The city that packs more family fun per square mile than any other US city - where else can kids ride a steamboat, meet polar bears and zip-line underground, all in one day?

Louisville is rolling out the red carpet for UK families with an unbeatable mix of thrilling attractions, hands-on learning, and good old Southern hospitality. From adrenaline-pumping theme parks to fascinating museums and natural wonders, Louisville has something a little bit different for your little and not-so-little ones.

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay
Louisville’s premier amusement and theme park reopens on 10th May for seasonal fun and has just unveiled Discovery Meadow, a whimsical new land featuring:

• Little Blue’s Book Club (a gentle Ferris wheel for toddlers)
• Storybook Carousel with hand-painted Derby-themed horses
• The Great Balloon Race (family-friendly spinning ride)
• Plus: 7 world-class rollercoasters including Storm Chaser (ranked a top 25 steel coaster globally) and Hurricane Bay water park with 15 slides (open seasonally). 
• Hurricane Bay Water Park opens on 24th May for the summer season
• Insider Tip: Visitors get free sunscreen at stations throughout the park and be sure to arrive at the park opening for the shortest queues — head straight to Storm Chaser before the crowds 

Belle of Louisville
Authentic steamboat cruises in Louisville. Step aboard the 1914-built steamboat (a National Historic Landmark) for:

• Skyline Cruises with live calliope music (kids can request songs!)
• Special Pirate Adventure sails with treasure hunts (summer weekends)
• Bourbon & Bluegrass evening cruises for mums and dads (with kid-friendly early departures)
• Insider Tip: Pack binoculars—kids love spotting barges and wildlife along the Ohio River

Louisville Mega Cavern
This massive underground adventure offers:

• Zipline Canopy Tours (ages 7+) flying past historic mining equipment
• Mega Tram tours revealing Cold War-era bunker history
• Christmas Lights Spectacular (Nov-Jan) featuring 4 million lights
• Insider Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes—the cavern stays a cool 14°C year-round

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Where baseball comes alive and Home of the Big Bat. Celebrate the extraordinary role Louisville Slugger baseball bats have played in the sport's past, present, and future.

• Watch artisans hand-craft bats for MLB stars (free mini-bat with admission)
• Hold Actual Game-Used Bats 
• Virtual Home Run Derby (ages 4+) with instant replay
• Signature Wall where kids can find their favourite player’s autograph
• Insider Tip: Check the schedule for player appearances—sometimes MLB stars visit

Louisville Zoo
A 134-acre animal adventure featuring:

• Glacier Run polar bear exhibit with underwater viewing tunnels
• Gorilla Forest with climbing structures mimicking primate habitats
• WaterPlay splash pad (seasonal) with 50+ interactive features
• Some of their other 1,200 animal species including sloths, koalas, and giraffes
• Insider Tip: Visit at feeding times (posted at exhibits) for the most active animals

Kentucky Science Center
Four floors of STEM fun where imagination knows no bounds, including:

• The World We Create (ages 0-7) with a toddler-sized construction site
• Currents exhibit where kids control 12-foot water tornadoes
• Flight Simulator that lets you "fly" over Kentucky landscapes
• Insider Tip: Free admission for kids under 2 and parking is validated with ticket purchase

Waterfront Park
The waterfront for everyone. Louisville’s crown jewel along the Ohio River offers:

• Big Four Bridge (1/2 mile pedestrian walkway to Indiana)
• Splash ‘n’ Play Fountain (open May-September)
• Free summer concerts and outdoor movie nights
• Insider Tip: Sunset walks on the Big Four Bridge offer the best skyline views

Getting to Louisville from the UK

Flight Options:

• British Airways daily from LHR to CVG, 1.5hr drive to Louisville
• Delta/Virgin daily from LHR with connections via ATL with pre-clearance at Dublin for extra ease on landing and immediate start to your holiday)

About Louisville Tourism: 

Louisville Tourism is the official destination marketing organisation for Louisville, Kentucky, dedicated to enhancing the city's economy through tourism development. With a booming bourbon renaissance, iconic attractions, world-class hotels, and a renowned culinary scene, Louisville offers an experience like no other city.