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3 Popular Things To Do In Owensboro, Kentucky That Kids Will Love

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This post could contain affiliate links or be sponsored which means I earn from advertising. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More details here.

Most people don’t realize just how close the land of Kentucky Bluegrass is to St. Louis. Or that there’s so many unique treasures to be found in the towns that sit along the Ohio River. There’s plenty to enjoy in Owensboro, Kentucky even when you have just you only have 24 hours or less to spend in the area!

owensboro, kentucky

3 Popular Things To Do In Owensboro, Kentucky That Kids Will Love

Fun for the whole family awaits you just 3 hours from the Lou. And you don’t even have to spend an entire weekend. Just 24 hours in Owensboro, Kentucky (or even a quick day trip if you don’t mind 6 hours round trip in the car) can be done and memories will definitely be made!

Located in Daviess County, on the banks of the Ohio River, you will find the city of Owensboro. Last weekend we visited this unique town and would like to return again. There’s so much that we missed seeing, but also so much that we were able to experience in our short time there. Another visit is most definitely in order!

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What makes Owensboro unique to other parts of Kentucky?

Sure there are many Kentucky towns that sit on the Ohio waterway, but Owensboro has a uniqueness all its own. The riverwalk is fabulous. You can literally park in one spot for the day to then explore the waterfront and a Everything we did is right there and really close to each other.

owensboro kentucky legend pier

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

While the actually home of Bluegrass music is in Rosine, Kentucky (about 45 minutes from the city of Owensboro), the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is found in the riverwalk area of Owensboro.

Filled with really informative exhibits.

bluegrass hall of fame exhibits

There’s a Picking Parlor where you can try out all the instruments.

owensboro kentucky bluegrass hall of fame picking parlor

Also a massive theatre for concerts.

woodward theatre bluegrass hall of fame

And of course the Hall of Fame room!

bluegrass hall of fame awards owensboro kentucky

Smother’s Park

Right there in between the Bluegrass Hall of Fame complex and the Ohio River you will find a truly unique experience in Smother’s Park.

There’s an ENORMOUS playground.

smothers park trees
smothers park playground

So many fountains and gorgeous views of the bridge both day and night.

smothers park fountains
owensboro kentucky bridge fountain

owensboro kentucky fountains

Just 9 miles outside of Owensboro, Kentucky…

Trunnell’s Farm Market and Farm Experience

I’m a firm believer that you cannot truly experience fall without a visit to an orchard. Could be because I worked at an apple orchard all during high school. So I’m a big fan of all the fall things. Apples, pumpkins, cider, corn mazes… all the things! Trunnell’s Farm is indeed a great place to experience the fall season.

So much fun for the entire family.

trunnells farm kentucky

I particularly loved all the beautiful and fun photo opportunities.

trunnells farm experience

The Trunnell’s Sunflower Experience was absolutely amazing.

trunnels sunflower experience

And there’s truly explosive apple cannon to experience!

trunnells apple cannon

Where to stay in Owensboro, Kentucky

We did in fact stay the night in Owensboro so we could head over to Holiday World (in Santa Claus, Indiana) the next day. The Fairfield Inn is where we were hosted for the night. Conveniently located halfway between the riverwalk area and Trunnell’s so it’s the perfect place to stay when wanting to see all the things that Owensboro area has to offer. Fairfield by Marriott has everything you need for your stay and a nice breakfast is included.

What we want to see on our next trip to Owensboro, KY

There are so many other things to see in Owensboro. Here are just a few on our list for next time:

Owensboro Museum of Science & History

Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

Owensboro Museum of Fine Art

Until next time, Owensboro!

Like this Owensboro, Kentucky family travel idea?

Get more travel ideas on the blog HERE.

Tara

blog owner at Seeing Dandy Blog
A mom blogger for over 15 years, Tara Smith lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her audiologist husband and four kids. Her blog has been featured on local media television shows like News 4 Great Day and Show Me St. Louis, as well as in the Farmhouse Style Magazine for Country Sampler. She loves to travel, explore the Midwest, make crafts and read.

This post could contain affiliate links or be sponsored which means I earn from advertising. Also as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More details here.

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