Family Trip to the Ark Encounter: Tips for an Unforgettable Visit!
One day, our son came home from school and said, “We’re going to go to the Ark Encounter!” Confused, I said, “Wait, what?” Then he proceeded to tell my husband and me how they learned about it at school and how it was so cool that there was a life-size Noah’s Ark, and we needed to go!
I forgot about the conversation, but a few months later, the Ark Encounter came up as we discussed where we should go for a family vacation. Within a few weeks, we booked a flight and tickets to visit Kentucky and Ohio.
Today, I want to share our experience visiting the Ark Encounter and valuable tips (scroll to the end to see them in list form) I’d give to a family who plans to visit.
Arriving at the Ark Encounter
I read online that you should try to get there before the gates open. The Ark Encounter is expansive, and you have to take a shuttle from the parking entrance to the actual Ark, so make sure you include that in your travel time.
As we rode the bus, all my kids (ages 5, 8, and 11) oohed and ahhed over the Ark. They couldn’t believe how big it looked! We started our tour by going through the Ark, where we found three decks worth of material. We knew we wanted to start here because we figured it would get busier and more crowded as the day went on. Thankfully, we hit it right, and while there were certainly other people there, it wasn’t terribly crowded.
Our kids really how when you walked onto the Ark, it simulated being a storm. We heard thunder and saw flashes of light. We also heard animals in the different containers. At first, the kids drew closer to us, a bit hesitant because of all the noise, but after they realized it was just a simulation and not real, they relaxed and enjoyed how immersive the experience felt!
A Thoughtful & Educational Experience
I thought the Ark Encounter did a great job not dumbing down the flood. On one level, they even had a section explaining why making the story of Noah and the Ark too cutesy for kids is dangerous. I appreciated all the information and interactive exhibits. Though I admit we didn’t get to read every single item, we left the Ark feeling like we all learned something new. Our kids had no problem walking around the exhibit, but if you have younger kids, I could see where they could potentially get tired by the end of the day.
We ate lunch on site because, truthfully, there weren’t too many options for food. Everyone enjoyed the fried chicken and a chance to sit down and rest.
Zoo and Animal Encounters
Then we decided to head to the zoo and animal encounter area. The kids had a blast riding a camel and looking at all the animals. The Ark Encounter also has scheduled events or shows throughout the day (you get the information on the schedule when you first arrive), so we decided to check out a show about snakes. Our son was in heaven, and I appreciated that they presented the information about evolution and the animal kingdom from a biblical worldview. The presenters were engaging, and it wasn’t too long, and it wasn’t too short.
Overall, we had a fantastic time at the Ark Encounter, and I’d highly recommend it to every family. I think we timed it perfectly with our children’s ages. I suggest this experience for elementary-age kids and up. Not to say preschoolers couldn’t enjoy it, but I’m not sure they’d get as much out of it.
Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend It?
The life-size replica of Noah’s Ark left us in awe, and the immersive exhibits helped bring the biblical account to life. From the storm simulation at the entrance to the detailed, interactive displays, we appreciated how the Ark Encounter didn’t simplify the story but instead made it engaging and educational.
If you’re planning a visit, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip!
Helpful Tips for Visiting the Ark Encounter
- Arrive Early – The Ark Encounter opens in the morning, and arriving before the gates open helps you beat the crowds. Remember to factor in shuttle time from the parking lot to the Ark itself.
- Start with the Ark – Since this is the main attraction, touring the Ark first allows you to experience it before the crowds build up. The three decks contain a lot of exhibits, so plan for plenty of time to explore.
- Prepare for an Immersive Experience – The entrance to the Ark includes a storm simulation with thunder, flashes of light, and animal noises. Younger kids might feel nervous at first but will likely adjust once they realize it’s just part of the experience.
- Expect Lots of Walking – The Ark is massive, and there’s plenty of ground to cover. While older kids will likely manage fine, younger ones may tire out, so consider bringing a stroller for preschoolers.
- Limited Food Options – There are on-site dining choices, but they are somewhat limited. The fried chicken was a hit with our family, and lunch provided a great chance to sit down and recharge.
- Check the Daily Event Schedule – There are different shows and presentations throughout the day, covering topics like animals and biblical history. These events add a lot to the experience, so grab a schedule when you arrive and plan accordingly.
- Plan for a Full Day – There’s a lot to see and do, from exhibits to the zoo to shows, so plan on spending most of the day there to get the full experience.
Thank you, Ark Encounter, for providing us with complementary tickets to visit the Ark. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
