The ‘Hidden Gems’ That Appear on a List of Kentucky’s Best Theme Parks

When I write something about Kentucky theme parks, I'm always tempted to include Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, even though it's in Indiana. It's one of the world's best theme parks, but I'd imagine Kentucky patrons would be high on any list that breaks visitors down by state or region.

So let's check out a list from TripAdvisor that ranks guest reviewers' favorite theme parks in the Commonwealth. I will, however, move past the obvious ones (Kentucky Kingdom, Beech Bend) and focus on what I'd call "hidden gems" in the theme park category.

Maggie's Jungle Golf & Jungle Run

Summertime has always meant many things to me. One of them is mini-golf, and if you're a fan like I am, head to Gilbertsville and get your putt-putt on at Maggie's Jungle Golf & Jungle Run. Miniature golf plus a petting zoo equals a blast for the whole family.

What fans say...

Denise G - "Cute place that is family friendly. They only take cash and have snow cones and snacks to purchase. Very reasonably priced at $6 a person and very friendly!"

Alena S - "Maggie's Jungle Golf has the best employees, they are so nice! Best experience ever! Our family had the best time!!!!!!!"

Malibu Jack's

It might not be a bad idea to plan a trip to Eastern Kentucky. Among the many activities and cool places to visit (and there are tons), you'll find Malibu Jack's. You'll also find them in Lexington, Louisville, and Elizabethtown, but it's the Ashland location that makes the TripAdvisor cut. Simply put, if you love go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag, and a huge variety of indoor rides, you need to plan a visit to Malibu Jack's.

What fans say...

vblythe - "This place is awesome! We have a big banquet every year with our church & decided to try this place last year. This has been my best experience ever at a party place! Everyone was so helpful & professional! Got us anything we needed. Great prices! We did the works 4 hours in the party room then 4 hours of unlimited play. All the kids loved it too!"

Tiffany M - "We had the best day for spring break! The adults and kids had a blast! It was worth the hour drive and we cannot wait to come back!"

Mammoth Valley Park

It opened as the Kentucky Action Park in 1970, and my parents took us when I was a kid. When COVID hit in 2020, the park also took a "hit," and the threat of closure loomed. But Bowling Green native, and former Tennessee Titans linebacker, Robert Reynolds stepped in, bought the place, turned it into Mammoth Valley Park, and suddenly, everything old was new again. Still, though, the wonderful nostalgic feel of great old roadside attractions like this one remains. The chair lifts to the alpine slide, mini-golf, disc golf, bumper cars, bumper boats, the rock wall, the zip line, and the trampoline thing (that's what they call it) are back in action and ready for company.

What fans say...

Lisa - "This was a fun place to visit! The workers were friendly and there was not a crowd. The alpine slide was a lot of fun and includes a chairlift ride to the top and then back to the entrance/exit. The price was very reasonable and it felt like a unique thing to do. We also rode the go carts. We did not zip line this time, but it looked like those who did it really enjoyed themselves."

Leslie E - "So worth my husband loved the alpine slide and it had beautiful views!! Really nice for a date night! $16 for both of of us so very well worth our time!"

It's theme park season, and you'll likely hit all the big names, and you will have a magnificent time. But don't forget these awesome destinations that don't necessarily roll off the tongue.