Kids can play at the zoo while Bo and Qannik play together in the spring weather. | Photo by LOUtoday
Spring break for JCPS students is coming up on Monday, March 31-Friday, April 4. If your little ones need some places to run out their energy + keep the learning spirit alive while school’s out, we have you covered. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly activities in and around Derby City.
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. There are still spots open in the five-day “Hooray for Herbivores” spring break day camp, for kids grades K-2.
Great outdoors
Olmsted Parks and Parkways
Only one of four completed Olmsted park systems in the world, Louisville boasts more than a dozen parks spread throughout the city. Get more spring break staycation ideas right from the parks staff.
Game time
Slugger Field
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. The Bats’ opening weekend against the Memphis Redbirds precedes spring break, and Kids Club Day is Sunday, March 30.
This affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution is filled with interactive and immersive exhibits that bring the Bluegrass State to life. Kids grades 1-5 can join the Dreaming of Spring day camp for spring-themed activities Monday-Friday of spring break week.
“Naruto: The Symphonic Experience” | 8 p.m. | Louisville Palace | $49.50+ | See all the best scenes from the iconic anime, underscored by a live orchestra performing Toshio Masuda’s original score.
Friday, March 14
St. Patrick’s Day specials at Bar Genevieve | Friday, March 14-Monday, March 17 | 4 p.m. | Hotel Genevieve | Price of purchase | Sip Irish coffee or a grasshopper while you enjoy bangers + mash, bread pudding, and soda bread.
Magic Night | Friday, March 14-Saturday, March 15 | 7:30 + 9 p.m. | The Nevermore | $25 | Prepare to be wowed by close-up prestidigitation + conjuration from local magician Daniel Cullen.
Saturday, March 15
“Lilly and the Pirates” | Saturday, March 15-Saturday, March 29 | Times vary | Kentucky Center for the Arts, Bomhard Theater | $24+ | Bring the little ones on a journey to the Shipwreck Islands in this all-ages play.
Shamrock Festival | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | East End Farmer’s Market | Free | Shop local vendors while you listen to live music — plus, bring the kids for activities and crafts.
Macaroon Class for Two | 2-4 p.m. | Logan Street Market | $129 | Learn to make the delectable dessert from a local baker + bring home a few dozen for yourself.
Salamander Night Hike | 4 p.m. | Turkey Run Park | $10, free for members | Learn about the life cycle of salamanders + wade in the creek to find one yourself.
Sunday, March 16
Good Stand Up Comedy! | 7 + 9 p.m. | Kaiju | Free | Catch stand up from local comedians and grab a beer while you laugh.
Don your best Hollywood glamour and be a part of history as KDM debuts the new and expanded iconic 360º feature film. | Photos courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum
Known for reimagining bold new exhibits, Kentucky Derby Museum is going bigger than ever for its 40th anniversary. To celebrate, it’s hosting a VIP Movie Premiere Party, unveiling its newly remastered iconic 360º feature film, “The Greatest Race.”
The new version features fresh footage from the 2024 Kentucky Derby®, along with cutting-edge projection, surround sound, lighting, and dynamic effects that will bring the excitement of Derby to life like never before.
This exclusive event promises a night of Derby magic, cinematic marvel, and Hollywood-style celebration. Here’s what to expect:
Witness the first screenings of “The Greatest Race” with dazzling new enhancements.
Enjoy complimentary sips and small bites throughout the evening.
Dance and mingle to the beats of a live DJ.
Picture-perfect moments from the red carpet.
Dress to impress in Movie Premiere Chic (think: Hollywood glamour with a Derby twist).
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic first night — grab tickets for the premiere party, happening on Thursday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman died this week while speaking at an event at the Galt House hotel. The 71-year-old billionaire + philanthropist was a UofL star forward under Denny Crum, NBA player for the Bucks and the Clippers, and successful entrepreneur. Read more about his legacy from WHAS11.
Traffic
Portions of Main, Preston, Market, Liberty, and other downtown + NuLu thoroughfares will be closed this Saturday, March 15 for the Triple Crown of Running 10K. See the full closure list + plan your weekend accordingly.
Biz
The law firm Steptoe + Johnson will move from its East End offices into the PNC tower downtown this fall. The firm said it wanted to be part of helping Louisville’s downtown grow + thrive. (Louisville Business First)
Ranked
Louisville’s Brown Hotel was named the No. 9 best classic hotel of the year by Southern Living. The birthplace of the famous Hot Brown sandwich has been a popular hospitality spot for over 100 years.
Shop
St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us which means green beer, shamrocks and... pickles? Stop by Work the Metal this Saturday, March 15 for a dilly-themed celebration. Sip pickle cocktails + green mimosas, and get 10% off your purchase if you’re wearing green.
Asked
This time last year, a LOUtoday reader reached out looking for local bakeries offering Irish soda bread for St. Patrick’s Day. We’d love to get ahead of the game this time — if you know of a local spot serving up soda bread, drop us a line and let us know.
Sports
Pat Kelsey wasn’t the Cards’ only award winner this season — Chucky Hepburn was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
High interest rates are a major concern, and paying down debt is a top priority for many Americans. If we told you there was a trending card that now has 0% intro APR on balance transfers into 2026, would you believe us? You should.*
Travel
You deserve a vacation — and Going will notify you when flights leaving your airport are 40-90% off. Try for free and watch the deals roll in.*
Finance
Living in debt can be incredibly stressful. If you owe more than $10,000, Freedom Debt Relief could help lighten your load. See how it works.*
The Buy
The Buy
This top-rated hair and scalp oil as seen in Vogue and Vanity Fair. It features a dynamic blend of organic ingredients that boost shine and strength, smooth split ends, tame frizz, deeply hydrate the scalp, and encourage hair growth.
This week, I had a chance to tour Rabbit Hole’s distillery and see how the juice is made.
I can share a picture here of a few of their giant fermenting vats, but the one thing I can’t bring you is the smell — the warm, grainy scent of the fermenting bourbon can only be described as heavenly.
Answered
Answered
Pair a Girl Scout cookie with a local delicacy
This week, we asked you to pair Girl Scout cookies with local bevs. The standout winning pair was Thin Mints + Ale-8-One with 45% of the votes.
One reader suggested pairing a Thin Mint with bourbon instead for a Thin Mint Julep. Bonus points if you put them in the freezer.
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