The Ultimate Guide To Seasonal Activities In Kentucky: Pumpkin Patches, Christmas Lights, Water Parks, And More

Few things are more delightful than wandering through a flower field in bloom. Add in the winsome charm of the Bluegrass State, and you have the makings of a picture-perfect day (or Hallmark movie!). Lavender In Bloom is a family-run flower farm located in Georgetown, Kentucky; and contrary to its moniker, this hidden gem grows all kinds of beautiful blooms. As the weather warms and the Bluegrass bursts into technicolor, take some time to get lost in thousands of tulips, blooms, and of course, lavender, at Lavender In Bloom in Kentucky. Have you visited this dreamy Kentucky flower farm during the spring?

When temps heat up in the Bluegrass State, there's only one course of action: take to the water! And what's more fun than a trip to a water park? It's a nostalgic, all-ages experience that's fun for everyone! Luckily, you’ll find quite a few water parks in Kentucky worth checking out when warm weather hits! A few of our favorites include Kentucky Splash Water Park, an epic destination that features water fun, mini golf, and campground all rolled into one; Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, the ultimate water park experience in Louisville; and Venture River Water Park, a delightful family-friendly spot in Eddyville. Which of these Kentucky water parks is your favorite to visit in the summer?

On a hot, sunny day in Kentucky, there is nothing better than dipping your toes in the water and cooling off on the river. Swimming holes, pools, and water parks are all popular summertime destinations in the Bluegrass, but when you want to try some classic outdoor fun, head to what's likely the longest float trip in the state. The Awesome Lazy River in Kentucky is, indeed, awesome, and it’s a popular way to relax and float the day away on the glorious Salt River in Shepherdsville. Have you taken a float ride down this awesome lazy river in Kentucky before?

Come fall each year, the bucolic landscape of the Bluegrass State glows orange. All across the state, you'll find the most charming little pumpkin patches. Some are small, family-run farms; others a part of big fall festivals complete with hay rides, corn mazes, and barrel trains. Picking a picture-perfect pumpkin, though, is the first order of business on your fall bucket list! What's your favorite pumpkin patch in Kentucky?

There's nothing quite like visiting an apple orchard during the heart of harvesting season in Kentucky. The produce is fresh and fragrant, the scenery is lovely, the apple cider donuts are hot and fresh, and the farmers are friendly and helpful. Many orchards let you pick fruit straight off the trees, so you can fill a bushel with your picks of the Bluegrass bounty! Picking apples offers a unique experience and a tasty aftermath as you prepare fresh, homemade goodies. Orchards also usually offer some homemade goodies of their own, too, such as pastries, pies, breads, donuts, and ice cream! And is there anything better than fresh-pressed apple cider (or a cider slushie)? We think not! Which of these orchards is your favorite place to pick apples in Kentucky?

Fall in Kentucky is a wonderful time of year that's best spent outdoors. The temperatures (eventually) cool off and dozens of local farms swing open their gates for pumpkin picking, hay rides, and exciting corn mazes. Whether you’re looking for a fun corn maze you can tackle with your kids, an epic maze that will require major sleuthing skills to solve, or a haunted maze that's totally spooktacular, you're sure to find it in these Bluegrass State corn mazes. Which a-maze-ing maze will you visit first?

There are many towns in Kentucky that go all out when it comes to Halloween. Several small towns host festivals, parades, and pumpkin glows that make the season extra festive. Louisville is a big city, but many of its neighborhoods transform for Halloween; Hillcrest Avenue is always illuminated and a fun spot to walk around; Winchester celebrates Halloween in a big way with a fun festival and plenty of pumpkins. And don’t forget to check your nearby state park because many of them host Halloween events throughout the fall, like the epic Jack O’Lantern Spectacular. This Kentucky Halloween town is created at Iroquois Amphitheater each fall, with 5,000 picture-perfect pumpkins carved into the most incredible jack o'lanterns. The Spectacular features a quarter-mile trail that winds through Iroquois Park, making this a family-friendly Halloween event that's easily the most unique and wow-worthy in Kentucky! Would you want to walk through this epic Halloween town?

Many small towns in Kentucky come to life during the holidays with festive Main Streets and plenty of Christmas cheer. Bardstown is always a charming place to visit, as it has been named the most beautiful small town in the country many times. At Christmas time, though, the city transforms into a magical holiday wonderland, complete with idyllic displays, twinkling lights, numerous events, and an awe-inspiring amount of Christmas cheer. Isn't this Kentucky Christmas town utterly magical?

There are so many fun holiday activities in Kentucky, but if you’re looking for something a little bit more unique that the kids will absolutely love, book your tickets for the Polar Express train ride aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway in Stearns. This popular excursion is the only official Polar Express ride in the state, and it's a festive experience your family won't soon forget! A festive experience from start to finish, the station at 66 Henderson Street is always decked out in Christmas lights and decorations sure to put you in a festive frame of mind. And during this hour-long expedition, Santa will come around to visit everyone and hand out gifts. What will you ask for from Santa when you visit him on this magical Christmas train?

If you’re looking for something a bit more exciting than blaring Christmas music, drinking egg nog, and watching A Christmas Story for the thousandth time (not that there is anything wrong with that!), this holiday season, then bundle up and head out to enjoy a good, old-fashioned Christmas light display. Every year, these magical destinations illuminate the Bluegrass State with festive cheer, and they are some of the best things to do during Christmas in Kentucky. From drive-thru and walk-thru displays to neighborhood lights and entire town festivals, you'll find lots of holiday cheer all over Kentucky sure to dazzle and delight! What's your favorite place to admire Christmas lights in Kentucky?