Whether you live in Florence, Burlington, Union, or Hebron, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to easy weekend getaways.
From family-friendly attractions like the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium to outdoor gems such as Caesar Creek and Clifty Falls, everything on this list is within about two hours’ drive of Boone County, Kentucky—and packed with practical details on hours, prices, parking, and tips so you can plan fast and travel light.
Why These Getaways Work Within 2 Hours
Most trips below are 20–90 minutes from Boone County, KY (using Florence/Burlington as a central starting point).
A few outdoor spots reach the ~2-hour mark, ideal for an early Saturday start and a Sunday return.
Where prices or policies change with demand, we note plan-ahead pricing, timed entry, and seasonal hours so you can avoid surprises at the gate.
Snapshot- Weekend Ideas At A Glance
Tip: Prices are per adult unless noted; the Approx. Cost column estimates for two adults to help with quick budgeting.
Always check for updates before you go, because hours and pricing can change seasonally.
| Destination | Drive time | Why go | Approx. cost (2 adults) | Season/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden | 25-35 min | World-class animals and gardens | Plan-ahead pricing (from about $16 each) + $10 parking ≈ $42–$60+ | Buy online early for best prices |
| Cincinnati Museum Center (Union Terminal) | 20-30 min | Multiple museums and giant-screen theater | Varies by exhibit or film | Typical hours Thu–Mon, 10 am–5 pm |
| Newport Aquarium | 20-25 min | Shark Bridge, penguins, tunnels | $25.99–$40.99 each ≈ $52–$82 | Timed entry; book ahead to lock price |
| Rabbit Hash and Big Bone Lick State Historic Site | 25-35 min | Old-time general store, fossils, bison | Store browsing free; park free | Store often 10 am–6 pm; museum free |
| Perfect North Slopes (Lawrenceburg, IN) | 30 min | Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing | Tubing about $34 adult / $29 child or senior ≈ $68 for 2 adults | Winter only; peak times sell out |
| Lexington (Horse Country) | 1–1.5 hrs | Horses, heritage, murals, dining | Varies (Kentucky Horse Park admission) | Check for race meets and events |
| Louisville (Derby City) | 1.5 hrs | Churchill Downs and Derby Museum | From about $20 each ≈ $40 | Guided track visit included with general admission |
| Madison, IN and Clifty Falls State Park | 1–1.5 hrs | Falls, canyon trails, historic river town | Indiana State Park gate fees apply | Water flow changes trail views |
| Caesar Creek State Park (OH) | 1 hr | Beach, boating, fossil area | Free; fossil permit free | Pick up fossil permit at visitor center |
| Cincinnati Art Museum | 30-35 min | Large, diverse collection | Free general admission | Good rainy-day backup plan |
| Newport on the Levee | 20-25 min | Dining, skyline views, pop-ups | Free to stroll; pay for food and parking | Pair with Aquarium for a full day |
| Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge | 2 hrs | Sandstone arches, iconic hikes | Trailheads mostly free; attractions vary | Arrive early for weekend parking |
Cincinnati Classics- Zoo, Museums, Markets
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Zoo uses plan-ahead pricing, meaning ticket prices can change with demand.
Buying online in advance usually saves money; parking is about $10 and is cashless at the exit.
If you’re visiting with kids, add ride staples like the Safari Train and Carousel. Local tip: Arrive at opening to beat crowds, and look for weekday deals outside peak dates.
Cincinnati Museum Center At Union Terminal
This restored Art Deco landmark bundles several museums under one roof plus a giant-screen theater.
Regular hours are typically Thursday–Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often closed.
Special exhibits rotate, so scan the calendar before your trip and bundle with a film for a weather-proof day.
Cincinnati Art Museum
Need a low-cost indoor win? General admission is free, with a robust permanent collection and rotating shows.
It pairs well with a walk in Eden Park for views over the river and a quick coffee stop nearby.
Newport Riverfront- Aquarium + The Levee
Newport Aquarium
Just across the bridge from Downtown Cincinnati, the Aquarium’s Shark Bridge, acrylic tunnels, and penguins are slam-dunks with families and first-time visitors.
Timed entry with plan-ahead pricing ranges roughly $25.99–$40.99 for adults. Booking ahead locks your preferred time and price.
Newport On The Levee
Make a mini-itinerary: brunch or dinner on the river, pop-up markets, and a sunset stroll with skyline views.
Parking is easy, and you can combine your Levee time with the Aquarium for a full day steps apart.
Old Kentucky Charm- Rabbit Hash + Big Bone Lick
Rabbit Hash General Store
One of Northern Kentucky’s most atmospheric detours, the Rabbit Hash General Store is often open daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Grab a soda, browse the creaky-floor aisles, and enjoy porch music.
The river drive itself—especially via Lower River Road—offers great photo-ops, and it’s close enough to be a simple afternoon outing.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Union)
Ten minutes from Union and famous for Ice Age fossils and a resident bison herd, the park’s museum and visitor center are free, as is park admission.
Expect short, family-friendly trails, a small outdoor diorama pit, and seasonal programs. It’s a no-cost nature stop you can pair with Rabbit Hash for a half-day loop.
Winter Winner- Perfect North Slopes (Lawrenceburg, IN)
About 30 minutes from Boone County, Perfect North offers skiing, snowboarding, and wildly popular snow tubing.
Typical tubing pricing is around $34 (ages 13+) and $29 (12 & under/60+), with expanded weekend hours from morning into late evening.
Local tip: Friday evening tubing often hits the sweet spot—festive atmosphere without the early-morning rush.
