Kentucky is a fantastic place to visit. There are amazing sights around every corner, and the people there are so kind and welcoming. One of our favorite things to do in the state? Visiting Kentucky amusement parks!
There are a huge number of amazing amusement parks in Kentucky, and every single one is worth visiting. Feeling overwhelmed trying to plan a trip to these theme parks? Not to worry, we’re here to help.
Kentucky Amusement Parks
From water parks to indoor theme parks, Kentucky is home to pretty much any type of amusement park you might want to visit. That said, choosing which ones to see can be a bit tricky. Below, we’ve made a list of our top Kentucky amusement parks. Hopefully this helps you narrow down your options and pick the best parks for you and your family:
- Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
- Beech Bend Amusement Park
- Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Parks
- SomerSplash Waterpark
- Renaissance Fun Park
- Venture River Water Park
- Kentucky Splash Waterpark
- Paradise Cove
- Russell Sims Aquatic Center
Once you decide which parks to visit, the next step is to figure out where to stay and what to expect once you get there. Fortunately, we’ve included everything you need to know below.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Located in Louisville, Kentucky Kingdom first opened in 1987. It has been through a variety of owners and changes since then, but one thing has remained the same: This park has always brought joy to visitors. And the result? As many as 9,000 visitors a day walking through the park’s gate!
In all, Kentucky Kingdom has six awesome coasters, meaning thrill seekers are sure to have a blast during their time here. That said, there are other options as well. Kiddie rides are abundant for the little ones, and family rides such as the beautiful carousel, 5-D theater, and swinging pirate ship ensure everyone can have fun together.
Of course, we mustn’t forget Hurricane Bay, the water park located inside Kentucky Kingdom. This park includes all kinds of water fun. Whether you prefer chilling in the lazy river, slipping down water slides, or playing with your little ones on the water playground, you’re sure to love this area.
RV Camping Near Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Clearly, you are going to want a comfortable place to sleep after a day or two of playing at Kentucky Kingdom. Why not bring an RV along so you have a lovely space of your own to spread out and relax? The campground below is the ideal place to park an RV while you explore the Louisville area.
Louisville South KOA Holiday — Generally speaking, KOA locations will always be good campground picks, and Louisville South KOA Holiday is no exception. Full hookups, spacious sites, clean bathrooms, and a friendly staff all make this a very pleasant place to stay. Amenities include a pool, pavilions, horseshoes, dog park, and more!
Rent an RV near Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay!
Planning Your Trip to Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Day tickets to Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay start at $49.99 per person. Two-day admission starts at only $54.99, making it a much better deal if you’re visiting two days in a row. Plan to spend even more time in the park? Season passes are a great option for those who will be in the area a while.
Parking costs $10 per car at this park, and those with season passes park for free. Outside food is prohibited, but onsite dining is available. A quiet room is available for those with sensory sensitivities, and nursing rooms are available for mothers who prefer to nurse in private.
Beech Bend Amusement Park
Looking for even more fun in Kentucky? You needn’t look any further than Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green. This awesome amusement park is full of fun for the whole family, making it the ideal vacation destination.
Rides in this park include family rides such as bumper cars and swings, along with kiddie rides like flying elephants and a super slide. Thrill rides are also available and include the amazing wooden coaster Kentucky Rumbler, the dizzying Vortex, and the tight turning Wild Mouse coaster.
In addition to dry rides, Beech Bend Amusement Park is also home to a small water park. This area is the perfect place to cool off during the summer. It includes a number of twisting slides, a large surf pool, a kiddie climbing area, and a lazy river.
Looking for even more fun at Beech Bend? Be sure to visit the onsite dragstrip to see a race!
RV Camping Near Beech Bend Amusement Park
The best place to stay when visiting Beech Bend? Your RV, or course! As mentioned above, an RV allows you to really spread out and relax after a long day of fun in the sun, and at Beech Bend, staying in an RV also means you can stay onsite.
Beech Bend Campground — That’s right, Beech Bend is home to an amusement park, a dragstrip, and a campground. That means you can park your home-on-wheels right by all the fun. This campground is beautiful, green, and comfortable. Full hookups are available, and bathhouses and laundry facilities are available for guest use. On top of all that, those with a Kentucky fishing license are allowed to fish in the onsite river, making this an even more fun place to stay.
Rent an RV near Beech Bend Amusement Park!
