It’s the time of the year again where getting out and about and craving adventure takes over us all. With many on a budget, Kentucky offers many free activities and entertainment without having to use your wallet. Here’s a list of some of the top things to do in the state that will suit your free spirit and won’t break your bank.

1. Thunder Over Louisville
LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr
One of the premiere highlights of the year for any Kentuckian. This special day kicks off the Derby festivities and is a true awe-inspiring display of fireworks.
2. Louisville Extreme Park
Andrew Buckie/Flickr
It's not everyday you get to feast your eyes and play around like a kid again amongst a full half-pipe, rails, and even a 360 bowl on over 40,000 square feet of pavement.
3. Camp at the Red River Gorge and visit Natural Bridge in Slade, KY
hspauldi/Flickr
One of Eastern Kentucky's gems is the beautiful gorge and natural bridge. Bring the family, hit the trails and camp through the night, you'll be glad you did! Get to be one with nature.
4. Walk, run or jog across the Purple People Bridge in Newport
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
That's just fun to say, right? Leave the keys in the car and get active across this picturesque bridge overlooking the city.
5. Tour the Ale 8 Plant in Winchester
Manda Mia/Flickr
Who wouldn't want to sample free Ale 8? Visit the plant and sip on that delicious treat.
6. Go exploring through the Arboretum in Lexington
keithreed01/Flickr
Adjacent to the University of Kentucky, this park is the perfect escape for students wanting to escape campus for some fresh air and clear their head during stressful studies.
7. Visit Daniel Boone National Forest
J Klinger/Flickr
In Winchester, get an astonishing glimpse of the Appalachian Mountains where the forest lies within the Cumberland Plateau.

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8. Go galavanting down 4th Street in Louisville
Orin Blomberg/Flickr
This unique nightlife and entertainment spot is perfect to let loose and people watch. You can even selfie with the giant Hard Rock Guitar.
9. Witness gorgeous views and sunsets at the Newport Levee
Frank Swift/Flickr
Sit back, or walk the shoreline on the edge of northern Kentucky during evening hours for the perfect sunset watching area.
10. Go to the birthplace of Colonel Sander's famous chicken recipe at the Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum in Corbin
Joel Kramer/Flickr
See where it all began, the original KFC.
11. Take a sip at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown
directorebeccer/Flickr
Get to know your whiskey and maybe get a free sample or two if you're lucky!
12. Get a sense of history by visiting the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace in Hodgenville
mousse joketsuzoku/Flickr
Brush up on your history and go see the birthplace of one of the greats.
13. Watch the horses warm up during the early morning hours at Keeneland Thoroughbred Racetrack
Koocheekoo/Flickr
If you can't afford to attend an actual race, get there at early hours to see the horses get ready for the day for free.
14. Tour the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum
David Madden/Flickr
Whether by road or railway, get the history of the railroad and see some beauty on this scenic ride.

There are so many fun and free things to partake in across the great Bluegrass state. This list is just the start of the interesting places to visit and things to do. What are some of your favorites?

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