15 of the Best Things To Do In Louisville with Kids

Louisville, Kentucky might be best known for its bourbon and horse racing, two things not typically considered family-friendly, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of fun things to do with your kids. If you’re thinking of heading to River City on your family vacation, but aren’t sure exactly what to put on your itinerary, look no further!

Our handy guide will show you the best things to do in Louisville with kids, whether they’d be at their happiest surrounded by all things baseball in the Louisville Slugger Museum or splashing around in one of the city’s thrilling waterparks.

The 5 best kids’ museums in Louisville

Louisville is one of the oldest cities west of the Appalachian Mountains, so it’s steeped in history.  If your children are into history, sports, or science, here are 5 must-visit Louisville museums for kids.

1. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

When it comes to museums, the Louisville Slugger is a whole new ballgame. You and the family can see how this world-famous baseball bat brand has made (and continues to make) history in the sports world.

You can look up at the giant Slugger outside the museum, hold game-used bats, try to strike out a batter on the interactive pitcher’s mound, go on a factory tour where you’ll see the bats being made up close, and collect a free mini bat at the end of your visit!

2. Kentucky Science Center

Got a budding Einstein on your hands? Maybe your kids are just naturally curious about the world around them. Either way, they’re sure to enjoy the three floors worth of exhibits in the Kentucky Science Center.

Come face to face with the largest bear in the world in the Discovery Gallery and tinker with your own experiment in MakerPlace. If you want to get an audible “wow” out of the kids, consider catching a 3D movie in the incredible 4-story theater.

3. Frazier International History Museum

Got a budding Einstein on your hands? Maybe your kids are just naturally curious about the world around them. Either way, they’re sure to enjoy the three floors worth of exhibits in the Kentucky Science Center.

Come face to face with the largest bear in the world in the Discovery Gallery and tinker with your own experiment in MakerPlace. If you want to get an audible “wow” out of the kids, consider catching a 3D movie in the incredible 4-story theater.

4. Muhammad Ali Center

Located in the heart of downtown Louisville is a cultural attraction and learning center dedicated to boxer Muhammad Ali and his legacy. Through immersive exhibits and inspiring shows, the Muhammad Ali Center proves there was much more to the man than his boxing skills.

Whether your kids are big fans or have only heard his name in passing, they’re sure to love learning about Muhammad Ali’s rise to be the “World’s Greatest” boxer and how he used his fame to try and change the world for the better.

5. Speed Art Museum

Art lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy a trip to the largest and oldest art museum in the whole of Kentucky! In 2016, they opened Art Sparks – an entire gallery with 15 exhibits dedicated to kids and teens.

The exhibit will encourage you and your kids to connect with each other through art and hands-on learning opportunities. There are games that encourage discussion about the Speed Art Museum’s collection in a non-intimidating way and, as well as discussing the existing art, your kids will get the chance to create their own art in the Making section.

The 5 best outdoor spaces and activities for kids in Louisville

Here are the five best outdoor activities for kids in Louisville, where the whole family can benefit from the beautiful green spaces and famous rivers the city has to offer. They can also make for a cheaper day out, with three out of five places on our list currently free to visit.

1. Louisville Zoo

It wouldn’t be a family vacation without a trip to the zoo! Louisville Zoo has more than 1,100 animals from different parts of the world. You can listen to a lion’s roar, see the expressive eyes of an orangutan and hang out with the resident sloths.

The zoo also boasts a number of cafes and restaurants too, to ensure the kids don’t go hungry.

2. The Belle of Louisville

If you’re heading to the downtown wharf, make sure you climb aboard the “most widely traveled river steamboat in American history”, The Belle of Louisville. It’s the only authentic Mississippi River-style steamboat left in the world, which means it’s a truly unique way to tour Louisville with your kids.

3. Louisville Nature Center

The Louisville Nature Center is an oasis right in the heart of the city, and there are several areas of the center tailored especially for kids. Your kids will be encouraged to use all of their senses as they explore and learn. The Sensory Garden, for example, is designed to be touched by hands small and large, and there are other features to smell and hear as kids wander. Let your kids’  imaginations run wild in the Nature Play Area and watch birds up close in the Bird Blind.

if you’re traveling on a budget or looking for cost-effective activities, the Louisville Nature Center is free to visit and it’s open every day.

4. Waterfront Park

The Waterfront Park connects the city of Louisville with the Ohio River. The park boasts 85 acres of vibrant green lawns, picnic tables, two marinas, and walking trails where you and your kids can admire art created by local artists.

There are two playgrounds to choose from, and one of them doubles up as a waterpark! If you’re visiting Louisville between May and October, the kids can cool off under the sprayers, and playfully compete with water cannons, just try to avoid the tipping bucket that can turn and soak you at any time!