Planning Your Trip to Beech Bend Amusement Park
Adult admission to Beech Bend Amusement Park is $44.99. Those under 48 inches or aged 60+ only pay $34.99. Children 2 and under are free. A two-day pass is available for $49.99—an excellent deal if you ask us! Season passes are an option if you plan to visit a number of times.
One of the best things about this park is the fact that parking, sunscreen, and tubes are included with admission. Food is available in the park, so be sure to budget for that.
Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Parks
With three Kentucky locations, Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Parks ensure there is fun around every corner in the Bluegrass State. You’ll find these indoor amusement centers in Louisville, Florence, and Lexington, and each one is just as exciting as the last.
Attractions at these parks include go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, coasters, kiddie rides, dark rides, 4-D theaters, and kiddie play areas. Bowling, basketball, VR, and arcade games are also available. Pretty much any fun game or ride you can think of is included in these buildings, and the entire family is sure to find something they love about each place.
RV Camping Near Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Parks
As always, we highly recommend using an RV as your lodging when visiting Malibu Jack’s. This comes with the benefits of comfort and privacy as mentioned above, but also allows you to hop from one spot to another. You could even go so far as to take the RV to all three Kentucky Malibu Jack’s locations!
When it comes to visiting the Malibu Jack’s in Louisville, the aforementioned Louisville South KOA Holiday is the perfect place to stay. The other two locations we’ll talk about below:
Kentucky Horse Park Campground — This is the place to stay when visiting the Lexington Malibu Jacks. Beautiful shaded sites offer full hookups, and the pool and restrooms are clean and well-kept. Best of all, this park is totally affordable, meaning you’ll have money left to spend on having fun at the theme park!
Big Bone Lick State Park — Our top pick for where to stay near the Florence Malibu Jack’s, this state park is a lovely place. Guests will love the water and electric hookups, as well as the handy dump station. Buffalo happen to wander around this park, and trails and a museum are available onsite.
Rent an RV near Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Park in Louisville!
Planning Your Trip to Malibu Jack’s Indoor Theme Parks
Entry to all Malibu Jack’s locations is free. If you wish to play or ride, simply load up a Play Card. This is swiped at each attraction and money is taken off the card to pay for that experience. The cost of experiences ranges from $3 to $10.
Outside food is not allowed in the buildings. However, the Lexington and Louisville locations both play host to onsite restaurants that you’re sure to love.
SomerSplash Waterpark
Touted as “Kentucky’s #1 Water Park,” SomerSplash is a wonderful place to spend a summer day. This exciting park is located in Somerset—hence the name—and yes, it is worth the drive to check it out.
Slides in SomerSplash include a speed slide, a bowl slide, body slides, and a tube slide. The lazy river is the perfect place for those who want to relax in the water, and the wave pool is fun for the whole family. For little ones, be sure to visit the wading pool, as well as the Kiddie Play area that is complete with interactive water features, a climbing structure, and small slides.
We love that this park is large enough to keep us entertained for hours without being overwhelming for parents who are trying to keep up with their kids.
RV Camping Near SomerSplash Waterpark
Planning to take the RV to see SomerSplash? We think that’s a swell plan, but you will need a place to park the rig while you’re off having fun and while you dream away after the sun goes down. That’s where the RV park below comes into play.
Somerset KY RV Park — This tiny little RV park is run by the nicest couple you’ll ever meet. All of the park’s sites are level and feature full hookups, and their rates are some of the best you’ll find in the state. The best part? You’re just minutes away from SomerSplash Waterpark, meaning you can have a blast every day of your visit!
Rent an RV near SomerSplash Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to SomerSplash Waterpark
Admission to SomerSplash is incredibly affordable. General admission for those over 48 inches is just $17.95 for the day. Meanwhile, those under 48 inches will only pay $15.95. They offer “dry dock” admission for those planning to merely watch poolside, and it’s only $4 to do so. Children 2 and under are free with an adult purchasing admission to swim. Visiting after 4pm? In that case, everyone is only $10!
You’re bound to get hungry during your time in SomerSplash. Therefore, we recommend budgeting for a visit to the concession stand. This spot sells burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips, and more.
Renaissance Fun Park
Those looking for more good times in Louisville absolutely must make a stop at Renaissance Fun Park. This amusement center is chock-full of fun things to do and it’s almost impossible not to have a smile on your face as you spend any amount of time here.
