When toddlers interact with the world around them, they grow and learn more. Getting them to experience everything they can is essential to their development. These 7 fun and engaging activities for toddlers will give you some ideas for exciting outings around Louisville at an affordable price — or even for free.
1. Old Louisville Walking Tour
The best way to have fun is to get active and see something beautiful, like historic Louisville. Though these tours are about $20 per person, there are discounts for seniors — meaning you can bring your child’s grandparents along if you’d like! You start this tour at the Visitors Center and can walk right in, no appointment necessary.
Simply walking every day can boost your immune system, as people who walked had 43% fewer sick days than their peers who didn’t walk in one study. Staying active is a great way to pass the midday slump — just make sure you have a backup plan for your toddler if they get too tired of walking. You can even go on a self-guided tour and let your toddler choose what interesting areas they want to explore.
2. Kentucky Science Center
The Kentucky Science Center is the perfect place to take a child who asks questions about everything and is interested in how the world works. Satisfy their curiosity by taking them to one of the many events the center offers or just let them explore at their own pace. The center also offers sensory-friendly nights, which can be perfect for little ones who are easily overwhelmed.
3. Kentucky Derby Museum
This indoor activity is perfect for any kid who is fascinated with horses. The museum brings in over 240,000 guests every year from all over the world. You and your kids can learn the history of how the Kentucky Derby first started in 1875 and discover more about horses and their jockeys.
There’s also a cafe where you and your little one can try some traditional Kentuckian food. Check out their calendar of events to see when new exhibits open.
4. Malibu Jack’s Theme Park
This indoor theme park might be ideal for older toddlers or young kids with older siblings. You can watch them run around and have fun with the park’s activities. If you have older children who might enjoy the Spin Zone or laser tag, they can play their hearts out while you accompany your toddler to Bounce Beach. Designed for kids ten and under, this beach-themed play area is a great place to let your toddler run around while you sit back and watch them play.
5. The Parklands of Floyds Fork
This open-air park is actually a few different parks strung together, hence the name “Parklands.” Your kids will have fun exploring Beckley Creek Park, Broad Run Park, Pope Lick Park and Turkey Run Park as you make a day out of this fun outdoor space. Beckley Creek Park might be the most popular of the four spaces for kid visitors, thanks to its splash pad and playground.
While a park might seem like a simple option, you shouldn’t underestimate the power of playing outdoors for your children. Kids who are more physically active tend to perform better in school and pay attention longer than those who don’t get enough activity. A park is what you make of it — and your child will surely enjoy using their imagination and exploring the world around them.
6. Louisville Free Public Library
The Louisville Free Public Library always has something interesting going on, so you’re bound to find something your child will enjoy. It makes for a perfect rainy day activity or can work well for a day you don’t have anything planned. They have events for children almost every day, meaning you’ll find something new whenever you and your child want some free entertainment.
Some of the events they have for children include the following:
- Storytime for different age groups
- Special guest visitors from interesting places
- Playtimes with fun activities, like playing with LEGOs or building forts
You can always check the calendar online to learn about upcoming events. They have several activities, programs and classes that are perfect for adults, too. You may just find your new favorite place in Louisville — and you might even want to visit when the weather is nice, too.
7. Vengeful Spirits Ghost Tour
This all-ages tour is perfect for kids who want to know a bit more about the supernatural. While only about 36% of people believe in ghosts, it’s still an interesting tour for any families who want to learn more about their city. Since this tour is family-friendly, you can expect the scares to be milder and the stories perfect for children.
It stands as Louisville’s #1 Family-Friendly Ghost Tour, but it is a walking tour, so make sure your toddler has another option in case they get tired — like riding in a stroller while taking in the sights and stories of spooky places in their hometown! Since this tour is also pet-friendly, you can bring the entire family to learn more about the haunted history of Louisville. Even better, kids 5 years old and under get to go on the tour for free.
Find Your New Favorite Activity
You don’t have to leave your hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, to find something that might interest both you and your child. Plenty of fun things in the city are also affordable, and they promise something different every time you visit. Start building a schedule for you and your toddler. You’ll enjoy more days out and about, learn something new and see the world through your toddler’s eyes.
