Before you know it, the kids will be enjoying fall break. No need to plan a trip to the beach - save your pennies for Spring Break when you'll really want to get out of here! Check out these inexpensive Fall Break ideas that are within driving distance!

We decided to roadtrip to Gatlinburgh one fall break many years ago and stay in a cabin in the woods. It was magical and really family-friendly! There are plenty of family and adults-only attractions in Gatlinburgh. Our favorites were the Ripley's Aquarium, zip-lining, and of course the live entertainment and shows!

See and stay at the spooky Story Inn, grab some fried biscuits and apple butter at the Nashville House, and shop til you drop. There's no better place to see the leaves change then in Brown County.

If you’re up to a bit of a road trip, try out French Lick Resort in West Baden Springs Indiana. They're offering a variety of Autumn-themed activities in the month of October. Such as; hiking, biking, horseback riding, and boating all throughout the month for the adventurous outdoor lovers. For the festival fans, you wont be left out. The 51st Annual Orange County Pumpkin Festival will be held October 3rd through the 7th. The festival includes a multitude of doings, like a carnival, food and vendor booths, a flea market, and a parade that Sunday of the festival. The approximated travel time from Owensboro to French Lick is right at an hour and a half. A good trip that’ll encompass the whole day! And, if you book ahead, there's also a French Lick Scenic Railway train ride that's a lot of fun!

Paoli, IN

I was always under the assumption that French Lick was more of an adult vacation spot. We've stayed at the West Baden before but never thought about taking the family! Last week, we had the opportunity to tour Big Splash Adventure and Wilstem Ranch in French Lick, IN. Big Splash Adventure boasts a 40,000 square foot indoor water park. It's perfect for families because there's no struggling with relentless sunscreen and it's extra steamy in the cooler months. Who doesn't want to go swimming (indoors) when it's 20 degrees outside?!

Wilstem Ranch is home to kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, reptiles, and even elephants! Yes, that's right. You can help give an elephant her spa day, feed a giraffe carrots, and snuggle baby roos! My life is complete! And, I was so happy to see the animals' living conditions are pristine. Even the goats smelled good! And you can tell they really like the people who work there. We met Spike, a rambunctious little porcupine who played chase with his keeper. We also met Carl, an iguana who loves to be rubbed on.

Owensboro, Kentucky

For a more local holiday, try a day-cation at Trunnels! With everything from barnyard animals, bonfires, a jumping pillow, corn mazes, pedal tractors and bikes, a playground, a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, and more! It's a great family experience and there's a bunch of fall events happening at Trunnel's as well.

 

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