Horse Country- Lexington In A Day
An easy 1–1.5-hour trip lands you in Lexington for horse heritage, bourbon dining, street murals, and a lively campus vibe.
- Kentucky Horse Park: A working horse farm and museum complex (admission required). Expect demonstrations, museums, and barns that make horse history tangible.
- Keeneland: If your dates align with spring or fall racing, add a morning workout or a race day for a postcard-worthy experience. Parking fills quickly on big days—arrive early.
Derby City Highlights- Louisville In ~1.5 Hours
Louisville blends riverfront neighborhoods with can’t-miss sports heritage.
- Kentucky Derby Museum (at Churchill Downs): General admission commonly starts near $20 and includes exhibits, a 360° film, and a guided track visit—great value for first-timers.
- Bonus picks: Explore NuLu restaurants, Waterfront Park, and the Big Four Bridge. If you’re into history, the museum cluster downtown can round out a full day.
Water, Woods & Fossils- Caesar Creek State Park (Ohio)
About an hour from Boone County, Caesar Creek provides a sandy public beach, hiking and boating, plus a standout family activity: fossil hunting in the spillway.
Ohio state parks are free, and you can observe fossils anytime—but to collect them, stop by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center for a free fossil permit. Leave tools at home; collect only small specimens that fit in your palm.
Waterfalls & A River Town- Madison, IN + Clifty Falls
In just over an hour you can reach Madison’s brick-lined downtown, eatery-packed blocks, and the scenic overlooks of Clifty Falls State Park.
Trails and cascades change character with rainfall; some viewpoints are near parking areas, while canyon routes demand sturdy shoes.
Indiana State Park day-use gate fees apply. Round out the day with coffee and antiques downtown or a sunset along the Ohio River.
Stretch Goal- Red River Gorge & Natural Bridge
If you’re up for a full weekend, Red River Gorge (via Slade) sits roughly two hours from Boone County.
Iconic arches, ridge walks, and Natural Bridge make this Kentucky classic worth the early start.
Go early on Saturdays for easier parking, pack layers (temperatures shift on ridgelines and in hollows), and drive carefully through Nada Tunnel.
Add a pizza stop or a local café along the Mountain Parkway for a perfect cap to your hike day.
Build-Your-Own Mini Itineraries
Family Crowd-Pleaser (All Weather)
AM: Newport Aquarium timed entry (aim for the first slot).
Lunch: Newport on the Levee—easy parking and river views.
PM: Cross to the Cincinnati Museum Center for hands-on galleries and a giant-screen film.
Outdoorsy Weekend On A Budget
Day 1: Caesar Creek beach time + pick up your free fossil permit at the Visitor Center; hunt for brachiopods in the spillway.
Day 2: Big Bone Lick easy trails, bison viewing, and the free museum; sunset detour to Rabbit Hash for porch music and river views.
Winter Fun Close To Home
Perfect North for snow tubing (reserve popular slots), hot chocolate breaks, and late-night runs under the lights.
If you ski or board, check lift tickets and rental packages a day or two ahead.
Practical Planning Tips
Book Ahead When Prices Flex
Both the Cincinnati Zoo and Newport Aquarium use plan-ahead pricing—buy online early for better rates and guaranteed entry times.
Timed entries reduce lines and keep the experience smoother, especially on weekends and school breaks.
Know The Hours
- Cincinnati Museum Center: Typically Thu–Mon, 10–5; plan around closed days.
- Rabbit Hash General Store: Often daily 10–6 (hours can shift with seasons or events).
- Kentucky Derby Museum: Year-round with seasonal adjustments; general admission commonly includes a guided track visit.
- Perfect North: Winter hours vary; tubing frequently runs late on Fridays and Saturdays.
Budget Smarts
Mix free anchors (Cincinnati Art Museum; Ohio state parks like Caesar Creek; Big Bone Lick) with one ticketed highlight (Aquarium, Zoo, Derby Museum) to keep weekend costs reasonable. Pack snacks and water, and use garage or lot parking where it’s simpler to validate or prepay.
Safety And Parking
Save a screenshot of your parking location and watch for event-day rate spikes in downtown Cincinnati, Louisville, and Lexington.
In parks, carry a paper map or download offline trail maps—cell service can be spotty near gorges and waterfalls.
Living in Boone County means the best of three states is at your doorstep: Ohio’s museums and lake beaches, Kentucky’s horse heritage and sandstone arches, and Indiana’s winter slopes and historic river towns.
With short, scenic drives, a smart mix of free and ticketed activities, and a little plan-ahead pricing savvy, you can build an affordable, memorable weekend any time of year—without logging marathon miles.
Use the table to pick your vibe (animals, art, waterfalls, or winter thrills), check hours and prices before you go, and enjoy being a local with world-class options within two hours of home.
FAQs
What’s The Best Weekend For Families With Young Kids?
Pair Newport Aquarium (timed entry and climate-controlled) with Cincinnati Museum Center or the Cincinnati Zoo. You’ll have indoor backups, stroller-friendly spaces, and lots of food options nearby. If weather looks perfect, swap in Caesar Creek for beach time and save the indoor attractions for a rainy day.
Are There Truly Free Things To Do?
Yes—Cincinnati Art Museum offers free general admission, Ohio state parks are free, and Big Bone Lick’s museum/park are free as well. Build your weekend around these and add just one paid experience to keep costs low.
What’s A Good Winter Choice Close To Boone County?
For instant winter vibes, head to Perfect North Slopes (about 30 minutes) for snow tubing or night skiing. Reserve popular slots in advance and check the daily operations page for any weather-related updates.