Are you looking for ways to give your kids a memorable summer in Harlan County? We’ve collected a list of ways you can fun for free all summer long!
–Hit the Beach! Load up the sand toys, sunscreen, and snacks for a day at Martins Fork Lake. Get the kids in the water or build sand castles on the beach. Need a break from the water? Enjoy the playground areas and throw some hotdogs on the grill.
–Kingdom Come Rocks! With playgrounds, beautiful overlooks, and hiking you’ll have plenty to do during your visit to Kingdom Come State Park. Kingdom Come is home to some of Kentucky’s most extraordinary rock formations. Lead your kids across Log Rock or scale Raven Rock. For the less adventurous, the park is full of smaller boulders and rock faces for climbing and playing.
–Summer Under the Stars! Friday is movie night in downtown Harlan. Each week, the Harlan Christian Church presents a family film on the Courthouse Lawn with free snacks for everyone. Bring your blanket or lawn chair and spend an evening watching a movie under the stars.
–SplishSplash! Cool off with a visit to one of Harlan County’s two splashpads. You’ll find them at Dressen Park (commonly known as The Bluecourts) and Verda Field. It’s accessible and fun for all ages!
–Red White & You! Cities throughout Harlan County celebrate the 4th of July with parades, festivals, and fireworks. Decorate your wagon or bicycle and join the parade or put on your glow gear and wait for fireworks after dark.
–A Walk in the Park! Harlan County has about 30 parks throughout the county. Each one offers different amenities ranging from walking tracks to splashpads. Chances are you’ll find one near your neighborhood. Want a change of scenery? Explore parks in other neighborhoods to see what they have to offer!
–Summer School! It’s not that kind of summer school. Pine Mountain Settlement School has been welcoming children to their campus for over 100 years. This summer, they’ll be presenting day camps on topics like farming, the environment, and Appalachian culture. Camps are free of charge and are a great reason to spend time on the beautiful and historic campus!
–Go Fish! Drop your hook in the water at Highsplint Lake. The lake is small with great bank access all around making it an ideal spot for young anglers. The current Kentucky state record largemouth bass was caught here in 2019 and who knows if an even bigger bass is lurking below? Kids under 15 do not need a fishing license in Kentucky but grown ups do.
