Looking for fun and family-friendly events and things to do in the Lou? We’ve got your roundup of things to do each month during the year! Have some others that just NEED to be added to our list? Comment at the end with your suggestions.
Happy New Year, Kentuckiana moms! Another year is upon us, and the family-friendly activities around the Lou are still in full swing for January. Check out our round-up of our top things to do during the month.
Dinosaur World Live
January 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Brown Theatre
315 West Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this Olivier award-winning interactive show for all the family.
Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
Paint and Sip: Hello Friend
January 7th 7-9pm
Pinot’s Palette – Jeffersonville
300 Spring St, Unit 1A
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
In this class, our instructor will guide you step-by-step through creating this heartwarming winter scene, from blending soft snowy backgrounds to painting expressive branches and cheerful details. No painting experience is needed, and all skill levels are welcome. It’s a relaxed, social experience that’s perfect for friends, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a lighthearted and creative evening. Our bar will be open with wine, beer, and cocktails available for purchase. Guests are welcome to bring snacks.
Forest Homeschool Hike: Winter Birds
January 8th | 1-2pm
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
2075 Clermont Rd, Hwy 245
Clermont, Kentucky 40110
Welcome to winter wildness! The winter forest is a great place to find our feathered friends foraging and frolicking. Come along and learn some birding basics, attend binocular boot camp, and explore the wonder of winter birding.
Designed for families with K–5 students and homeschool co-ops, Forest Homeschool Hikes pair a short, hands-on lesson with a hike that brings the lesson to life in the forest.
Stories and Art with Ms. Ashley
Mondays 10:30-11:30am
FREE
The Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center
201 E. Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150
Join us for stories, songs, and movement activities on Mondays at the Museum! We will end with an art activity to take home!
Baby’s Morning Out
Weekly on Wednesdays 10:30-11am
The Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center
201 E. Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150
Join us for a morning of early literacy fun for babies! There will be stories, songs, and sensory activities for babies to interact with at the end of the program. Baby’s Morning Out is intended for babies ages 0-23 months and their caregivers. Free – no registration required.
Baby’s Afternoon Out
Weekly on Wednesdays 1-2pm
The Floyd County Carnegie Library Cultural Arts Center
201 E. Spring St, New Albany, IN 47150
Join us for an afternoon of early literacy fun for babies! There will be stories, songs, and sensory activities for babies to interact with at the end of the program. Free.
ECO Kids Discovery Day
January 17th 1-4pm
Bernheim Forest and Arboretum
2499 Clermont Rd, Hwy 245
Clermont, Kentucky 40110
E-C-O stands for Every Child Outside, which is the best way for children of all ages to connect with the natural world. Activities may include hands-on discovery stations, pop-up story circles and a hike of the day. ECO Kids Discovery Days are offered the first and third Saturday of each month. Free. $15 recommended donation.
Keepers of the Dream: Beyond the Dream
January 18th 3-7pm
The Kentucky Center
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Where spirit, struggle, and song ascend. Join us for a powerful celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! Experience a vibrant community showcase in The Kentucky Center lobby featuring local vendors, visual art, and live performances — followed by an unforgettable evening in Whitney Hall. Witness Beyond The Dream, a moving short play blending music, dance, spoken word, and theater. Celebrate the presentation of the Freedom Award by Mayor Craig Greenberg, sponsored by Republic Bank, and KPA’s Living the Vision Award honorees — individuals who carry Dr. King’s dream forward through leadership, service, and the arts.
{Frank & Paula Harshaw Pops Series} Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs In Symphony
January 31, 2026
7:30-9:30pm
Louisville Orchestra
Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
A multimedia experience featuring Dolly on screen, leading audiences in a visual-musical journey of her songs, her life, and her stories featuring songs like “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
With February right around the corner, there are a number of different activities in the Louisville area for families!
Highlighting Black History in Kentucky
February 7th – February 28th
Saturdays in February 3-3:30pm
Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
100 West Broadway
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Join us in celebrating Black History Month at the Kentucky Historical Society with a captivating highlights tour of our exhibit, “A Kentucky Journey.” Discover the powerful narratives of resilience that span from the Kentucky frontier to the pivotal Civil Rights movement. Learn about the profound impact Black Kentuckians have made on our state’s history and be inspired by stories that embody strength, courage, and triumph. Free with Admission (KHS Member admission is always free!)
A Year With Frog & Toad
February 21st – March 28th
Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, Indiana 47129
A hit on Broadway and based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, this whimsical musical follows two great friends – cheerful Frog and rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Children’s Musical Theatre suitable for ages 3 to 12. Kid-friendly buffet included in ticket price.
