Winter Family Fun
Temperatures have been hitting the low teens in Kentucky and I don’t know about you, but my family and I are feeling a little restless. While I would love to be booking a trip to the Bahamas or somewhere warm, our budget is keeping us close to home. But fear not, I have found so many options that may be the perfect solution to getting “away” with the whole family, all while staying within budget and in the Bluegrass state.
Louisville Mega Cavern
Louisville is home to one of the largest caverns in the United States and it is so large that it’s called the “Mega” cavern. What once started as Louisville Crushed Stone, a limestone quarry where miners blasted limestone for over 42 years, was sold to private investors with plans to develop a portion into an environmentally conscious high-security commercial storage facility. While most of the cavern was developed into a storage facility and stores many things such as boats, and even some of Disney’s archives, it is also an all-weather attraction! The temperature inside the cavern hovers at a comfortable 58 to 60 degrees year-round so it is a perfect indoor activity.
For those with small children, seniors, or family members who are not physically inclined, you can take the Mega Tram through the man-made cavern that runs under several roadways and is part of 17 miles of corridors located beneath the city of Louisville, Kentucky. It's a great tour for all ages—whether you want to learn about science and history, or simply want to see what a giant man-made cavern of this magnitude looks like!
For those who are more adventurous or have children over 7, you can learn more about the history while zip-lining through 17 miles of underground passages beneath the city of Louisville. The Mega Zip will lead you on an adventure through never-before-seen sections of the man-made cavern.
If adventure interests you more than the history of the cavern, you can enjoy the ONLY fully underground aerial ropes course in the WORLD right here in Louisville, KY. This is perfect for families with children over 5 years old.
Climb NULU
In the spirit of adventure, Climb Nulu is another great indoor family activity in Louisville. Climb NuLu welcomes all ages and skill levels, with a focus on quality route setting, convenient and affordable services close to the downtown area, and programs to provide access to those that otherwise would not be able to experience rock climbing. You can book a day pass or sign up for a youth climbing club. Climb NuLu offers so many options to learn a new skill and get out of the house during the winter season.
The Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Science Center is the perfect indoor family activity. Exhibits cater to all ages, they offer family centered workshops, or you can learn through immersive movies and shows. Located on Louisville, KY’s historic Museum Row, it offers 3- floors of interactive exhibits and films on a 4-story screen. If making your way down to Museum Row to visit with the whole family isn’t an option, you can stop by the Do Science Shop and grab an experiment to take home for the kids to enjoy on a cold winter day.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
If you do make your way to Museum Row, you would be striking out if you don’t cross the street to see Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. A photo out front with the iconic Big Bat is worth the trip alone, but they have recently renovated their exhibit space and offer so many amazing photo opportunities inside as well. If you took a visit to Louisville Slugger Museum as a kid, it will be a whole new experience that includes the nostalgia of seeing the bats in production and taking home a Mini Slugger at the end.
The Speed Art Museum
While not on Louisville’s Museum Row, the Speed Art Museum is definitely a great place to visit with the family. The Speed Art Museum not only offers gallery exhibitions, talks and film festivals, there are activities specific for families to interact and engage with art. Art Sparks is an interactive, hands-on learning gallery for all ages. Multiple areas encourage adults and children to connect with art and each other. Visitors of all ages will see art in a whole new way after exploring Art Sparks’ dynamic activities. Art Sparks is open the same hours as the Museum and is included in admission. Speaking of admission… Admission is free on Thursdays from 5-8pm and all day on Sunday (until March 2024), making this the most affordable activity on the list.
Don’t forget to ask for the self-guided gallery activities at the Guest Relations desk. There is an activity for everyone!
Glow Worm Play Café
If the kids are just a little too young to enjoy any of the options above, The Glow Worm Play Café is the perfect spot for you to get a second to sit, and for them to exhaust a little energy outside of the house. There is an in-house café and bakery and a play space for kids 6 and under. Meet up with some friends and get in a little adult conversation all while the kiddos explore a different space and interactive toys they may not have at home. It is best to book in advance because space fills up quickly!
Lucky Cat Café
For children older than 6, the Lucky Cat Café is a great spot to also step out of the house, get a warm drink or treat and spend a little time loving on some cats & kittens. Lucky Cat Café is the only nonprofit cat cafe in Kentucky AND one of very few nonprofits in the US. Run entirely by volunteers and its sole purpose is to find furever homes. You can walk in anytime or make a reservation.
Derby Dinner Playhouse
If you have kiddos with an age gap that would leave you splitting between the two cafés like in my house, I’ve got you covered with the Derby Dinner Playhouse. Enjoy a meal while being entertained with a show. Starting in February, they are featuring everyone’s favorite mischievous, Curious George. For breakfast or lunch, pack up the family and take a fun-filled adventure to the theater.
Whether you are looking to fill an hour or several hours outside of the house with your family, there are so many options. The options listed are just a small peek into all the family fun you can have in our city.