5. The Parklands of Floyds Fork

The Parklands of Floyds Fork boast a massive 4,000 acres that are open all year round. With beautiful trails for all ages and abilities, you and your kids can walk on paved surfaces or go off the beaten track and still be surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Like Waterfront Park, Floyds Fork has two playgrounds that are open year-round, complete with picnic tables and restrooms. They also have a “sprayground” within one of the playgrounds, where kids of any age (and parents) can cool off and have fun! The sprayground is open from May through September (weather permitting) and features water cannons and a three-loop water tunnel!

The 5 best family-friendly amusement attractions and waterparks in Louisville

Inject some excitement into your family vacation with one of Louisville’s premier amusement attractions. Whether your kids want to brave underground zip lines or splash around in a world-class waterpark, there’s something to appeal to even the pickiest family member!

1. Louisville Mega Cavern

Make time for Louisville’s man-made underground caverns on your trip – they’re full of treasures for the whole family! There’s a giant six-line zipline course (ages 7 and up), a Mega Quest aerial ropes course with 76 different challenges to keep both adults and kids on their toes (ages 5 and up), and Mega Bike – the 320,000 square foot underground bike park with over 45 trails (ages 7 and up). All of these activities make the Mega Cavern one of the most exciting things to do in Louisville with your kids.

2. Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay

Kentucky Kingdom has over 70 rides and attractions for visitors of every age, from the much-loved classics to world-class rollercoasters and thrill rides. The park also boasts one of the largest children’s areas in the country, with more than a dozen rides just for them!

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a huge waterpark! Hurricane Bay has over a dozen water slides, two wave pools, an adventure river, and more to make for a memorable day of family fun.

3. Calypso Cove Family Waterpark

Calypso Cove is one of Kentucky’s best family-friendly waterparks – you and the kids will definitely want to visit on a hot day! There are shallow play areas for the little ones and deeper pools for teens and adults. The interactive play areas and water slides are sure to keep everyone entertained, and there are plenty of lounge chairs to dry off and relax on.

4. Malibu Jack’s Louisville

If there’s some unexpected bad weather on your trip, or you want to get out of the heat, head to Malibu Jack’s, Kentucky’s all-indoor family fun park. They have every game and attraction you could hope for, including mini golf, go-karting, laser tag, arcade games, and a kids’ play zone.

There’s no need to pack a lunch – just head over to Jak’s when you’re hungry for some delicious food and refreshments.

5. Breakout Games – Louisville

Work as a team to beat the clock at the immersive Louisville escape room! Kids of any age can play, as long as you’re there helping them to be a hero. You can nab your gold back before dusk in the Wild West, use your wits to disarm a bomb before the timer hits zero in Bomb Squad, or free the passengers from the Runaway Train!

Whichever of the 9 escape rooms you and the family choose, you’re sure to have fun putting your heads together to solve the puzzles.

The Gateway to the South awaits!

There you have it – 15 of the best things to do in Louisville with kids. We hope you have the best family vacation in Louisville and manage to squeeze in at least a few of the sights and attractions from this guide. They’re definitely worth it!

FAQs

Is Louisville good for families?

Definitely! Louisville has lots to offer families thanks to its sporting attractions, numerous amusement attractions and waterparks, expansive green areas with playgrounds and picnic areas, learning centers, and more.

How do I spend a day in Louisville KY?

You can spend the morning grabbing breakfast from one of the countless excellent Louisville cafes, walk down by the Ohio River, and pop into the scenic Waterfront Park. In the afternoon, why not head to the Louisville Slugger Museum to learn more about America’s favorite pastime? You can grab lunch nearby at the Main Eatery or Mussel & Burger Bar, before visiting the Muhammad Ali Center to find out things you never knew about the Louisville native.

Shop local for some souvenirs to take back to the family at Work the Metal. Here, you’ll find home decor, jewelry, chocolates (including bourbon-flavored treats because you are in Louisville!), novelty Kentucky-themed items, and more. You can end your evening at the nearby South Seas restaurant and bar with a tiki theme.

Where are the best family-friendly hotels in Louisville?

Louisville has plenty of family-friendly hotels with all the amenities you and the kids could need. We’ve listed a few for you to have a look at:

• Econo Lodge Downtown Louisville (15-minute drive to the Louisville Zoo, next door to the KFC Yum Center Arena, 15-minute walk to the center of Louisville)
• Louisville Marriott East (outdoor and indoor pools, 950m from Jeffersontown Commons Shopping Center)
• Galt House Hotel (near the Belle of Louisville and Kentucky Science Center)