Expedition Family Fun

Tour an actual coal mine by rail car! Your family will get the chance to gear up in traditional coal miner protective attire before hopping in a rail car to visit animated exhibits along the tour. Not only will your family get the chance to see inside a real mine, but you’ll also experience what it was like to work in a mine before mechanization. Continue your experience at the Kentucky Coal Museum for an in-depth look at how the coal industry shaped Appalachian culture, or head on over to Kingdom Come State Park for some of the most scenic views in the state.

Based in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest, Rockcastle Outdoor Company offers unique Kentucky adventures for the whole family. Get out on the water with a stand-up paddle board tour down the Rockcastle River. Or bring your ride of choice for one of ROC’s guided motorcycle tours, with street bike, dual sport bike, and street legal side-by-side options. Your crew of explorers is sure to be hungry after your explorations, so take a trip to Mt. Vernon for a burger at Down on Main Bar & Grill.

Just opened in 2022, RC Arena is an amazing indoor RC car dirt track that hosts competitive races all year long. Check their schedule and catch one of their upcoming races. Head into downtown Middlesboro to find unexpected treasures at Emporium at 2120 or search through the trove of card games and collectibles at Allees. Local history lovers will appreciate the Alexander Arthur Museum, featuring displays of personal items owned by the founder of Middlesboro. No stop downtown is complete until you’ve grabbed a burger or hot dog at Conley’s Drive-In.

Have you ever wanted to know the history behind Kentucky Fried Chicken? At Sanders Cafe & Museum you can see the kitchen where Sanders developed the KFC® secret formula—and eat there too! After lunch, head on into downtown Corbin for a sweet treat. Kids love the Outrageous Milkshakes at Sweeties! Keep exploring downtown by sifting through the unique treasures you’ll find in Corbin’s specialty shops, or take a trip to the past at the Pinball Museum of Corbin, where your family can try their skill at over a hundred working pinball machines and redemption games.

Take an up-close tour of the mighty Cumberland Falls on the Rainbow Mist ride at Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort. Postcards and pictures can't capture the experience of viewing Cumberland Falls from the water, and the power of the falls as it thunders above you. If you’re looking for a full-day adventure get out on the water with a family-friendly canoeing or whitewater rafting excursion. Round out your action-packed day by heading into town for a bite to eat. We recommend Bubby’s BBQ for the perfect family-friendly refuel after a day of adventure!

The entire family will have a blast at The Palace Family Entertainment Center. This family-owned fun center has enough attractions to keep everyone occupied for hours. Team up as a group and strategize your way through Laser Tag or the Escape Rooms. Or get competitive and see who comes out on top in the bowling alley, golf simulators, or go-kart track. With an all-ages arcade and toddler inflatables, you can keep even the smallest members of your crew happy. If that’s not enough excitement, head up to Air Raid Trampoline Park for more high-energy fun. During the summer months, take the adventure outdoors at Treetop Adventure at Levi Jackson State Park, where kids can clamber through the tree canopy on ziplines, rope bridges, and more. Sweeten everyone’s day with a final stop at The Bluegrass Baker for ice cream or one of their tasty baked goods.

Take a trip back to a simpler time at Tommy’s Rootbeer Stand! An ode to mid-century root beer stands, Tommy’s serves up classic root beer floats alongside a number of other diner favorites, including cheeseburgers, coneys, and fried catfish sandwiches. With a walk-up window and carport, it’s the perfect place for a leisurely lunch. Afterward, take the history buff in your family to the Civil War Interpretive Park in Barbourville. Wander through the kiosks and murals to learn the story of those who gave their lives in the first Civil War battle to be fought in Kentucky.

Load up your ATV or off-road vehicle of choice and come explore Wildcat Offroad Park, a 2,000-acre park made for off-road enthusiasts. With over a hundred miles of trails, Wildcat Offroad Park has routes for everyone from novices to the most experienced riders. Younger families will enjoy the interactive and educational exhibits at London Children’s Museum, where kids can play and explore the world around them. Everyone will find something to love at Sauced, a local eatery serving craft pizza and build-your-own pasta bowls. End the day on a sweet note with rolled ice cream at Moody Cows.