There is so much for you and your family to do during March in Greater Louisville/Kentuckiana this month, including a bunch of Easter events! Check out the roundup for our recommendations we’ve curated just for our readers.
A Year With Frog & Toad
Through March 28th
Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, Indiana 47129
A hit on Broadway and based on Arnold Lobel’s well-loved books, this whimsical musical follows two great friends – cheerful Frog and rather grumpy Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. Children’s Musical Theatre suitable for ages 3 to 12. Kid-friendly buffet included in ticket price.
Beauty and the Beast: The Musical
March 10th-15th
Whitney Hall
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Be Our Guest at Disney’s enchanting and beloved musical of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love. This enchanting and timeless tale has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken, lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the beloved musical that will fill your heart with joy and Disney magic.
Maples Park Egg Hunt
March 28, 2026
12pm & 1:30pm
Crestwood United Methodist Church
For children up to 5th grade
Greenville Bunny Trail Geocaching
March 28, 2026
12-3pm
Digital egg hunt at Greenville Park
6455 Buttontown Road
Greenville, IN 47124
Free event – open to families. The Easter Bunny has hidden eggs all over the park! Use a GPS device or your mobile phone to track down each egg’s location. Once you’ve found them all, receive an Easter treat at the Shelter House from Floyd County Parks! Registration required. Email [email protected] or call 812.948.5360.
Easter Eggspress Train Ride
March 28, 2026
2pm
90-minute train ride on the Kentucky Railway Museum train (tickets required)
Easter Fest at Kevin Hammersmith Memorial Park
March 29, 2026
2-5pm
4400 Lewis A. Endres Parkway
New Albany, IN 47150
Community event with egg hunts, a petting zoo, photos with the Easter Bunny, trackless train rides, face painting, and food trucks
Easter FamJam
March 29, 2026
6pm
Middletown Christian Church
Family worship and petting zoo
3rd Annual Easter Trunk Hop
March 31, 2026
6-8pm
Texas Roadhouse Shively
Spring is here! That can only mean more fun events are taking place in Louisville like performances, the start of the Derby season, and many more. Here’s our April guide to family-friendly events in Louisville, including Easter events!
APRIL TITLE SPONSOR
Friday, April 3, 2026
6:00 PM
The Louisville Palace
Louisville, KY
Blippi is coming to Louisville in the all-new Be Like Blippi Tour! Get ready to see the world more curiously as you move like, play like, and explore just like Blippi! Join Blippi and Meekah live on stage at The Louisville Palace in a high-energy live show packed with music, laughter, and surprises, featuring fan-favorites like “The Excavator Song,” “Monster Truck,” “Dino Dance,” and “Curious Like Me.” This brand-new interactive adventure invites families to put on your orange glasses and unlock the spark of curiosity inside us all—showing that everyone can Be Like Blippi!
Easter Over Louisville
April 3, 2026
6-9pm
Broadbent Arena
Louisville’s largest indoor egg hunt, community fun, photo opportunities
Kids Easter Party at Mark’s Feed Store
April 4, 2026
5-8pm
Mark’s Feed Store
Dixie Highway
Crafts, candy, and a bunny visit (Kids eat free!)
Easter Egg Hunt
April 4, 2026
Story Lady at 9:30am & Egg Hunt exactly at 10am
Grounds of Peterson-Dumesnil House
Crescent Hill Community Council
301 S Peterson Ave
Louisville, KY 40206
Disney On Ice – Mickey’s Search Party
April 12, 2026
11am
KFC Yum! Center
1 Arena Plaza
Louisville, KY 40202
Thunder Over Louisville
April 18, 2026
As part of the Kentucky Derby Festival, this event features one of the nation’s largest annual fireworks displays and an air show, making it a must-see for all ages.
Once Upon An Orchestra-The Very Hungry Caterpillar
April 21, 2026
6pm
Portland Branch Library
3305 Northwestern Parkway
Louisville, KY 40212
Spring has sprung! May brings all sorts of joy and renewal to our lives. May flowers, Mother’s Day celebrations, 502 Day!, May the 4th for all us Star Wars-loving fans, the Kentucky Derby, getting outside, and so much more comes with this month.
MAY TITLE SPONSOR
Thursday, May 14, 2026
6:00 PM
The Louisville Palace
Louisville, KY
Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live! show coming to The Louisville Palace! This exciting experience brings Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to the stage with singing, dancing, and favorite songs like “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.” Families will laugh, learn, and play together in a heartwarming celebration that you’ll treasure long after the final song.
