KENTUCKY (FOX 56) — Despite the fact that the Bluegrass State is known for its natural destinations and tourism, families can enjoy these amusement and water parks this summer.

Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay

Scream Extreme (Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom)
Scream Extreme (Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom)

Why choose between amusement rides or a water park when you can have them both? Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville offers thrilling rollercoasters, family-friendly rides, and a 4D theater.

Tripadvisor gives Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay a 4 out of 5.

Kentucky Splash Water Park and Campground

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky Splash Water Park and Campground offers multiple water slides, a campground, and 18 holes of mini golf. Tripadvisor gives the water park a 4 out of 5.

Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon

One user on Tripadvisor called Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon a hidden gem. Located in Bowling Green, this amusement park has rides, shows, and a dragway.

Tripadvisor gives the park 4 out of 5.

Venture River Family Water Park

Venture River Family Water Park is in Eddyville. The water park has multiple water slides, a lazy river, and the Wipe Out. The Wipe Out is a five-level slide house with multiple slides and water interactives.

Tripadvisor gives the park a 4.5 out of 5.

SomerSplash

SomerSplash is located in Somerset and has all the usual water park trappings to help you escape the heat.

Tripadvisor gives the park a 4.5 out of 5.

Paradise Cove Aquatic Center

Paradise Cove Aquatic Center in Richmond is perfect for central Kentuckians who don’t want to travel far, but want more than a splash pad.

Tripadvisor gives the park a 4.5 out of 5.

Russell Sims Aquatic Center

Russell Sims Aquatic Center is a city-run option in Bowling Green, offering a full water park experience.

Tripadvisor gives the park a 4.5 out of 5.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Drivers race in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Richmond, Va. (Eva Russo/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)
Drivers race in a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, April 2, 2023, in Richmond, Va. (Eva Russo/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

Not quite an amusement park, but something special for speed demons and NASCAR fans. The Richard Petty Driving Experience lets drivers experience the life of a NASCAR driver at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta.

Tripadvisor gives the experience a 4.5 out of 5.