chat by the fire for as long as they'd like. What I love about camping is that it's fun for just one night, or for several nights. Just because you only have one night to camp doesn't mean it can't be fun. The whole family can help out when setting up camp; there's a job for everyone! There are numerous State Parks to choose from, here is a site that lists quite a few: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kentucky_state_parks

The Salato Wildlife Education Center is a wonderful place for people of all ages to explore! It is located at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources - 1 Sportsman's Ln. Frankfort, Ky. They have indoor and outdoor exhibits, and there are plenty of hiking trails. Best of all, it is free for the whole family. A few of the indoor exhibits include the Frogs of Kentucky, where you can observe four of the state's native species, the Eastern Forest Diorama (they have it set up to see how many different animals you can find and identify), the "Kentuckians Before Boone" mural, it is a depiction of a Fort Ancient winter camp in the late 1500s, and there is a glass case below the mural displaying several artifacts including pottery, shell gorgets, rawhide, tobacco, corn, and squash. They also have a Kentucky Record Fish exhibit. This exhibit features models of real record fish caught in Kentucky waters, you might not have even seen some of these fish before. One of the coolest exhibits is the Living Bee Tree. This offers you the chance to see what a bee hive actually looks like and you can watch the bees work. There are two clear tubes that allow the bees to come and go as they please. It really is a sight to see! There is also a Venomous Snakes of Kentucky exhibit. There are 32 different species of snakes in Kentucky, and only four of them are venomous. They currently house 4 species of snakes, including the copperhead, timber rattlesnake, water moccasin, and the non-venomous black rat snake. The poisonous snake missing is the Pygmy rattlesnake, only found in Western Kentucky. It would be a good idea to spend a little time at this exhibit and learn what snakes can actually harm you. There's also a Warm Water Aquarium where you can watch and see the fish you would normally be trying to catch. The outside exhibits feature animals such as black bears, a bald eagle, bison, wild cats, and white tailed deer. The "Living Stream" features a waterfall, cliffs, and a tunnel where you may view many of the aquatic species that make Elkhorn Creek their home. The Living Stream ends in a large pool filled with more native fish, turtles, and other fresh-water species. They have a prairie, a dragon fly marsh, habitat gardens with viewing areas (with butterflies), and a backyard habitat viewing area. You can spend an hour or a whole day here. I've been coming here for years and enjoying what nature has to offer....for FREE!

McConnell Springs is another family favorite. It has a pretty good size natural spring that you have to see. It's just beautiful! In the dense forest, you can find remnants of stone fence and foundation, clues to the history of the land. They have an Education Center where you can learn about the history of McConnell Springs before you venture out into the wild. There are trails you can hike, and you never know what you will find. I went with my sister one time and we found a baby fox hiding in the brush. Always respect and preserve your surroundings so generations to come can appreciate the natural beauty. McConnell Springs is located off Old Frankfort Pike inside New Circle Road near downtown Lexington. From either direction on New Circle Road, take Old Frankfort Pike toward Lexington. Turn right on McConnell Springs Drive (directly across from the Fire Training Center). Turn left at the dead-end onto Cahill Drive, then turn right on Rebmann Drive and enter McConnell Springs parking lot. Just get out of that car and start exploring!

I hope you get a chance to visit one of these special places, or at least get the family out of the house and take a good old fashioned camping trip. There's nothing like getting away from the stress of the city! It's good for the soul, and gentle on the pocketbook. Connecting with nature brings a sense of calmness I just can't explain. What are you waiting for? Get out there and find out for yourself!