Family-Friendly Getaways Just a Few Hours from Owensboro
Sometimes the best summer memories come from piling into the car, grabbing snacks for the road, and heading somewhere new for a long weekend adventure. The good news? Families don’t have to travel far to find beaches, big-city attractions, outdoor adventures, unique restaurants, and unforgettable experiences.
We asked Owensboro Parent staff members to share some of their favorite drivable family getaways — the places they’ve personally explored, loved, and would recommend to other families looking for an easy summer escape.
These trips are all close enough for a weekend but exciting enough to feel like a true vacation.
Nashville, Tennessee
Christy’s Offbeat Family Guide to Music City
Nashville may be best known for country music, honky tonks, and Broadway nightlife — but there’s another side of Music City families will love discovering. Owensboro Parent staff member Christy recommends skipping the obvious tourist stops and exploring some of Nashville’s more creative, quirky, and offbeat attractions that make for a memorable family getaway.
Athena Parthenos at The Parthenon Centennial Park
One of Nashville’s most unexpected attractions is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek Parthenon — complete with the towering Athena Parthenos statue inside. Standing nearly 42 feet tall, the massive gold-colored sculpture feels larger than life and gives kids a chance to experience a little mythology and history right in the middle of Tennessee. Fun fact: The iconic scene in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief where the heroes fight the Hydra was filmed here!
The Stitching Bell
For crafty families, The Stitching Bell offers a colorful and creative stop filled with needlepoint canvases, embroidery supplies, and inspiration for handmade projects. It’s a fun hidden gem for parents and kids who love art, sewing, or creative hobbies.
Fairytales Bookstore
Known as Nashville’s “tiniest mightiest children’s bookstore,” Fairytales is packed with charm, imagination, and carefully curated children’s books. Young readers can browse cozy shelves, discover new favorite stories, and enjoy one of the city’s sweetest little shops.
Adventure Science Center
Need to burn some energy? The Adventure Science Center is filled with hands-on exhibits, STEM activities, climbing structures, and interactive experiences that make learning feel like play. It’s an easy win for curious kids of all ages.
Goo Goo Cluster Class
Trade the concert tickets for chocolate during a Goo Goo Cluster candy-making class. Families can create their own versions of Nashville’s iconic candy while learning a little local history — and enjoying plenty of sweet samples along the way.
Lake Michigan
Ashley’s Family Guide to Beach Towns, Sand Dunes & a Chicago Adventure
When most people think of a Midwest summer vacation, they may not immediately picture beaches, dune rides, waterfront towns, and big-city adventures — but Owensboro Parent staff member Ashley says a Lake Michigan getaway checks every box for families looking for a memorable long weekend.
St. Joseph, Michigan
This charming Lake Michigan beach town offers plenty of family-friendly fun packed into a walkable waterfront area. Ashley recommends grabbing pizza at Silver Beach Pizza, letting kids cool off at the Whirlpool Compass Fountain, and riding the Silver Beach Carousel for a classic summer memory by the water.
Saugatuck Dune Rides
For adventurous families, the Saugatuck Dune Rides are a must. Guided rides take visitors through towering sand dunes, wooded trails, and scenic overlooks while sharing the area’s fascinating history.
Lake Arvesta Farms
Part water park, part outdoor adventure destination, Lake Arvesta Farms offers inflatable obstacle courses, swimming areas, kayaking, beach activities, and plenty of space for families to relax and play together.
Shopping in South Haven
Downtown South Haven is filled with locally owned boutiques, ice cream shops, coffee spots, and beach-town charm perfect for a slow summer afternoon.
Chicago Day Trip
Ashley’s family also recommends taking the South Shore Line train into Chicago for an easy day adventure. Highlights included visiting Skydeck at Willis Tower, exploring the massive playgrounds and green spaces at Maggie Daley Park, and taking a Wendella boat tour to experience the city skyline from the water.
St. Louis, Missouri
Ryan’s Family Guide to a Fun, Easy Long Weekend
Looking for a family getaway that feels like a real vacation without spending an entire day in the car? Owensboro Parent staff member Ryan recommends St. Louis for a low-stress, family-friendly road trip packed with major attractions, hands-on activities, and plenty to do for kids of all ages.
One of the biggest perks? At just under three hours from Owensboro — mostly a straight shot down I-64 West — it’s close enough to avoid major backseat meltdowns but far enough away to feel like a true getaway. Ryan also loves that many of the city’s biggest attractions are located in the same general area, saving families time on parking, traffic, and logistics. It’s the perfect long weekend destination.
Saint Louis Zoo
Located inside beautiful Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the best zoos in the country — and general admission is completely free. Families can spend the day exploring animal exhibits while adding optional experiences like the Zooline Railroad or the Sea Lion Show, which Ryan says was absolutely
worth it.
Gateway Arch
Even younger kids will love visiting St. Louis’ most iconic landmark. Ryan says Emery was fascinated by the tram ride to the top of the Gateway Arch, where small four-passenger pods carry guests to breathtaking views overlooking Missouri and Illinois. Families should also plan time for the free Museum at the Gateway Arch, which features interactive exhibits on westward expansion, Indigenous history, and the construction of the Arch itself.
St. Louis Union Station
Once one of the world’s busiest train terminals, Union Station has been transformed into a giant family entertainment hub filled with restaurants, shopping, carnival games, mini golf, attractions, and activities. Families can ride the St. Louis Wheel, tackle the indoor ropes course, and explore one of the city’s biggest draws — the St. Louis Aquarium.
Ryan especially recommends the aquarium experience, which begins with a high-tech virtual train ride narrated by St. Louis native John Goodman. Inside, kids can enjoy touch tanks featuring stingrays, doctor fish, and even small sharks, along with interactive exhibits and crowd-favorite river otters.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Flagship Store
Because St. Louis is the birthplace of Build-A-Bear Workshop, the flagship location inside Union Station feels extra special. Ryan says this stop was a huge hit with Emery thanks to the expanded experience, exclusive St. Louis-themed outfits and accessories, and the chance to cool off in the air conditioning after spending time outside exploring the plaza and attractions.