Kids can play with the giant child Little Elina at Bernheim Forest. | Photo by LOUtoday
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. With Thanksgiving and winter break coming up, you’ll have no trouble keeping the kids busy with this list of family-friendly Derby City activities.
Great outdoors
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.
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.
Who Forted? Grand Opening | 11 a.m. | Kentucky Science Center | $22+ | See the grand re-opening of the interactive exhibit for all ages to design, build, and test their own forts.
Wednesday, Nov. 13
Mind Full or Mindful? | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | North East Regional Library | Free | RSVP for this conversation on maintaining spiritual health and mindfulness.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Project Friendship Fundraiser | 5:30-8 p.m. | TEN20 Craft Brewery — Butchertown | $37.50 | Enjoy food and a drink while you support this local youth mentorship organization. Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay | 8:45-10 p.m. | Kentucky Science Center | $41.34 | Look at the stars candles and see how they shine for you at this candlelit concert.
Friday, Nov. 15
2024 Chamber Night Out | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Kitchen Table, Clermont | $85 | You’re invited to an elegant evening of delicious food, cocktails + fun, featuring a guided tasting of premium bourbons by seventh Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe.
Veterans Day, a federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Expect various closures related to the holiday, including USPS offices. Get free zoo admission with your military ID today.
Health
The first hospital in western Louisville in 150 years is now open. The Norton West Louisville Hospital facility includes an emergency room, 24/7 services, surgery rooms, and X-ray equipment. (WHAS11)
Coming Soon
Oddbird Bakery, a new bakery on Bardstown Road from the folks behind Quills Coffee, will hold its grand opening next Wednesday, Nov. 20, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. The new spot will be at 1021 Bardstown Rd., next door to Beyond the Sun, with muffins, croissants + other pastries.
Seasonal
Lights Under Louisville, the annual light show in the Mega Cavern, is now open. See the limestone caves underneath Derby City decorated in bright light displays for the holidays through Saturday, Jan. 4. Single car tickets start at $42.99.
Drink
Move over, pumpkin spice. Heine Brothers Coffee has released its holiday menu with three cookie-inspired drinks. Stop by for a snickerdoodle cold brew, sugar cookie latte, or peppermint mocha, and pair it with a strawberry cream cheese danish. Keep an eye on your local coffee shop as fall menus give way to holiday specials.
Kids
Students around the Bluegrass State can now submit their artwork + writing to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture 2025 poster and essay contest. This year’s theme: “Kentucky agriculture makes me proud.” One poster and one essay winner will be selected from each grade to receive $100.
Pets
Good dog, Bella. Is that something you’ve said recently? You’re not alone — Bella is the most popular name for dogs in Kentucky according to U.S. News & World Report. Take Bella to one of these dog-friendly spots around Louisville.
Sports
The Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team saw their first loss of the season this weekend in a 77-55 game against the Tennessee Volunteers. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews, and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Beauty
Looking for a way to enhance your natural radiance + beauty, Louisville? You’re in luck. Golden Aesthetic Atelier is now offering a golden lineup of personalized treatments (think: everything from rejuvenating facials to tasteful injections). Book an appointment, and indulge in their top-notch services.*
Health
This innovative device is changing the game of hearing aids. Its dual-processing systems separate speech from background noise, ensuring you never miss a beat. (Bonus: They’re rechargeable, comfortable, nearly invisible, and app-controlled.) Claim your free consultation.*
Category
Plan Ahead
Double your Derby
The 2025 Pegasus Pin will also be unveiled at Derby in December. | Photo courtesy Kentucky Derby Museum.
Derby Day is so fun, we should do it twice a year.
Break out your fascinators and Derby hats, LOU, because it’s almost time for the second annual Derby in December at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, you can enjoy free admission to the Kentucky Derby Museum. Try to get there early, because the first 100 visitors will receive commemorative gifts from Clayton and Crume.
Here’s a look at what else is on the track at Derby in December:
Photo ops with the Derby 151 Trophy
Hands-on activities for all ages, like crafting a jockey silk ornament
Hat shopping from featured milliners
Happy hour specials
Live bluegrass music
Derby in December will also mark the opening of a new photo exhibit entitled “Through the Lens: Derby Moments by Dan Dry,” featuring never-before-seen shots of the annual run for the roses.
The Buy
The Buy
Your favorite Nordstrom item on sale, since the store’s limited-time fall sale ends tonight. We’re seeing: discounts on cashmere sweaters, leather loafers, and crisp white fashion sneakers.
This year’s theme for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture poster contest is “Kentucky agriculture makes me proud,” and our readers sure seem to live up to that.
Last week, we asked you how many farms there were in the Bluegrass State. Over half of you knew (or guessed) the correct answer: there are 69,425 farms in Kentucky, according to a 2022 census.
