March 2021 marks one year of Kentuckians staying healthy at home. Virtual schooling, quarantining, and working from home has presented its challenges, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. As temperatures and vaccination rates rise, some of our favorite places are beginning to reopen*. What better time to get out and spend quality time with your loved ones? With its big city amenities and small town warmth, Richmond is an ideal Kentucky destination for families of all ages and sizes. Whether you’re taking a stay-cation, in town for the day, or taking a weekend off, there’s something here for everyone. Pack up the kids and check out these 9 fun things to do here in Richmond, Kentucky.
*for COVID restrictions in place, check with your chosen destination
River Hill Ranch
680 River Hill Dr.
(859) 408-5132
What’s more fun and relaxing than sweet, fluffy animals? Nothing we can think of. Visit River Hill Ranch for a unique experience for all ages with alpacas (yes, you read that right: alpacas). Take an Alpaca Awesome ranch tour, open to any age, and meet these cute, quirky critters in person. Then, check out the gift shop for soft, handmade alpaca wool goods. Looking for a more mindful getaway for the adults? Treat yourself to an Alpaca Vinyasa yoga session, and relax in a pasture alongside your fluffy friends. You can even book parties and events, complete with an alpaca photo shoot!
Local families, be sure to check out summer ranch camp and after school programs for your mini rancher. Call, email, or visit the website to learn more or book your experience.
Adventure Falls Mini Golf & Batting Cages
250 Lake Reba Dr.
(859) 626-0030
Few activities say warm-weather family fun like mini golf. Bring your little ones to Adventure Falls at Lake Reba for an 18-hole, ADA-accessible course with all kinds of fun twists and turns. For the athletic family, try the batting cage facility. Choose from any of 8 cages with Iron Mike pitching hands. No equipment? No worries! Bats and helmets are available for rental. You can also try out our shuffleboard court, or cash in on all the fun by renting the party room. Stocked with 4 tables, 29 chairs, a sink, and a refrigerator, it’s a wonderful option for your kids’ party, your family reunion, or just a fun outing with friends.
Call or visit the website for rental and ticketing information.
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Tours:
(859) 527-3454
Kentucky’s early history is a fascinating journey for all ages, and it’s been well preserved right here in Madison County. Daniel Boone and his men reached the Kentucky River on April 1, 1775– more than a year before the Declaration of Independence– and quickly established Kentucky’s second settlement at Fort Boonesborough. Pass that history on while enjoying our state’s scenic beauty at Fort Boonesborough State Park. Tour the reconstructed fort, and see what life was like for pioneers in Kentucky through craft demonstrations by resident artisans. Then, break out your tent or RV and take advantage of our campground and the surrounding natural areas. Enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, bird watching, kayaking, boating, mini golf, and more.
Deer Run Stables
2001 River Circle
Jona: (615) 268-9960
Brittany: (859) 492-5803
No Kentucky getaway is complete without a horse experience. Richmond is less than 30 miles from the horse capital of the world, but you don’t have to go that far to enjoy some equine time. Deer Run Stables offers guided trail rides through their 100-acre facility in the heart of Daniel Boone country for riders ages 8 and up. Slip away from the stress of the modern world as a family and experience the love of horses and the wonders of nature. Book your experience today.
For nearby families with young riders, Deer Run also offers a week long kids’ summer camp. Campers who register before May 1 even receive an early bird discount!
White Hall Historic Site
500 White Hall Shrine Rd.
(859) 623-9178
White Hall Historic Site captures two of our favorite parts of Richmond: its fascinating history and its breathtaking natural areas. The stately, 10,000 square-foot mansion was built in the 1700s with major additions built in the 1860s. White Hall served as home to the notable Clay family, including Revolutionary War general Green Clay, and grandson and notable abolitionist Cassius Marcellus Clay. Bring the family to tour this incredible relic of a bygone era, then enjoy the adjacent White Hall Park. Explore the walking trails, enjoy the basketball courts and playground, or picnic at one of our shelters. Or, bring your rod and reel and enjoy a day of fishing in the pond. Call or email to book a tour or for more information.
Lake Reba Recreational Complex
299 Lake Reba Dr.
(859) 623-8753
Looking for outdoor fun for the whole family? Lake Reba Recreational Complex offers 600 acres of options! Get active together on the 1.2 mile paved walking trail. You can even bring your four-legged friends: the Judy Raines Memorial Dog Park offers an off-leash area for pups of all sizes. Unleash your inner child on the playground, or go fishing or kayaking in the majestic 75-acre lake. Bond over a game of horseshoes, basketball, baseball, or any game you can imagine on our expansive athletic courts.
Paradise Cove Aquatic Center opens on Memorial Day, and Adventure Falls Mini Golf and Batting Cage facility is now open. Shelter rentals are also available for your family’s parties and get-togethers. For rentals and other information, visit richmond.ky.us/ann-durham-lake-reba.
Richmond Raceway
328 Greens Crossing Rd.
(859) 200-1215
For some families, an evening around the racetrack is the definition of spring and summer fun. For others, it’s trying new things together. Either way, Richmond Raceway might be the perfect pit stop for you. Nestled away in scenic Waco, Richmond Raceway holds racing events nearly every weekend from March to October. For events, contact information, and more, visit richmond-raceway.net.
Irvine McDowell Park
345 Lancaster Ave.
(859) 623-8753
Sometimes, even adults need playtime. Have fun with your kids at Irvine McDowell Park, between downtown Richmond and the EKU campus. Let the little ones run, swing, and climb on the playground, while the adults grill out under the gazebo shelters. Or, visit the adjacent Irvinton House Museum, and dig into Richmond’s rich history. The 200-year-old house is home to several unique artifacts, including one of very few Revolutionary War uniforms left in existence. Visit daily from 8-4, or call for a guided tour.
Taylor Fork Ecological Area
1 Taylor Hancock Ln.
(859) 622-2283
In challenging times, sometimes a serene nature walk is just what the doctor ordered. Bring out your inner explorer at EKU’s Taylor Fork. Taylor Fork Ecological Area is a 60-acre nature site near campus, maintained by the university’s Wildlife Management program. The area is open to the public, so visit any time– and keep an eye on the Facebook page for special events like the recent Woodcock Walk.