Go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, VR, and arcade games are what you’ll find at this park. The laser tag features a variety of effects that really pull you into the experience, and the VR games could not feel more real. We love that even young kids can drive the go-karts if they are seated with an adult, and the mini golf course is the perfect chance to have fun as a family. Of course, you can’t miss the arcade that includes over 30 different games!
RV Camping Near Renaissance Fun Park
Hoping to camp during your time in the area? We can’t blame you for that. Unfortunately, camping options are limited in the Louisville area. That said, there are a few great options. One of these is, yet again, the aforementioned Louisville South KOA Holiday. Another option is listed below:
Grandma’s RV Camping — It’s hard to be as welcoming as Grandma, but this RV park manages it. This park is clean and well-kept and the prices are reasonable. It offers full hookups, clean bathrooms, a laundry room, and a dog walk area. While it is a 30-minute drive from the attractions of Louisville, we feel it’s worth driving for.
Rent an RV near Renaissance Fun Park!
Planning Your Trip to Renaissance Fun Park
Like Malibu Jack’s, Renaissance Fun Park allows visitors to enter free of charge. Those who wish to play can purchase an all-day play pass that costs $15 for two hours or $20 for four hours. Family packages that include snacks and attractions are also available. It is also possible to pay for individual attractions if you prefer.
Want to save some money? Consider taking advantage of one of the many weekday specials advertised on the park’s website.
Venture River Water Park
If the water parks listed so far aren’t enough to keep you cool this summer, you might consider heading to Eddyville to spend some time at Venture River Water Park. This park is committed to being the #1 facility for safe family fun—and boy, does it show.
Attractions in this park are plentiful. They include slides like Matanascar—a four-lane racing slide—and “Waloopas”, which are tube slides with music and LED lights that put on a show as you make your way to the bottom. The Cyclone is a small, circular river with a fast moving current that sends you and your tube spinning in circles, and the Hurricane Wave Pool will have you bobbing like crazy.
Looking for a real thrill? With a 3.5-story drop and a second drop going backwards, Cliff Hanger is the slide for you.
If you’re visiting with younger swimmers, you’ll want to be sure to check out Pleasure Island Kiddie Pool and Frog Island. Slightly older kids will love Wipe Out, a five-level climbing structure with interactive water features, slides, and more.
RV Camping Near Venture River Water Park
Our favorite thing about this innovative water park? RV camping is available right next door. That’s right, RVing is definitely the way to go when visiting this park, as you’ll be able to stay right in the middle of the fun!
Venture River RV Park — This park features 40 RV sites, bathhouses with showers, a camp store, a lake for fishing and kayaking, and a playground for little campers. Some sites with full hookups are available, but the water and electric sites are just as nice if you can live without a sewer hookup during your stay. Either way, you’re sure to love being so close to the awesomeness at Venture River Water Park.
Rent an RV near Venture River Water Park!
Planning Your Trip to Venture River Water Park
Wondering what you can expect to pay to visit Venture River Water Park? Those over 54” will be charged $29 for a day pass. Meanwhile, people under 54” will pay $24, and seniors only $14. Ages 2 and under enter for free. Two-day admission is available for a reduced price. Season passes are also available and are the best option for those who plan to visit regularly.
Parking is free at this park, and cabana rentals and lockers rentals are available. Snacks are allowed to be carried into the park, but picnic lunches should be eaten at the picnic area near the parking lot. There is food available for purchase in the park as well.
Kentucky Splash Waterpark
Ready to discover yet another amazing Kentucky water park? Kentucky Splash Waterpark is an absolutely awesome local water playground that you’re sure to love just as much as the residents of Williamsburg do. In fact, we’re betting you’ll want to visit more than once to ensure you get the most out of your visit.
This cute little park includes everything that makes a water park great. The 18,000-square-foot wave pool keeps kids and adults happy as they bob up and down, and the lazy river allows you to let your troubles float away. Little visitors love the kiddie pool and activity area, and the five water slides offer enough thrills to fill a whole day.
Looking for even more fun? Be sure to check out the 18-hole mini golf course and arcade located near the water park.
RV Camping Near Kentucky Splash Waterpark
Believe it or not, Kentucky Splash Waterpark also offers visitors the opportunity to camp right next to the fun. That’s right, this is another water park with onsite camping, meaning you can enjoy the fun of camping alongside the fun of visiting a water park. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Kentucky Splash Campground — A smaller campground, Kentucky Splash Campground is the perfect intimate setting for a family getaway. Here, you’ll find 25 RV sites with full hookups. A bathhouse is also onsite, and Wi-Fi is available to guests. To top it all off, this campground is very affordable.
