Simone Biles at sidewalk artwork in Louisville; credit Louisville Tourism
Louisville Family Attractions
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
DESCRIPTION: There is some dispute about the origins of the first Louisville Slugger, but there is no dispute that it is the world’s greatest baseball bat company and has plenty of fine exhibits to make a strong argument. Before you enter, take a moment to gaze at the world’s biggest bat. Its 120 feet tall and 9 feet diameter at the base and 3 feet 6 inches diameter at the handle. Once inside a Little Leaguers’ fantasy unfolds — plenty of interactive baseball exhibits, a real bat factory, special exhibits like the one honoring Ernie Banks and more. Every family will appreciate the 3000 square foot, well-stocked Gift Shop before leaving.
ADMISSION: $10 Ages 13-59, $9 Age 60+, $5 Ages 6-12, Ages 5 and younger enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9a-5p, Sun 12p-5p (April-Nov); until 6p July-August
ADDRESS: 800 West Main Street, Louisville, KY MAP
PARKING: A city garage is located behind the museum
PHONE: 877-775-8443
WEBSITE: http://www.sluggermuseum.org
Louisville Science Center
DESCRIPTION: An old warehouse is repurposed to the greater good of science for fun and the city is far better for it. Over 150 hands-on interactive exhibits include The World We Create, The World Within U.S., The World Around Us, KidZone and frequent temporary exhibits to the engage the mind. An IMAX Theater features current & edutainment movies. They alsoarrange Overnight Adventures for Grades 1-5. The venue includes a Science Education Wing with four science workshop labs, each accommodating 20-40 persons and equipped for hands-on participation. This part of the venue is used for student workshops, teacher training, parent mentoring, and educational summer camps.
ADMISSION: Prices $$, depending on whether you are seeing the Special Exhibit, Museum, IMAX Theater or any combination thereof
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9:30a-5p, Fri-Sat 9:30a-9p, Sun 9:30a-5p
ADDRESS: 727 West Main Street, Louisville, KY MAP
PHONE: 502-561-6100 or 800-591-2203
PARKING: parking lots nearby
WEBSITE: http://www.louisvillescience.org
Louisville Waterfront Park
DESCRIPTION: To quote park management, “Louisville Waterfront Park is the front door to Kentucky, a playground for people of all ages, and a gathering place for folks from all over the community.” Those words are not hyperbole and quite evident to the everyday visitor or one who shows up for concerts, festivals or the 350,000-person Thunder Over Louisville Fireworks show. Aside from the many manicured lawns and foliage in this 85-acre park, there are quiet places to read a book, picnic spaces for your friends and family reunions. A well-equipped playground, amphitheatre for concerts, lots of viewing areas, jogging and walking and trails adorn the landscape. Renowned sculptor Ed Hamilton unveiled a masterpiece Abraham Lincoln Memorial monument plus 4 bas reliefs here — one bas relief portrays slavery. The park is also home to the Belle of Louisville riverboat. A nice completing touch is the park is handicap accessible.
ADMISSION: Free
DAYS & HOURS: Daily
ADDRESS: 129 East River Road, Louisville, KY MAP
PARKING: various lots at entry points to the park
PHONE: 502-574-3768
WEBSITE: http://www.louisvillewaterfront.com
KFC Yum! Center
DESCRIPTION: This arena boasts 22,000 seats, 72 suites, 62 premium boxes, 6 lounges, 4 meeting rooms and a 1½ acre landscaped entry plaza. It is the home of the University of Louisville basketball programs, a major concert venue, home to the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame display that includes Artis Gilmore, Denny Crum, Muhammad Ali, Adolph Rupp, Phil Simms and Dan Issel. Second Street Plaza located adjunct to the center and under the Clark Memorial Bridge from Main Street to River Road, also underwent a nice transformation to make your visit more enjoyable.
BOX OFFICE: Mon–Fri 10a–5p; on event days Sat-Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY MAP
PARKING: garages surround the arena
PHONE: tickets 502-690-9090
WEBSITE: http://www.kfcyumcenter.com
Louisville Slugger Field
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 2000, It is one of the nation’s finest minor league baseball parks. Set in the downtown, home to the Louisville Bats, the AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and seats over 13,000 fans. The Ohio River and state of Indiana are visible from the park and most seating is very close to the field.
DAYS & HOURS: Spring & Summer, game dependent
ADDRESS: 401 East Main Street, Louisville, KY MAP
PHONE: tickets 502-361-3100
WEBSITE: http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/bats
Louisville Zoo
DESCRIPTION: Aside from the zoo’s big cats, Gorilla Forest, 4-acre exhibit, is the main highlight which immerses the visitor into the world of the Western Lowland Gorilla. The naturalistic setting meets their biological and social needs because of the two outdoor habitats and indoor quarters surround the visitor who is in the middle, separated from the gorillas only by glass. Flora and fauna lovers will appreciate the Sembagari Trace exhibit having over 8,000 botanicals on display. There are Pygmy Hippos with underwater viewing available — kids will love it! The zoo claims to have the world’s largest Halloween Party.
ADMISSION: Under $15
DAYS & HOURS: Daily 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY MAP
PHONE: 502-459-2181
WEBSITE: http://www.louisvillezoo.org
Kentucky Kingdom
DESCRIPTION: Formerly owned by Six Flags, this theme park features a wide variety of thrill rides, children’s area, shows, shops, food and special events. Highlights include 5D Cinema, a classic carousel, bumper cars, FearFall, Flying Dutchman and a giant Ferris Wheel. Nearby Hurricane Bay is open during warm months.
ADMISSION: see website for ticket prices and season passes
DAYS & HOURS: starts at 11a-7p, then extends to later hours in the Summer
ADDRESS: 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY MAP
WEBSITE: https://www.kentuckykingdom.com
