Indoor and Family Friendly Activities
It may be cold outside, but there are still opportunities to create memories during a trip to Louisville this Winter. We’ve pulled together a suggested list of family-friendly attractions and hidden gems around town below that are perfect for exploring and visiting during the chillier months.
Great for Teenagers & "Tween"-agers
Art comes to life before your eyes with glassblowing at Flame Run. You are the artist with the “Design Your Own” experience, where trained artists help you create your one-of-a-kind art piece. Become part of the art at 21C Museum Hotel’s falling letter art installation near the elevators. Just hold your arms out to see where the letters land. Before leaving, take a selfie with one of the red penguins that “roam around” the lobby.
For indoor fun and games, check out Activate Games, where high-tech games test your physical and code-breaking skills (it’s almost like being a part of the movie TRON). Fulfill the need for speed up to 30 mph with indoor go-karts at Full Throttle Adrenaline Park. Wall-to-wall trampolines await at Altitude Trampoline Park with basketball, dodgeball, foam pit and more. (For the little ones in your group—not to worry. There’s a kid’s court the perfect size for them.) Check out Dave & Buster’s or the Main Event for additional indoor fun and arcade games. Malibu Jack's offers even more activities with Go Karts, Laser Tag, Mini Golf, an arcade, bumper cars, and a play area.
A former limestone quarry beneath parts of Louisville has found a new life as the world’s only underground adventure park. The Louisville Mega Cavern is home to a zipline course, tram tour, and ropes course. Don't miss their seasonal Lights Under Louisville event for a laser light show and over 6.5 million holiday lights.
The Younger Crowd
The Speed Art Museum is free on Sundays and is the oldest and largest art museum in Kentucky that is home to classical and modern art, plus rotating temporary exhibitions. For the budding artist, stop by Art Sparks-- an interactive, hands-on art gallery.
As the largest hands-on science center in the state, the Kentucky Science Center encourages all visitors to engage in science in their way throughout each floor. Starting in February, take a 90-minute guided tour of Louisville to see all the sights aboard Trolley De ‘Ville.
All Ages
A few hidden gem attractions worth a visit include The Little Loomhouse, which has been welcoming guests since the 1880s like Frank Lloyd Wright & Eleanor Roosevelt. It is famous for being where the “Happy Birthday to You” song was composed and first performed by the Hill Sisters.
Don't forget to visit some of the city’s iconic attractions before heading home, like the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Muhammad Ali Center, Kentucky Derby Museum, Frazier History Museum, and one of the city’s newest museums-- Roots 101 African American Museum that explores the African American journey in its entirety from Africa to all the ports in between.
The American Printing House for the Blind, the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to creating for the blind and visually impaired from braille books to talking books for over 150 years. (Note: The American Printing House for the Blind is currently closed due to renovations.)
Louisville has no shortage of events happening all summer long. Check out our calendar of events to see what is going on while you're visiting or sign up for our weekly Top Shelf Tips of the Week the "best bets" for weekend fun.