Louisville kids know how to spot a winning horse and a proper baseball bat, and we guarantee they know how to say Muhammad Ali before they turn three. They’re as comfortable chilling on the Waterfront as they are at the Kentucky Science Center and they’ve sped through the Speed Art Museum since they were tots. There’s so much to love about raising a kid in Derby City, we’ve gathered up a slew of our favorite family activities below, plus find all the seasonal events on our Louisville calendar.
photo: USA-Reisseblogger via pixabay
Louisville River Cruises
Learn all the history of this area when you take a harbor history tour aboard the Mary M. Miller. This one-hour narrated cruise is a unique way to learn more about river and steamboat history, and connections to local history, as well. It’s all open seating, with both inside and outside decks and a concession stand for snacks.
Online: belleoflouisville.org
Louisville Mega Cavern
While visiting Louisville, Kentucky, you won’t want to miss MEGA ZIPS, the world’s only underground zipline adventure tour! Featuring six ziplines nearly 100 feet off the cavern floor and two challenge bridges, MEGA ZIPS is 2.5 hours of adrenaline-fueled adventure! Though fun for the whole family, the kids will especially love MEGA QUEST, the only underground ropes challenge course in the world. MEGA QUEST features two levels and 76 challenge elements including mini-ziplines and rope walls.
1841 Taylor Ave.
Louisville, KY
Online: louisvillemegacavern.com
The Parklands of Floyds Fork
The Parklands is a systemic, world-class addition to Louisville’s parks system that includes four major parks linked by a park drive, a first-rate urban trail system and a remarkable water trail, all tracing Floyds Fork, a classic Kentucky stream. This public/private project is unique in the region and unlike anything currently in development across the country—truly a city-shaping model.
15712 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville, KY
Online: theparklands.org
Cherokee Park
Less hilly and grassier than its local cousins, Cherokee Park is mostly open meadows and woods. It’s a great spot to let the kids run around.
745 Cochran Hill Rd.
Louisville, KY
Online: louisvilleky.gov
photo: nelgdev via flickr
Louisville Zoo
Founded in 1969, the Louisville Zoo is a 134-acre zoo in Louisville, Kentucky, situated in the city’s Poplar Level neighborhood. The “State Zoo of Kentucky” currently exhibits over 1,700 animals in naturalistic and mixed animal settings representing both geographical areas and biomes or habitats. Kids will love checking out the new snow leopard pass and colobus crossing.
100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY
Online: louisvillezoo.org
Kentucky Kingdom
Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay offers more than 70 thrilling rides, coasters and water attractions for a day of family fun. In 2014, Hurricane Bay Water Park doubled in size, adding eight new attractions and the world’s tallest body slide.
937 Phillips Ln.
Louisville, KY
Online: kentuckykingdom.com
Iroquois Park
The more rugged of the Louisville parks, Iroquois Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, has plenty of forested hillsides and scenic vistas for those willing to walk the extra mile. The road to the top of the park may be used by pedestrians and cyclists daily throughout the year. It is only opened to motorists from April-November on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
5216 New Cut Rd.
Louisville, KY
Online: louisvilleky.gov
photo: Kentucky Science Center via flickr
Kentucky Science Center
Explore three floors of exhibit experiences offering interactive science fun for the whole family! Plus, enjoy amazing movies in the new four-story digital theater. Kids will love a visit to the Makerplace where they can use their STEAM skills to build all sorts of cool creations.
727 W Main St, Louisville, KY
Online: kysciencecenter.org
Seneca Park
Take a walk around the perimeter of this park to tire the kids out or head to the playground before you nab one of the picnic tables for your lunch spread.
3151 Pee Wee Reese Rd.
Louisville, KY
Online: louisvilleky.gov
Derby Dinner Playhouse
Derby Dinner Playhouse is one of the oldest and largest continually-operating professional dinner theatres in the country. Family-friendly musicals are on the bill throughout the year.
525 Marriott Dr.
Clarksville, IN
Online: derbydinner.com
The Best Upcoming Events for Kids in Louisville
If you’re looking for events and activities, don’t miss our local Louisville events calendar, which has everything from story times to seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin patches and Christmas tree farms.
—Kate Loweth
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