Downtown Drive-In
Starts May 16th through October
Waterfront Park
Brown-Forman Ampitheater
1301 River Road
Free family-friendly movies on Fridays. Venue opens at 8 pm and movie begins at sunset. May 15th – Clueless (PG-13).
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
May 15th – 7pm
May 16th – 11am | 3pm
May 17th – 11am | 3pm
KFC Yum! Center
“The Greatest Show On Earth”
Rapunzel
May 23rd-June 27th
Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, Indiana 47129
This comical and touching musical version of the classic tale is sure to please even the most dedicated “Rapunzel” fans. Join in the adventure to happily ever after! Children’s Musical Theatre suitable for ages 3 to 12. Kid-friendly buffet included in ticket price.
KY Flea Market Memorial Day Spectacular
May 22nd-24th
Kentucky Exposition Center
Color Run
May 29th
6-8pm
Southwest Family YMCA
Facility member: $15; Program member: $19
5K colored powder run. Start the weekend with color, music, and smiles! Run, walk, or dance through a fun, all-ages course filled with vibrant color and good vibes. No timing—just family fun and unforgettable memories. Wear white and get ready to glow! The first 50 to register receive a free T-shirt (sizes limited).
Aloha Lou! Festival
May 30th
11am – 4pm
Central Park
1340 S. 4th Street
Hui Kaululehua is proud to present our second annual Polynesian cultural festival! Come experience the joy, fun, and aloha of Polynesia through music, dance, food, and more.
Downtown Pickleball Street Fest
May 30th
Main Street
Main Street transforms into a pickleball venue with tournaments, food trucks, and a pop-up bar.
Wild Lights
May 15 – July 26, 2026
Thursdays – Sundays only
Enter from 7–10 p.m. nightly.
Route closes at 11:30 p.m.
Louisville Zoo
The popular illuminated lantern festival returns! This year’s festival debuts a new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays, blending centuries-old artistry with imaginative design to create an unforgettable nighttime adventure.
School is out, and the season of pools, festivals, and outdoor activities has arrived! Keep your family busy all month long by checking out some of the June family-friendly activities around Louisville this month, including Pride, Juneteenth, and Ali events!
Louisville Pride 5K Run/Walk
June 14th – 9am
Iroquois Park
2120 Rundill Rd.
Louisville, KY 40214
Starting and finishing in Iroquois Park at the Iroquois Amphitheater, the Louisville Pride 5K is a family-friendly event for people of all ages, athletic abilities, and skill levels. Run, walk, or push your way through a closed course inside the beautiful park with hundreds of your closest friends to kick off Pride Week in Louisville.
Juneteenth in Downtown Louisville, Ky 6th annual Juneteenth Ancestors Dream Block Party on 4th Street Live
June 19th | 1-7pm
4th Street Live
411 S 4th Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at MELANnaire Marketplace’s Juneteenth 2026 experience in Louisville. This annual celebration brings together Black-owned businesses, creatives, artists, and the community for a full day of connection, culture, and commerce in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Jammin in Jeff Juneteenth River Stage
June 19th | 4-10pm
River Stage
100 W Riverside Drive
Jeffersonville, IN
This annual celebration brings together Black-owned businesses, creatives, artists, and the community for a full day of connection, culture, and commerce in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Kentucky Black Festival – Juneteenth Unity Parade
June 19th | 3-7pm
Louisville, KY (Location TBA)
The Kentucky Black Festival – Juneteenth Unity Parade is a powerful celebration of freedom, culture, and community in the heart of Louisville. Held annually on June 19, this vibrant parade brings together families, organizations, businesses, and performers from across the region to honor the legacy of Juneteenth and celebrate the richness of Black history and excellence.
Before Freedom Rang: A Juneteenth Story of Kentucky’s Emancipation
June 19th | 7-8pm
Bombard Theater
501 W Main Street
Louisville, KY
FREE admission. In Kentucky, freedom did not begin with an announcement. Before freedom rang across America, enslaved Kentuckians were already imagining it, praying for it, and courageously daring to believe liberty was coming. Experience the powerful story behind Juneteenth and Kentucky’s August 8 Emancipation tradition.
Kentuckiana Pride Festival
June 20th
Great Lawn
231 E Witherspoon St
Louisville, KY 40202
The entrance to the festival can be found off River Road. Kentuckiana Pride is a family friendly event. There is no age limit, all are welcome to attend. General Admission tickets are $10 and upgraded ticket experiences are available. Ages 5 and under and 65 and over do not require a ticket.
