Best Family Vacation Destinations in Louisville
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Made famous by the Kentucky Derby, Louisville Kentucky is an ideal vacation spot for any family, filled with attractions that are fun for all ages. From the animal lover to the theme park nut to the art junkie, Louisville has a little something for everyone. Be sure to visit one of these family vacation spots the next time you’re in the Bluegrass State.
The Louisville Zoo
Well-known for its realistic exhibits and its success in breeding several endangered species, the Louisville Zoo is the ideal family vacation destination in Louisville. Located on 135 acres, the zoo is home to over 1,200 animals representing species from all over the world. The animals are housed in a number of exhibits intended to mimic their natural habitat. These include: the Gorilla Forest (which houses both the 11-member family of western lowland gorillas and pygmy hippos,) the Islands (featuring such animals as the orangutan, Sumatran tiger, and tapir, all of which are housed in a rotating cycle in order to stimulate natural behavior,) and the Alice T. Etscorn Tiger Tundra (home to the Louisville Zoo’s family of Amur tigers.)
There are a number of dining opportunities available at the zoo, including the African Outpost, Outback Oasis, and the Islands Cafe. General admission to the Louisville zoo costs $11.95 for adults, with decreasing rates for children and seniors, making this stop an affordable family destination spot. Hours vary by season, but they are generally open at 10 in the morning until mid-afternoon. Those who wish to contact them may do so at the information below:
100 Trevilian Way
Louisville, KY 40213
(502)-459-2181
Speed Art Museum
Located next to the campus of the the University of Louisville, the Speed Art Museum is the ideal family travel destination for the art-loving family. The museum has permanent collection of art and objects from all periods of history, including: Art of the Ancient World (with assorted Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Egyptian objects,) American Painting and Sculpture (featuring paintings from artists such as Thomas Dewing and Edward Redfield,) and European Painting and Sculpture (with pieces from such famed artists as Rembrandt and sculptors such as Rodin.)
The Speed Art Museum also hosts a number of traveling exhibitions, which in the past have included “Beyond the Log Cabin: Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln,” “English Silver in the Age of Matthew Boulton: The James C. Codell, Jr. Collection,” and “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: American Art from the Yale University Art Gallery.” Admission to the museum is free, although there is a recommended donation of $4, making this a very affordable family vacation destination. The Speed Art Museum is generally open at 10:30 A.M. and remains open until 4 P.M., with later hours depending on the day. Those who wish to contact the museum may do so at the following information:
2035 South Third Street
Louisville, KY 40208
(502)-634-2700
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
For those seeking the thrill of a theme park, the Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is the ideal family vacation spot, offering numerous rides of every description. Fortunately for the family, their rides are divided into three different categories: Mild, Moderate, and Max. They also divide their rides by group: Thrill (such as the Breakdance and the Chang,) Kids’ Rides (such as Looney Tunes Movie Town,) Family (such as the Bumper Cars and the Giant Wheel,) and, for the water-lover the Water Park.
The Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom also features a number of dining opportunities, including Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream and the Boardwalk Chicken Cafe. The park is open seasonally, so guests should check the website before planning a visit. They offer a variety of ticket options, including season passes, which are the best choice for those planning on returning for several trips to Six Flags. Those who wish to contact the Park may do so at the information below:
937 Phillips Lane
P.O. Box 9287
Louisville, KY 40209
(502)-366-2231