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KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — It’s that time again; summer is knocking on the door, and day trips, weekend getaways, and family vacations could be on the horizon.

Kentucky offers many fun-filled options, ranging from relaxing mountain retreats to kid-approved attractions. The Commonwealth also boasts a multitude of lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming.

According to Family Destinations Guide, here are five family vacation ideas in Kentucky:

1. Lake Cumberland

Family Destinations Guide described Lake Cumberland as a “haven of outdoor adventures for fun-loving families.”

Options like hiking, horseback riding, and a marina where families can boat, fish, or swim on the lake are available.

Beautiful sunrise at Lake Cumberland, Kentucky. (Getty Images)

Anyone who ventures into Lake Cumberland is also encouraged to visit surrounding national attractions like Daniel Boone National Forest and Mammoth Cave.

2. Bowling Green

In southwestern Kentucky lies the city of Bowling Green. This “small, charming city” offers a variety of things for families to do.

Moms, dads, and young car enthusiasts alike will surely get a thrill exploring the National Corvette Museum.

Whether it’s taking a trip to Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon for a day of thrill rides and water slides or cooling off underground by exploring Lost River Cave, Bowling Green has many things to offer.

A Creek in the colorful seasonal forest with sun flares outside of Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Kentucky USA (Getty Images)

3. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

If you’re looking to go off the grid and leave the worries of everyday life behind, then take a gander at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. Nature lovers will feel right at home with the “heavy dose of outdoor adventure”.

Cumberland Gap offers over 70 miles of trails for hikers, along with multiple spots for camping, sightseeing, and wildlife observation.

Mountain view at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (National Park Service)

Beneath the mountains, there are miles of passages to explore in Gap Cave. These caves offer views of geologic formations and unusual animals.

4. Louisville

Who said summer break had to be a vacation away from learning? Nestled away in Louisville are a plethora of museums, parks, and a 134-acre zoo to visit.

Things in Louisville aren’t all educational. Families can experience all of the thrills, laughs, and screams that Kentucky Kingdom amusement park has to offer. Kentucky Kingdom offers a water park to help beat the heat as well as roller coasters and other kid-friendly rides.

Fans of America’s pastime could enjoy the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory to see the history of baseball unfold in front of their eyes. There may also be a free miniature bat handed out to visitors at the end of a tour.

5. Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park

Instead of expensive trips to the Caribbean, why not get a Caribbean-like experience at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park?

This little Kentucky paradise offers a beach in the middle of the park with white sands and emerald waters that “mirror the Caribbean.”

White sands and emerald-colored clear waters at Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park (Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park)

Pennyrile Forest offers a one-bedroom house for rent, which is great for families of up to five. The house features two double beds and a sofa bed. It also comes with free Wi-Fi and a coffee machine.

Reflections and the sunset over Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park in Kentucky

Aside from the white sand beach, Pennyrile Forest also offers a golf course and hiking trails to tie fun family activities into a neat little bow.