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Family fun in Central Kentucky

By Mary Meehan | mmeehan@herald-leader.com

Central Kentucky is known for bourbon and horse racing — things with a decidedly grown-up bent — but there is plenty for families to do. Here's a selection of some great, and affordable, family getaways.

[Get directions to these attractions from an interactive map.]

• Salato Wildlife Education Center
• Explorium of Lexington
• Tour Toyota
• Bluegrass Railroad Museum
• Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
• Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill
• You-pick farms and orchards

Salato Wildlife Education Center: A compact dose of Kentucky's great open spaces and animals, Salato offers even the most urban dweller a taste of the wild life. Indoor exhibits feature an array of live displays that cover Kentucky's history and natural wonders. The real wonders, though, are the outdoor exhibits, which feature real bears, elk and bobcats. There are walking trails for both casual and serious hikers. (1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort; (502) 564-7863 or 1-800-858-1549. Free. Indoor exhibit hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., closed Sun.-Mon. Closed all state holidays, Nov. 26-30 and Dec. 13-Feb. 15; will reopen Feb. 16.)

Explorium of Lexington: This really is a place where learning is fun. With hands-on activities ranging from a water works to a doctor's clinic, this is terrific for kids, especially those who aren't yet in middle school. There are lots of targeted special events where you can pet funky-looking insects or create a special craft. When planning your trip, it's worth checking on the Web site to see if something special is on the calendar. (449 West Short St., Lexington; (859) 258-3253; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Sat., 1- 5 p.m. Sun., closed Mon. and major holidays. $6, free for children younger than 1.)

Tour Toyota: See how cars are made during this tram tour of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky's 7.5-million-square-foot plant in Georgetown. The free tour begins with a glimpse at how huge rolls of steel are molded into cars. It ends 90 minutes later where cars roll off the assembly line. Children must be in the first grade at least. Reservations are required, and tours book far in advance. There is a virtual tour online that gives you an idea of what you'll see. There is also a spacious visitor's center dedicated to car manufacturing. (1001 Cherry Blossom Way, Georgetown; (502) 868-3027 or 1-800-886-4485; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon-Wed., Fri.; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thu. Tours are at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. every day but Thursday, which features only a 6 p.m. tour. Free.)

Bluegrass Railroad Museum: This quaint museum offer a glimpse of what it was like to travel when riding the rails was the most fashionable way to go. Renovated coach cars from the 1920s and '30s take passengers on a one-hour, 7-mile train ride through beautiful horse country. The museum is operated by train lovers who, after a fire destroyed the main building in 2006, responded with a fund-raising effort and in 2008 unveiled a depot modeled on train stations built in the late 1800s. There are also a gift shop and frequent special events, like "haunted" rides in October. You can see the renovated trains year-round but the gift shop and train tours run every Saturday and Sunday, May 17-Oct. 28. The train leaves at 2 p.m. (175 Beasley Road, Versailles; (859) 873-2476 or 1-800-755-2476; Gift shop and ticket office open 12:30 p.m.-4 p.m. daily. Train ticket: $10 adults and children older than 12, $9 seniors older than 65; $8 children 2-12, free for children 2 and younger. Locomotive cab rides, $25. Special holiday train runs: Home for the Holidays on Nov. 28; Santa Claus Train, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20.)

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary: This 734-acre sanctuary includes some 10 miles of trails. It is run by the Lexington Division of Parks and Recreation, and all of its programs are free. Nearly every weekend there are special programs designed to demystify nature's mysteries. There is a great staff willing to answer questions, and there are designated areas for picnics. A complete list of weekend activities is available online. (5886 Jacks Creek Pike, Fayette County. Hours vary by season, closed some holidays. (859) 272-6105.)

Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill: The Shakers came to Kentucky in 1805 and built a community extolling the virtues of peace and love. Fourteen immaculately renovated buildings allow you to step back in time in a self-guided tour or enjoy guided tours filled with Shaker history. Craft and traditional musical performances bring the whole experience to life and, of course, there is a fabulous gift shop and restaurant. You can stay overnight at an inn on the grounds, but reservations should be made well in advance. (3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg; 1-800-734-5611; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, April 1-Oct. 1; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily, Nov. 1-March 31. Village tours April-October are $15 for ages 13 and up; $5 for children 6-12. Tours from November-March are $7 and $5. Children 5 and under are free. Dixie Belle riverboat rides are $10, ages 13 and up; $5, 6 -12. Horse-drawn wagon rides, $5, are Fridays and Saturdays, April 1-Oct. 31.)

You pick it: When you live on the farm it's called work, but when you are a city dweller, it's fun to pick your own produce. Several area farms offer you-pick-it opportunities. Because the times and crops change with the season, it's best to check out the details yourself. Here are a few to consider:

• Boyd Orchards, 1396 Pinckard Pike, Versailles. (859) 873-3097.
• Amerson Orchard, 130 McClelland Circle, Georgetown. (502) 863-3799.
• Evans Orchard and Cider Mill, 180 Stone Road, Georgetown. (502) 867-3044.
• Bi-Water Farm and Greenhouse, 877 Cincinnati Pike, Georgetown. (502) 863-3676. Has a huge AutumnFest that begins in mid-September and runs through Halloween.

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