The three major milestones signifying the start of summer have come and gone — Memorial Day, the summer solstice + temperatures topping out in the 90s.
While Louisville has plenty of swimming options — from free spraygrounds to local quarries — to help beat the heat, sometimes you need to escape the sun and chill out in the A/C. So we put together a quick hit list with five different indoor activities to keep you cool this summer.
👾Zanzabar, 2100 S. Preston St. | Prices vary
Spend a few hours playing the silver ball inside this St. Joseph neighborhood tavern with an arcade + music venue. They recently rotated new pinball machines into the arcade — like the recently released Rush game by Stern Pinball. We also recommend grabbing dinner while you’re there. The Zbar Glitter-Totchos are a must try.
Pro tip: Use this Louisville pinball map to find other locations + take a tour through the city,.
🎳 Bad Bowlers League, Ken Bowl + Dixie Bowl, 7021 Southside Dr. and 10526 Dixie Hwy. | $12 per week
“It’s good to be bad,” according to this bowling league. Find four of the worst bowlers you can find to join your team + show off your terrible skills in your choice of a weekly session with pizza and a pitcher of beer included.
Pro tip: Get some practice in at Vernon Lanes, a vintage bowling alley in Butchertown.
⛸️ Iceland Sports Complex, 1701 Ups Dr. | $8 + $3 skate rental
Okay, so this may seem obvious, but being on the ice might be the most direct way to cool off this summer. Public ice skating is offered seven days a week at various times. See the schedule.
Pro tip: Get some ice rink inspo from the former Louisville RiverFrogs.
☕ Frozen Kentucky coffee, North of Bourbon, 935 Goss Ave. | $8
Belly up to this vintage inspired speakeasy-style bar or literally sit in a giant bourbon barrel and sip this NoLa-style treat that swirls the best things in life together — bourbon + coffee — in a frosty cup you get to take home.
Pro tip: We recommend sticking around for lunch or dinner — try the Oysters & Champagne, a dozen oysters + four high life ponies, to keep on the cool train.
⚓ Portland Museum, 2308 Portland Ave. | Free
According to City Editor Sarah, museums are always “ice cold,” so we figured we’d suggest visiting one of our favorites. Dive into one of Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods and its rich waterside history via local art, craft + oral traditions.
Pro tip: Get up to date on the museum’s forthcoming children’s museum AHOY.
