We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Louisville Zoo to hidden gems like Glow Worm Play Cafe, there’s something in Louisville for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 32 kid-friendly activities around Derby City.
Animal encounters
The Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way | Family memberships available
Exhibits include the award-winning Glacier Run with polar and grizzly bears, and a HerpAquarium that’s jam-packed with rad reptiles and bewitching bats. The zoo has plenty of little ones of its own, with several baby animals born there this year. Kids will remember hearing lions roar while riding a camel.
Purrfect Day Cat Cafe, 1741 Bardstown Rd.
Mix and mingle with LOU’s most eligible felines up for adoption while sipping on a beverage from the cafe. It’s the first cat cafe in the nation to adopt out 10,000 cats. Kids will remember playing with the kitties — and will always remember the fur-ever friend you bring home.
Great outdoors
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd., Clermont | Family memberships available
Experience nature like nowhere else in the region, amid 16,140 acres of hiking ground with numerous family-friendly attractions. Kids will remember the forest giants — the huge sculptures crafted of recycled wood are spread throughout the arboretum.
Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant, 2421 Engle Rd., Starlight, IN
From grape and apple picking to turtle feeding and outdoor barnyard activities, there’s lots to do at Huber’s. Kids will remember riding a wagon to the pumpkin patch.
Olmsted Parks and Parkways, multiple locations
Only one of four completed Olmsted park systems in the world, Louisville boasts more than a dozen parks spread throughout the city. Kids will remember spotting deer among the wide-open spaces of Cherokee Park.
Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd.
With 85 acres of greenery, this public park is filled with playgrounds, picnic areas, art, and more — and it’s growing all the time. Kids will remember frolicking through the splash pad on a hot summer day.
Game time
L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, 2550 S. Floyd St.
Formerly known as Cardinal Stadium, this is the home field for the University of Louisville’s football team. Parents can sign their little ones up for the Junior Louie’s Kids Club, which comes with exclusive swag. Kids will remember the train horn blaring after every touchdown.
Lynn Family Stadium, 350 Adams St.
The largest soccer-specific stadium in Kentucky is home to Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville, Derby City’s pro soccer teams. Kids will remember the playground and youth-sized soccer field at the entrance.
Slugger Field, 401 E. Main St.
Home turf for LOU’s minor league team, the Bats, Slugger Field hosts a plethora of family-friendly activities throughout the year and offers kids club memberships. Kids will remember Buddy Bat, the team’s winged mascot.
Educational activities
Frazier Kentucky History Museum, 829 W. Main St. | Family memberships available
This affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution is filled with interactive and immersive exhibits that bring the Bluegrass State to life. Kids will remember seeing the world’s largest collection of toy soldiers on permanent public display.
Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave.
This American Thoroughbred horse racing museum features interactive exhibits and a miniature horse stable. Kids will remember feeling like a jockey during a simulated Derby race experience.
Kentucky Science Center, 727 W. Main St. | Family memberships available
This downtown destination boasts movie showings on a four-story screen, traveling exhibits, and other special events. Kids will remember hands-on activities that demonstrate the wonder of science, like the splashable water table and the ever-changing science depot.
Louisville Free Public Library, various locations
The largest public library system in the Commonwealth includes 16 locations that offer various family-friendly activities and events year round. Kids will remember special storytime events like “Read with a Dog.”
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W. Main St.
Batter up. Both a museum and factory, families will enjoy tours of the facility, which showcases the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats. Kids will remember the world’s largest baseball bat at the museum entrance.
Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. 6th St. | Family memberships available
This multicultural center boasts an award-winning museum dedicated to the life and legacy of “The Greatest.” Kids will remember the interactive boxing exhibit.
Speed Art Museum, 2035 S. 3rd St. | Family memberships available
More than art, cinema, and events, the Speed boasts a plethora of family programs, too. Kids will remember the awe-inspiring art displays.
Indoor adventures
Champ’s Rollerdrome, 9851 La Grange Rd.
Established in 1955, LOU’s original roller skating rink offers all-age skating sessions. Kids will remember gliding along under disco balls while jamming to the latest tunes.
Chuck E. Cheese, 2030 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
At the classic place for a kid to be a kid, little ones will enjoy pizza parties and playing their heart out. Kids will remember performances by Chuck and his crew.
Dave & Buster’s, 5000 Shelbyville Rd.
This arcade and restaurant features games galore, from skeeball and video games to air hockey and simulated driving. Kids will remember the life-sized Hungry Hungry Hippos game.
Malibu Jack’s,1915 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. | Family memberships available
Boasting everything from go-karts and laser tag to mini golf and bowling, this is Kentucky’s self-proclaimed best all-indoor family fun park. Kids will remember spinning at high speeds in the twist ‘n’ shout coaster.
Breakout Louisville, 1805 Cargo Ct.
Explore an island, find the kidnapper, and restore ancient relics in unique breakout room challenges. Kids will remember seeing a board game brought to life in the “Clue” room.
Puttshack, 7900 Shelbyville Rd.
Louisville’s newest indoor mini-golf course, Puttshack features high-tech holes with a full menu of food and drinks. Kids will remember nearly making a hole-in-one on the air hockey hole.
Top Golf, 301 Oxmoor Lane
Families can take aim with 100+ all-weather bays spread throughout three floors. Kids will remember launching golf balls from the top floor toward the giant outfield targets.
For little ones
All About Kids, 6400 Crestwood Station, Crestwood
Small children will enjoy an inflatable fun zone with bounce houses, inflatable mazes and more, as well as open gym and swim time. Kids will remember leaping into the giant ball pits.
Glow Worm Play Cafe, Multiple locations | Family memberships available
These play cafes give busy parents a space to enjoy a coffee while little ones join in on 90-minute or two-hour play sessions. Kids will remember strolling along on giant ladybugs and bumblebees.
My Gym, 11770 Shelbyville Rd. | Family memberships available
Created for babies and small children, My Gym offers a place for parents to introduce their little ones to a fun gymnastic experience. Kids will remember learning to tumble under the watchful eye of their favorite grownup.
Thrill-seeking fun
Activate Games, 2510 Hurstbourne Gem Ln.
High-tech games for anyone aged 10+ will test physical and mental agility across a variety of real-life challenges. Kids will remember dodging lasers like a spy in an action movie.
DEFY Louisville, 100 Urton Ln. | Family memberships available
This trampoline park offers space to bounce, jump, zipline, and more. Kids will remember trying their skills on the one-of-a-kind ninja course.
Foam Warriorz, 5622 Bardstown Rd.
Active entertainment for the whole family includes foam combat, bounce houses, ax throwing, and more. Kids will remember suiting up in a sumo wrestling outfit for a fun, bouncy battle.
Full Throttle Adrenaline Park, 2520 Ampere Dr.
Kiddos 12+ can take part in go-karting, axe throwing, or blowing steam off in the rage room. Kids will remember the six-minute racing sessions at high speeds.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, 937 Phillips Ln. | Family memberships available
More than 70 family-friendly attractions include wave pools, towering slides, and roller coasters + rides of all sizes. Kids will remember the steep, 12-story drop of the Deep Water Dive slide.
Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave.
The world’s only fully underground zipline offers unique adventures below the surface. Kids will remember special attractions like Dinos Under Louisville.
Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keepings kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
