11 Things To Do In The Summer In Kentucky From Swimming Holes To Festivals

Summer has arrived here in The Bluegrass State and what a glorious season it is! The heat, the humidity, the festivities, the summer foods... we love it all. And there's no shortage of fun to be had during the summer in Kentucky, so we compiled this awesome list of our top 11 absolute "must do" items for your summer bucket list. Take a look, and get ready to have an amazing season of sun and fun here in beautiful Kentucky!

1. Plan a small-town getaway

If you’re looking for a quick getaway in Kentucky, consider one of the state's winsome small towns! The Bluegrass State is full of the best little towns, each of which brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re looking for a beach retreat, a weekend of historical adventure, a mountain escape, or a laid-back weekend of food and fun, plan to take a few small-town getaways this summer in Kentucky!

2. Plan some unique day trips

Overnight getaways are grand, but so are day trips! Kentucky is full of unique places to visit: Jane's Saddlebag, Eagle Bend Alpaca Farm, Big Bone Lick State Historic Site -- the list goes on and on! Find more inspiration here.

3. Hit the beach

The Bluegrass State is home to many beautiful beaches, some with white sands and cerulean waters so blue, you'd swear you were in a tropical paradise! Pictured is Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, a perennial Bluegrass favorite.

4. Shop 'til you drop at a Kentucky flea market!

There's nothing quite like the experience of shopping at a flea market; and in Kentucky, there's one awesome market you'll definitely want to check out. One of the largest in the state, Awesome Flea Market is a year-round, indoor and outdoor market in Shepherdsville that's open every Saturday and Sunday.

5. Savor in the views from a scenic overlook.

One of the best ways to take in The Bluegrass State's beauty is from above. For example, the Cumberland River is a long, resplendent river that winds and forks its way through Kentucky and Tennessee, and the deeply carved gorge canyons provide some truly magnificent overlooks along the way. There are several scenic vistas where you can behold its grandeur, many of which require little more than a short trek!

6. Take a hike!

There are so many perfect hikes you can take in Kentucky; and, during the summer, you'll be dazzled by the lush forest landscapes, wildflowers, and rushing rivers found along these trails. Kentucky's natural bridges and arches are especially wonderful to explore during the summer, offering a shaded and cool refuge from the heat!

7. Make a splash at a Kentucky waterpark!

With so many beautiful bodies of water in Kentucky, we often forget about our state's fun waterparks! Kentucky Splash Waterpark & Campground is one of our favorites because it combines beautiful Kentucky nature with an epic waterpark. The park boasts myriad slides, a lazy river, and swimming areas, and is a total blast! Bonus: you can camp here, too!

8. Float, tube, canoe, or kayak down a Kentucky river.

Kentucky's water recreation really is unparalleled, and you can plan a day on the water doing so many different, fun activities! Whether you choose to float, tube, canoe, kayak, or simply rent a boat, you can do it all here in Kentucky.

9. Hit up a local swimming hole.

The experience of a Kentucky swimming hole really is one of life's greatest simple pleasures, and Kentucky has lots of beautiful swimming spots perfect for taking a cool dip on a hot day!

10. Enjoy some down-home Kentucky cookin'.

It goes without saying, but Kentucky's food scene is top-notch. From next-level barbecue to amazing fried chicken, and everything in between, definitely enjoy some authentic Bluegrass fare this summer!

11. Go to a festival.

No summer in Kentucky is complete without a festival and there are plenty of options throughout the summer months. Let us know which ones you never miss!

Of course, this list merely scratches the surface of all of the fun you can have during the summer in Kentucky. Have you ever been to any of these awesome spots? If so, which were your favorites? What are your "summer musts" that you would add to the list? Be sure to share them with your fellow Kentuckians in the comments section below!

For a fun waterpark adventure, check out the SomerSplash Waterpark in Somerset.

If you’re still in the mood for more Bluegrass State adventures, take a look at this video: