With summer break right around the corner for thousands of Louisville kids, we thought this family fun guide might come in handy.
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.
🌳 Great outdoors
Catch the Bernheim’s Forest Giants before they’re gone — they’re expected to last through this year.
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Photo courtesy of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd., Clermont
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.
✏️ Educational activities
Kentucky Science Center, 727 W. Main St.
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.
🍼 For little ones
Glow Worm Play Cafe, Multiple locations
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.
🎢 Thrill-seeking fun
Kentucky Kingdom’s Storm Chaser is 100 feet tall at its highest point.
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.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, 937 Phillips Ln.
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.
Guided Art Tour | Thursday, May 23 | 5-6 p.m. | 21c Museum Hotel, 700 W. Main St., Louisville | Free | Explore Louisville’s art hotel and learn about the artists behind the works.
Jamie Shriner | Thursday, May 23-Saturday, May 25 | Times vary | The Caravan Comedy Club, 1250 Bardstown Rd., Louisville | $17 | You’ll be laughing + humming along to this performance, which blends comedy and music.
Friday, May 24
Chicago | Friday, May 24 | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St., Louisville | $98-$356 | After all that we’ve been through, make it up to yourself with tickets to this legendary soft rock band.
Saturday, May 25
Storybook Character Day | Saturday, May 25 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville | $17.25-$22.25 | See your kids’ favorite characters roaming the zoo, like Curious George + Clifford the Big Red Dog.
GAZEBO Festival | Saturday, May 25-Sunday, May 26 | 6-11 p.m. | Waterfront Park, 1101 E. River Rd., Louisville | $155-$255 | See 26 acts across two stages, including headliners SZA + Jack Harlow.
Sunday, May 26
Good Belly Bagel Breakfast Pop-Up | Sunday, May 26 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Good Belly, 2216 Dundee Rd. No. 7, Louisville | Cost of purchase | Get your Sunday started with a bagel sandwich, like bacon, egg, and cheese or pastrami, egg, and swiss.
Where are you jet-setting this summer, Louisville?
In just a few hours, you could be exploring the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown Minneapolis, the beaches of California, or the Boston Harbor. | Photo provided by LOUtoday, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, and Unsplash; GIF created by LOUtoday
In our opinion, you should always have a vacation booked on your calendar. If you don’t already have a trip in the works, we’ve got some ideas to help you plan your next getaway.
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) offers a range of low-fare options perfect for a summer vacation, including:
Boston, MA
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Minneapolis, MN
10 airports across Florida (think: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Miami)
Fun fact: SDF averages over a dozen departures to sunny destinations daily.
Two lanes of I-65 South, near Jefferson Street at “hospital curve,” are shut down for emergency repairs. Holes appeared in the asphalt, with bits of the surface falling through to the street below. The closure will last “until further notice.” (WHAS11)
Biz
The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated. Underground Sounds is staying in business, moving to 1153 Logan St. (across the street from Atrium Brewing). The record shop announced its closure in March, but will re-open at the new location later this year. (Louisville Business First)
Open
Local coffee chain Heine Brothers has expanded to nearby Shepherdsville. Located at 285 Keystone Crossroads Dr., the new shop features a drive-thru just off of exit 117 on I-65, if you’re ever in need of a pick-me-up when you’re in the area.
Watch
Workers are making progress on Waterfront Park’s westward expansion. That includes the PlayPort, an educational space that comes in partnership with the Louisville Science Center. The space will feature artifacts from the Ohio River, offering perspective on its cultural and industrial heritage. Take a bird’s-eye view of the progress.
Louisvillian
Another Hometown Hero Class of 2024 banner is up. This one honors John Y. and Ellie Brown, and it now occupies the corner of 5th Street + W. Market Street. The former Kentucky governor and his wife notably helped to fund the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville and the downtown YMCA.
Community
Want to help Louisville grow? Trees Louisville is hosting six upcoming workshops, offering education on Lousville’s Urban Forest Masterplan. Stop by the Shawnee Library (3912 W. Broadway) on Wednesday, May 29 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., or one of five other workshops.
Sports
Could Pat Kesley’s new-look Louisville finish in the top five of the ACC this season? Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cards with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Shop
Stanley is having a Memorial Day sale. Get your summer drinkware, camp mugs, coolers, and tumblers 25% off with code MEMORIAL DAY.*
Finance
Need a new couch thanks to your dogs? Had an unexpected spring cleaning injury? Said “drinks on me” too loudly at Corrdior Bar? These four credit cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 18 months — aka nearly two years of no interest charges for when life piles up.*
Watch
Now playing at a theater near you
See 8 local films in 2 hours
The Speed Cinema is capable of screening 16mm, 35mm, and digital films. | Photo provided by Speed Art Museum
Get your popcorn ready. Tonight at 7 p.m., film buffs and movie makers will roll into the Speed Cinema for the Louisville Film Society’s Short Film Slam, a bi-annual event showcasing works by filmmakers from Kentucky.
It will feature eight short films — each under 15 minutes — followed by a Q+A. To keep things short here’s each film summarized in 10 words or fewer.
“Love Letters” Dramedy
Familial rift begins after older sister plans for college
“The Girl Who Faded Away” Music video
Man meets love after passing through interdimensional portal in forest
“Disciple” Drama
Abused son defies father’s violence thanks to ancient entity
“Buddy” Horror
Buddy the Clown visits an old friend
“Woodpecker” Drama
An unexpected visitor throws autumn picnic into chaos
“She Died Too” Experimental
Seven different women go through stages of grief
“Lee Baby” Drama
Queer couple starts family, experience being parents
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