Girls in a Cave...Mammoth, no doubt
 

My daughter is so excited about Mammoth after picking in out in National Geo's "Top 100 Must See Destinations." Single-parent Mom needs a fun spot too. I know we'll horse back ride. Where's a good middle-of-the-road place to stay? Maybe a B&B? Or a cool pool. End of school celebration in 2007: end of May. Thanks!

Can't remember where we stayed. The caves are great. You might also consider a tour at the nearby Corvette assembly plant. It's the only one in the country and they do a great tour. We went years ago. Hope it's still offered.

go to tripadvisor.com in the Kentucky forums and read some suggestions for places to stay, things to do. There are some recent posts about the same things. There's not a lot of options in the area; I actually like staying at the lodge. Not fancy, but kind of fun. I say this till I'm blue in the face, but go online and choose the tour you want to do and reserve in advance!! They cut staff and hours considerably, and the tours fill very quickly. Without a reservation, you may be turned down or have to wait over 3-4 hours! That said, my daughters really enjoyed the "Grand Avenue" tour. It's 4 hours long, but not a strenuous hike. You have chances to sit at times and they stop for lunch mid way. There's horseback riding about a half mile away, my kids enjoyed that, too. Also take her to "Ky Down Under". It's a lot of fun. ps...you can skip Dinosaur World, what a rip!!!

Consider getting a fold out accordion canopy and hang under tent combo like http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...item_num=31489 I bought mine at a Dick’s Sporting Goods chain. And then camp at Mammoth cave. Saving a couple nights stay in a hotel would pay for it. It is easy to put up for a single mom and kid(s) For ultimate comfort get cots at Wal-Mart at $20.00 or so and the campground secret weapon -foam ear plugs. That way you are not spending your vacation time driving back and forth.

Do the cave tours and consider the ferry crossing experience in the park (tad west) and a visit to the Big Woods (North East a tad see map) An old growth forest region.

As for the horse riding I suggest you do that elsewhere like 2 ½ hours north at the Kentucky Horse Park Camp there also There is a pool there also. http://www.kyhorsepark.com/
“The Kentucky Horse Park is an equine themed park and competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is THE place to get close to horses! Home to approximately 50 different breeds, large and small, the park introduces you to the world of the horse. Experience the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a real working horse farm as you explore the grounds, and enjoy spectacular live presentations, horse shows and special events throughout the year.“

Definitely book ahead. You will absolutely NOT get in without booking ahead.

Checked this out with my 3 kids last year,ages 10,8, 6. Very disappointed! The cave tour was bohoring. However, if we had signed up ahead of time for one of their "special" tours, the kids might have been more impressed.

Nearby you will find one of the last remaining wigwam hotels (a big hit in England now - go figure) as well as go carts and water bumper tires.