Are you an aspiring traveler planning a family trip to Louisville with your kids? It is time to buckle up for some exciting family entertainment. Whether it is world-renowned museums or fun-filled, kid-friendly experiences, Louisville offers an endless list of things to do. 👪
Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Louisville is a true Southern city with all the amenities of the twenty-first century. And when there are so many children friendly restaurants, engaging museums and exciting rides, it is not surprising that Louisville is one of the top family vacation destinations in the United States. 🎡🍔💃
This ultimate guide provides all the necessary information for you to plan an unforgettable but cheap family vacation in Louisville, KY.
Louisville Zoo 🦒
There is of course no better place that we can start with than the amazing Louisville Zoo! 🐯 This zoo, with more than 1,900 animals, offers your family unforgettable experiences. Meet the gorillas face to face, feed the giraffe and do not skip the water park especially during summer!
Insider tip: Get the VIP tour for backstage animal access that will excite your teens.
Kentucky Science Center 🔬
Future scientists will go bonkers over the Kentucky Science Center! This museum has a strong appeal to children with its play areas, theatre performances and building workshops. The students buried the bones in ‘dinosaur eggs’ while others program robots or went on a mission to the depths of space.
Fun fact: The Science Center offers 21+ nights where adults can have their own night out with cocktails because mom and dad can have their own fun too!
Big Four Bridge and Waterfront Park 🚴🌳
Grab a sandwich and some snacks to bring to a lunch at Waterfront Park – the park is immediately adjacent to the Big Four Bridge pedestrian walkway. Playtime may be spent in the massive playground and splash parks while those interested in architecture and art could admire the views of the downtown Louisville and the Ohio River by crossing the big bridge.
Insider tip: Take a family ride across the board on rented bicycles or scooters for an unforgettable family time.
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay 🎢🌊
Kentucky Kingdom amusement park offers laughter and fun with over 70+ rides and slides for the whole family. Ride roller coasters, navigate through a ropes course, or take a dip at the Hurricane Bay Water Park that is attached to the park. It has rides for all ages of people crazy for adventures, truly a paradise for your junior adventurers. 🎢
Historic Steamboat Cruises 🚢
The Belle of Louisville steamboat is a great way to view Louisville from the perspective of the river. Your family can go back in time to 1913 as you take the scenic views and get to know the history of the place which is a National Historic Landmark. With cruises from pirates to princesses, it’s a fun and entertaining riverboat adventure that kids won’t forget! 🏴☠️👸
Louisville Mega Cavern 🔦
The Louisville Mega Cavern is an underground wonder that is perfect for families! Tackle zip line through the lower levels, obstacle courses, dig for gems, or feel the adrenaline on the tram tour at night in the dark. It really is a year-round attraction of it’s own with things such as an underground holiday light spectacular.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants 🍔🍕🌮
Of course, you and your family will not want to go hungry during this exciting Louisville adventure; here are some great options to eat: If you want Southern comfort food that everyone in the household will appreciate, check out Jack Fry’s and Doc Crow’s. Pizza lovers would want to check out The Post for pies with plenty of toppings and arcade games.
Free Louisville Attractions 🆓
I believe that one of the most prominent characteristics of Louisville is There are fantastic free things to do to round out your family vacation, like:There are fantastic free things to do to round out your family vacation, like:
🌉 Take a walk or bike ride at the Big Four Bridge
🎨 Look for murals and graffiti art in NuLu
🏛️ Free days at the Frazier Museum to discover Kentucky history on Sunday
🚗 Experience a breathtaking light display in the belly of the Louisville city on Lights Under Louisville. So, having such a vast number of family-oriented facilities—most of which are in the moderately-priced to luxury category—Louisville makes kids happy and their parents satisfied. 🥰 Be sure to look up your next vacation spot in Kentucky now!