Downtown Drive-In
May through October
Waterfront Park
Brown-Forman Ampitheater
1301 River Road
Free family-friendly movies on Fridays. Venue opens at 8 pm and movie begins at sunset.
- June 12th – The Sandlot (PG)
- June 19th – The Princess and the Frog (G)
- June 26th – National Treasure (PG)
Rapunzel
Through June 27th
Derby Dinner Playhouse
525 Marriott Drive
Clarksville, Indiana 47129
This comical and touching musical version of the classic tale is sure to please even the most dedicated “Rapunzel” fans. Join in the adventure to happily ever after! Children’s Musical Theatre suitable for ages 3 to 12. Kid-friendly buffet included in ticket price.
JEFF Fest
June 20th | 6-10am
Big Four Station
222 W. Market Street
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
JEFF Fest is Fun for the Entire Family!
- FREE Children’s Games
- FREE Pony Rides & Inflatables
- FREE Face Painting
- FREE Make & Take Crafts for the Kids
- FREE Live Music
- Hot Dogs (for sale)
- Ice Cream (for sale)
Wild Lights
May 15 – July 26, 2026
Thursdays – Sundays only
Enter from 7–10 p.m. nightly.
Route closes at 11:30 p.m.
Louisville Zoo
The popular illuminated lantern festival returns! This year’s festival debuts a new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays, blending centuries-old artistry with imaginative design to create an unforgettable nighttime adventure.
Besides Independence Day, there are many fun things to do in the month of July this year. Here’s the LMC Guide to July Family-Friendly events in Louisville and the surrounding areas.
Downtown Drive-In
May through October
Waterfront Park
Brown-Forman Ampitheater
1301 River Road
Free family-friendly movies on Fridays. Venue opens at 8 pm and movie begins at sunset.
- July 17th – The Princess Bride (PG)
- July 31th – School of Rock (PG-13)
Wild Lights
May 15 – July 26, 2026
Thursdays – Sundays only
Enter from 7–10 p.m. nightly.
Route closes at 11:30 p.m.
Louisville Zoo
The popular illuminated lantern festival returns! This year’s festival debuts a new collection of handcrafted Chinese lantern displays, blending centuries-old artistry with imaginative design to create an unforgettable nighttime adventure.
It’s already August, and the Summer has been flying by, but it isn’t over yet! Check out these upcoming events in August around Greater Louisville, and have some Summer fun before it all ends.
Downtown Drive-In
May through October
Waterfront Park
Brown-Forman Ampitheater
1301 River Road
Free family-friendly movies on Fridays. Venue opens at 8 pm and movie begins at sunset.
- Aug 14th – Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13)
- Aug 28th – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (PG-13)
Can you feel just a slight brisk feeling of fall in the morning air?? We are so excited for all the fall events that are starting to be scheduled around Louisville and surrounding areas! Check out our September guide to family-friendly events in Louisville.
Downtown Drive-In
May through October
Waterfront Park
Brown-Forman Ampitheater
1301 River Road
Free family-friendly movies on Fridays. Venue opens at 8 pm and movie begins at sunset.
- Sept 11th – Moana 2 (PG)
- Sept 25th – Night at the Museum (PG)
Fall – and Spooky Season – has arrived, and so has your guide to family-friendly events for October in the Greater Kentuckiana area! It’s time to spend time celebrating all the activities that come along with the season.
Downtown Drive-In
May through October
Waterfront Park
Brown-Forman Ampitheater
1301 River Road
Free family-friendly movies on Fridays. Venue opens at 8 pm and movie begins at sunset. October 9th – The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG)
Hope you’ve all been enjoying the Fall festivities and fun of the season so far! Now, the holidays are quickly approaching. Whatever you’re celebrating, we have a roundup of our top picks for family-friendly things to do around town during November!
Coming Soon!
The year may be almost over, but the family fun is just getting started! Here is your December roundup of events happening around town.
Treats from Santa
Annual event mid-December
10am-1pm
Vintage Fire Museum and Safety Education Center
706 Spring Street, Jeffersonville, IN
Let your child sit and chat with Santa and receive treats from him!
The Vintage Fire Museum will hold its “Treats from Santa” – a family event – every December. Click the link in their event title to see updates on this year’s event. Take a photo of your child or children with Santa. Mrs. Claus will also make the trip from the North Pole for the event. They will receive treats from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photograph them sitting on a vintage fire truck. Be amazed by the Museum’s full collection of firefighting equipment dating back to 1756! Check out the special fire safety exhibits and equipment.