Rent an RV near Kentucky Splash Waterpark!
Planning Your Trip to Kentucky Splash Waterpark
Admission to Kentucky Splash Waterpark is $12 every day, regardless of your age or height. The one exception is for babies 2 and under, who are allowed to enter the park for free with a paying adult. Parking is free at the park.
Outside food and drink are not allowed in the water park. Instead of packing a lunch, we recommend grabbing food from the onsite Rainbow Cafe, which serves up burgers, hot dogs, nachos, and more—all for a reasonable fee.
Paradise Cove
Those who are looking for even more water park fun should check out Paradise Cove in Richmond. This is a quaint park that provides all the fun you’re looking for without the stress of navigating an enormous amusement park.
Attractions here include a large swimming pool with diving boards for those who just want to swim around—something not found in many parks. The water rock climbing wall is another unique feature that guests love.
Of course, the zero-depth entry pool and shallow pool with a baby slide are appreciated by the youngest swimmers. Meanwhile, older kids will love the climbing structure with water sprays and a dump bucket. Lastly, we must mention the slides, which include a family slide, a straight chute, and a spiral slide.
RV Camping Near Paradise Cove
A visit to this park is another road trip opportunity that calls for an RV. As far as RV parking goes, you have several options. That said, we recommend turning to the park listed below for a fantastic camping experience:
Fort Boonesborough State Park — A beautiful green place, Fort Boonesborough State Park is an awesome place to camp. Sites include water and electricity, and some have a sewer connection. Dump stations are also available onsite, as are bathhouses. Of course, the best part is that you’re parked only 20 minutes from Paradise Cove!
Rent an RV near Paradise Cove!
Planning Your Trip to Paradise Cove
Daily admission to Paradise Cove is based on age and time of day. Kids 3 and under are always free. Those ages 4–13 pay $5 during the day and $4 after 4pm. Ages 14–17 are $6 during the day and $4 after 4pm. Seniors are $5 for daytime and $3 in the evening, and non-senior adults should expect to park $9 in the morning and afternoon and $6 in the evening.
Season passes and swim lessons are available for those who will be around all summer. Concessions are also sold onsite, so be sure to budget accordingly.
Russell Sims Aquatic Center
Finally, we highly recommend adding one more stop during your time in Bowling Green. Russell Sims Aquatic Center is the perfect summertime fun spot and a great addition to any Kentucky getaway.
This beautiful local water park features a lovely zero-depth entry pool that is ideal for families with kids. Little ones love the palm tree water sprayers, dump buckets, and lemon drops. Of course, the splash playground is popular with the younger crowd as well.
Have some thrill seekers in your group? Make sure they get a chance to head over to the diving boards. After a few jumps into the deep end, send them over to the two awesome water slides for an awesome time slipping and sliding into the water.
RV Camping Near Russell Sims Aquatic Center
Want to take an RV on your trip to Bowling Green? The RV park at Beech Bend is a great place to park. That said, those looking for other options might consider the campground listed below:
Bowling Green KOA Holiday — As we stated before, we really love KOA locations and tend to seek them out when looking for RV parking near amusement parks (and elsewhere). The KOA in Bowling Green is a great example of why we enjoy these parks. The sites are clean and spacious enough for big rigs. Each one offers hookups, and clean bath houses are available. Kids love the pool and paddle boat rentals, and your pup will appreciate the onsite dog park.
Rent an RV near Russell Sims Aquatic Center!
Planning Your Trip to Russell Sims Aquatic Center
Admission to Russell Sims Aquatic Center is $8 for adults, $5 for kids 3–15, and $2 for those 2 and under. (The “under 2” crowd receives a free swim diaper with admission.) Those wanting to save money on adult or kid tickets can visit after 4pm for a $2 discount.
The rules state that no outside food or drink may be brought into the park. A concession stand is available however, and it is well stocked with lots of favorite snacks to keep you going.
Obviously, you won’t have any trouble at all finding amusement parks in Kentucky. Choose a few of these, find an RV, and hit the road for an awesome amusement park adventure!
Want even more Kentucky fun? Consider searching for “amusement parks near me” once you arrive at your campground. Alternatively, you could check out one of the many other things to do in Kentucky.
The articles linked below will help you find the best sights to see while in the state:
