Louisville's Family-Friendly Adventure: 3 Days of Fun!
Discover family fun in Louisville, the perfect destination for unforgettable memories.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Visit Louisville, the vibrant city located in the heart of Kentucky, for an unforgettable family-friendly trip. Explore the famous Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where kids can see the iconic baseball bats being made, and even take home a miniature souvenir bat. Delight in the thrilling rides at Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, an exciting amusement park with something for all ages. Finally, embrace the beauty of nature at the Louisville Zoo, where families can get up close with animals from around the world and enjoy interactive exhibits.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into the quirky and family-friendly 21c Museum Hotel, where art exhibitions meet a cozy stay.
- Begin your day at the Kentucky Science Center, where kids (and adults!) can unleash their inner Einstein through interactive exhibits.
- Dive into history at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, where you can touch the iconic bats and even get your own personalized souvenir.
- Lunch at the whimsical Against the Grain Brewery & Smokehouse, serving delicious BBQ and craft brews.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront at Waterfront Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River and maybe spot a beluga whale-shaped cloud!
- End the day with dinner at the eccentric Hammerheads, a local favorite for unique dishes like crispy pig ear nachos and bourbon barrel-smoked turkey leg.
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Wild Eggs, a colorful diner known for its imaginative twists on classic breakfast dishes.
- Embark on an exciting adventure at the Louisville Mega Cavern, where ziplining through an underground cavern will have your family feeling like real-life Indiana Jones.
- Head to the Louisville Zoo, home to over 1,700 animals, where you can get up close and personal with exotic species and even feed a giraffe.
- Refuel with lunch at The Eagle, a trendy eatery serving fiery Nashville hot chicken and delectable comfort food.
- Unleash your artistic side at the Speed Art Museum, featuring a mix of contemporary and classical art, including interactive installations that will captivate the whole family.
- Treat yourselves to a delicious dinner at the family-friendly Mussel & Burger Bar, where you can indulge in mouthwatering burgers or succulent mussels with unique toppings.
- Start the day with a scrumptious brunch at Toast On Market, a charming café known for its fluffy pancakes and creative brunch cocktails.
- Explore the history of bourbon at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, where you can sample the flavors of America's native spirit and step back in time to the 18th century.
- Visit the Frazier History Museum, where you can learn about the legends of the American West, including gunslingers and iconic bourbon barons.
- Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Brown Hotel, famous for its legendary Hot Brown sandwich, a Louisville classic.
- Immerse yourself in the world of horse racing at the Kentucky Derby Museum, where you can take an exhilarating virtual ride and experience the excitement of the "most exciting two minutes in sports."
- Have a farewell dinner at Porcini, an Italian eatery that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Florence with their authentic pasta dishes and delectable tiramisu.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Louisville by plane is to fly into Louisville International Airport, which is served by numerous airlines including Delta, American, and Southwest.
Car
Driving to Louisville is an easy option, as the city is conveniently located at the intersection of several major highways including I-65, I-71, and I-64.
Train
While there is no direct train service to Louisville, you can take an Amtrak train to a nearby city such as Cincinnati or Indianapolis and then take a bus or drive the rest of the way.
Boat
If you're traveling by boat, you can take a riverboat cruise on the Ohio River and dock in Louisville at the Belle of Louisville or Spirit of Jefferson boat docks.
Bus
Taking a Greyhound bus to Louisville is a convenient and affordable option, with bus stations located throughout the city.