For the past year, my boys have been asking very detailed questions about how and why God created us, the universe, dinosaurs, and more. So, I’ve been wanting to take the family to the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Kentucky to help them see some of the wondrous works from the Bible in a hands-on way.
This trip took months of planning, but I am so very happy we did it! Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum with kids—from how long to plan, where to stay, and whether it’s worth the trip.
Is It Worth It?
If you’re wondering whether a trip to Kentucky is worth the time, travel, and expense—
the short answer is yes!
For our family traveling from Dallas, this meant flights plus multiple nights of housing accommodations. But every part of it was worth it.
My constant prayer before and during this trip was that my kids would come to know Christ in new ways and grow deeper in their faith. My boys (ages 8 and 6) are at such a formative stage where their perspectives and worldviews are shaping. Being able to give them an experience like this is a blessing and a milestone in their faith journey.
If you’re raising children in the faith and wondering if the Ark Encounter or Creation Museum is worth it for families—the answer is a resounding yes, absolutely.
Making the Trip Special: Our Safari Theme
To make the trip not only educational but also fun, I created a theme around exploration and safari.
This was one of the most exciting parts for me as a mom! I wanted the kids to feel like they were on an adventure, so I packed binoculars, journals, compasses, and other little “explorer tools” to make it interactive. We even chose accommodations that emphasized nature, exploration, and God’s creation.
If you’re looking for Ark Encounter tips with kids, I recommend adding a theme or activity to keep them engaged and make the trip feel like a true adventure.
How Long Should You Plan For?
This will depend on your travel method and kids’ ages, but for our family of five (kids ages 2–8, flying in from Dallas), I recommend five days total:
✦ Day 1: Travel to Kentucky
✦ Day 2–4: Explore Ark Encounter (2 days) + Creation Museum (1 day)
✦ Day 5: Travel home
We spent two days at the Ark Encounter and one day at the Creation Museum. The Ark is massive, and breaking it up made it manageable for the kids. The Creation Museum, on the other hand, worked well in one day. I recommend getting the 3-day bouncer pass.
If you’re wondering how long to visit the Ark Encounter with kids, I highly suggest two days to avoid rushing and to give kids downtime in between.
Where to Stay Near the Ark Encounter
Because we wanted our safari/exploration theme to carry through, we stayed in places that celebrated God’s creation and gave our kids room to explore.
Abide Glamping
We started our journey at Abide Glamping, staying in their Glamping Dome for two nights. This was such a fun and memorable way to kick off the trip! My boys called it the “coolest hotel” they’ve stayed in.
The dome was perfect for our family of five, with:
✦ A queen-sized bed in the main area
✦ A loft with two twin beds for the boys
✦ Plenty of space to set up a pack-and-play for our 2-year-old
It also included a small kitchenette, so breakfast was easy and convenient. Best of all, the views were breathtaking, and the kids had endless space to run, explore, and play.
📍Abide Glamping is located about 10 minutes from the Ark Encounter, making it an easy and fun home base. If you’re searching for family-friendly places to stay near the Ark Encounter, Abide Glamping is an unforgettable option.
For the next two nights, we stayed at Eden Reserve, a group of family-friendly cabins located close to the Ark Encounter. To me, this felt like the perfect complement to the Ark experience.
Our cabin backed up to the forest, had a cozy fire pit for roasting s’mores, and plenty of open space for the kids to run and play. The property also includes a fantastic playground and wide-open areas for family time.
The cabin itself had two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a living room, and a fully stocked kitchen—more than enough space for us to spread out and relax while making memories.
📍 Eden Reserve is located about 8 minutes from the Ark Encounter, making it an easy and fun home base.
If you’re planning a Kentucky family vacation and need room to spread out, Eden Reserve is wonderful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering a trip to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, my answer is absolutely: go for it! It’s a faith-filled adventure your kids won’t forget.
This is the first post in my Kentucky travel series. Be sure to check out the upcoming blogs for:
✦ A full review of Abide Glamping
✦ Our experience at Eden Reserve
✦ A deep dive into the Ark Encounter with kids
✦ A family guide to the Creation Museum
For families wondering about the best things to do in Kentucky with kids that are both meaningful and fun, this trip should be at the top of your list.
2 Comments
Ella
October 7, 2025 at 4:43 pmSuch a special trip! I love how you made it so interactive and faith-filled for the boys. The way you tied in adventure with learning about God’s creation is just perfect, and those accommodations look so fun and unique!
Portia Gorman
October 14, 2025 at 8:52 pmThis is what we need as a faith based family! Thanks for sharing we want to visit