Family fun 101: What are the top Louisville attractions for families?

July 24, 12:18 PMLouisville Family Entertainment ExaminerShannon Neaves

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There are lots of fun things to do in Louisville for families. Some are educational, some are outdoorsy, and some are just plain exciting. Check out this list to find an attraction that's just right for your family.

Actors Theatre - This non-profit professional theatre company puts on a variety of great shows each season, including many that both kids and adults can enjoy together. Check the Schedule to see what's playing now.

Farnsley-Moreman Landing (Riverside) - A 300-acre historic site that includes the carefully restored Farnsley-Moreman House, originally built in 1837, and a gorgeous view of the Ohio. Educational programs and events are regular occurrences here, but Riverside is worth a visit on most any day.

Frazier International History Museum - Conveniently located downtown, The Frazier International History Museum specializes in bringing history to life. Families can enjoy a wide range of exhibits, interactive learning opportunities, educational programming, and talks given by interpreters dressed in historical costumes.

Henry's Ark - To get detailed info about this 600-acre private zoo that is home to ducks, geese, camels, llamas, goats, donkeys, and more, call (502) 228-0746. It is located at 7801 Rose Island Rd. in Prospect. If you decide to visit, bring crackers, bread, carrots or other animal-appropriate snack food to feed the inhabitants, many of which roam freely across the grounds.

Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts - There is always something happening at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Peruse the Calendar of Events to find something fun for the family.

Kentucky Derby Museum - What's more closely identified with Louisville than horse racing? Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs to immerse yourself in the traditions and history of the Derby experience. The Museum's site has a special section just for kids that lists programs for children, suggested reading, and more.

Kentucky Show - Though designed for visitors to the state to provide them with a glimpse into the history, culture, people, and spirit of Kentucky, this multimedia experience presented on a large screen and narrated by Ashley Judd is also enjoyable for natives.

Locust Grove - Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark that was part of a farm owned by the brother-in-law of George Rogers Clark, Louisville's founding father. Today the restored 1790s mansion and grounds are used to educate the public about early Kentucky history and culture, as well as to host a number of interesting events, including children's workshops, market fairs, and even a Jane Austen festival.

Louisville Science Center - Discovery is the name of the game at the Louisville Science Center, primarily through a sizable collection of permanent and temporary exhibits, IMAX films, and dynamic educational experiences. If you have little ones in your group, don't miss the Kid Zone, a special interactive play area where children ages 7 and younger can use their imaginations to explore the world of science.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory - Sports lovers won't want to miss this attraction, where you can see how the Official Bat of Major League Baseball is made and learn about the history of the game. Visitors can even wrap their hands around game-used bats by baseball greats, such as Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio.

Louisville Zoo - In addition to seeing and learning about almost any kind of animal you can imagine, the Louisville Zoo offers a variety of other fun activities, such as a Splash Park, the Sky Trail High Adventure Course, and multiple playgrounds for the kids.

Muhammad Ali Center - By sharing the journey of Muhammad Ali and emphasizing the core values that he holds most dear through interactive displays and multimedia presentations, the Center aims to inspire visitors to make the most of their own potential.

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom - There is something for everyone to enjoy at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Whether you seek the thrill of roller coasters, the relaxation of floating down a winding river, the laughter that comes from enjoying a good Looney Tunes show, or even the excitement of meeting your favorite Justice League Superhero, you can find it here.

Speed Art Museum - At Speed Art Museum you can peruse the art of ancient cultures, check out what's happening on the contemporary scene, or explore almost any kind of art in between. It is the largest art museum in Kentucky and, in addition to its permanent distinguished collections, Speed Art Museum hosts an array of intriguing temporary exhibitions, programs, and  and events.

Thomas Edison House - Thomas Edison, one of the greatest thinkers and inventors in American history, called Louisville his home in the 1860s. The modest, shot-gun duplex where he lived in historic Butchertown now functions as a museum dedicated to sharing his life, his love of learning, and his inventions with visitors.

Waterfront Park - Found directly on the banks of the Ohio, Waterfront Park boasts a spectacular view of the river, a water play area, many great places to picnic and gather with family and friends, the Adventure Playground, pedestrian and bike paths, and more. At least a hundred concerts, festivals, and other events take place at Waterfront Park each year, so be sure to check the Calendar.

Additional Nearby Family Attractions in Southern Indiana

Derby Dinner Playhouse - Derby Dinner Playhouse is one of the largest and oldest, continuously operated, dinner theatres in the United States. A variety of excellent entertainment, from top Broadway musicals to children's musical theatre, can be enjoyed here throughout the year. See the Derby Dinner Show Schedule to find out what's playing this season.

Falls of the Ohio State Park - An educational must-see, the Falls of the Ohio State Park located in Clarksville, Indiana is home to 386-million-year-old fossil beds. Though you can't take any fossils home, you are welcome to view them at your leisure along the ancient sea bed when the river is low and they are naturally exposed. Learn more about fossils, the Falls of the Ohio, paleontology, archaeology, and more at the on-site interpretive center.

Joe Huber Family Farm - A scenic half-hour journey from downtown Louisville, in Starlight, Indiana, the Joe Huber Family Farm is a great place for city folk to get a "taste of the country". In addition to being a working farm where you can pick your own produce, Huber's features a family-oriented restaurant where everything is made from scratch, a play area for the kids, a pond full of ducks, a farmers market, and gift shop. If you're in the area, you might also want to stop at Huber's Orchard and Winery, where the kids can enjoy the family fun park and the ice-cream shop and  mom and dad can pick up a few bottles of Huber's wine.

Schimpff’s Confectionary - The next best thing to Wonka's chocolate factory can be found right across the river in downtown Jeffersonville. Schimpff's Confectionary is among the oldest, continually operated, family-owned candy-making businesses in the country and is home to one of the few candy-related museums in existence. A visit to Schimpff's is like a wonderful trip back in time where you can sip fizzy drinks at the soda fountain, enjoy a slice of homemade pie with lunch, and pick from a rainbow-like array of candies from old-fashioned glass jars.