Your guide to 20+ best things to do this summer in Louisville and Kentucky
The long-awaited lazy days of summer don't necessarily mean endless hours of doing absolutely nothing, especially in Louisville, Kentucky.
The largest city in the Bluegrass state may be best known for the Kentucky Derby, the Louisville Slugger Museum and bourbon tours, but there is so much more to do in this place. We've assembled a bucket list of a variety of surprising and fun ways to spend those lazy days of summer, and trust us, this list only scratches the surface.
In fact, one of Louisville's largest adventure offerings is underground. The 100 acres of the Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave., is home to a one-of-a-kind underground aerial ropes course, a zip line experience, tram tours and more.
Back up top at street level, no matter what your age or interests, Museum Row on Main is an entire section of downtown Louisville lined with, you guessed it, a variety of museums. When it's hot outdoors, the air-conditioned Kentucky Science Center or Frazier History Museum feels just right.
Plus, Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby which means no trip to Louisville is complete without a visit to Churchill Downs Racetrack, 700 Central Ave. If you are interested in more than a selfie with the Twin Spires, let us suggest any one of a variety of unique tours of the historic track offered by the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Whether it's outdoorsy, food-related, live outdoor music, kid-friendly or something out of the ordinary, we've got you covered.
Ready to start enjoying life? Here's our unofficial ultimate Louisville summer bucket list:
I'll update this page throughout the summer with more information and links to my coverage, with assistance from fellow reporters Maggie Menderski and Gege Reed, so be sure to check back for updates. And in the meantime, reach out to me any time at kadams@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @kirbylouisville – we're always interested in what you have to say.
— Kirby Adams, Courier Journal lifestyle reporter
Summer outdoor activities in Louisville
Kentucky Kingdom reopens. Here's what's in store for the 2023 season: As one of Louisville's favorite summer destinations, Kentucky Kingdom offers thrill rides, kiddie rides, and acres of water fun to keep you cool all summer.
Outside Magazine loves Waterfront Park. Here's why it's so awesome: The Adventure Playground and Splash Park are two of the most popular reasons families flock to Louisville's large urban park in the summertime. Crossing the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge for a stroll to Indiana across the Ohio River is another.
Here are 8 places to hike in and around Louisville to find wildflowers: Even when it's no longer wildflower season, these suggestions are great locations to enjoy an outdoor stroll or adventure.
Take a break from the city with these 5 hiking spots within 50 miles of Louisville: If you’re looking to step away from the noise of the city, there are several spots that are just an easy drive away. Whether you're a novice or an experienced hiker, here are a few places to try.
Here are 5 single-day outdoor excursions within an hour of Louisville: If you haven't already explored the many Metro Parks and Olmsted Conservancy Parks, you might start there. But if you are itching to feel like you have traveled somewhere — even just 20 miles from home — we have a few family-friendly suggestions to get you started.
'Living art museum.' Take a virtual tour of Louisville's Waterfront Botanical Garden plants: A spectacular transformation this beautiful botanical garden with an incredible view of downtown Louisville, was once a city garbage dump.
Your 2023 guide to 25+ farmers markets in the Louisville area you don't want to miss: Spring is in full force, which means it's finally farmers market season. Most markets are open Saturdays and there are several that operate Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. A full list of area farmers' markets can be found at kyproud.com.
Family-friendly things to do in Louisville
A magical post office: How Yew Dell's fairy forest gives people hope one letter at a time: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens may have one of the largest and most diverse plant collections in the region but it also offers a touch og magic in the fairy forest. A must-see for all ages.
3 new features from Louisville Slugger Museum's biggest renovation in 15 years: It's the downtown Louisville building with the world's largest baseball bat (120-foot-tall) leaning against it and inside new exhibits, experiences, watch bats being made and leave with your own mini bat.
You may like: How do bourbon distilleries keep critters away? Meet 9 Kentucky cats who get the job done
Red panda returns to the Louisville Zoo for the first time in nearly 40 years: The Louisville Zoo is open daily and features animals from Africa, Australia, South America and various islands around the globe including “Sunny D”, a Sunadra red panda and the zoo's newest resident.
Let's play! Here are 6 of the best playgrounds in Louisville: Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to play capture the flag, play pretend or cool off on a hot summer day, there’s a playground for that.
Outdoor concerts and shows in Louisville
Waterfront Wednesday is back! Here's the lineup for the 2023 free Louisville concert series: Waterfront Wednesday, a free concert series held at Waterfront Park in downtown Louisville, is back for its 20th anniversary season. What to know.
Iroquois Amphitheater announces lineup for 85th season. Here's what to expect: Here is the full lineup of concerts, free summer movies, and more being held at the Iroquois Amphitheater for the spring and summer of 2023.
Kentucky Shakespeare Festival returns with new stage, flying actor. Here's what to know: The 63rd season of The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival in Central Park begins May 24 and marks the longest professional run in company history.
Bourbon & Beyond releases its 2023 lineup: Who's performing at the bourbon music festival?: Bourbon & Beyond returns to Louisville Sept. 14-17 at the Highland Festival Grounds. Here's your complete guide to 2023 Bourbon & Beyond festival.
You may like: What is a Kentucky Colonel and how do you become one? Everything you need to know
When is Louder Than Life 2023? Everything to know about Louisville's rock festival: Louder Than Life returns to Louisville Sept. 21-24 at the Highland Festival Grounds. Here's your complete guide to 2023 Louder Than Life festival.
July 4 at Waterfront Park will feature Louisville Orchestra, fireworks. What to expect: A free day of music, activities, food trucks and professional fireworks held on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.
Uniquely Louisville things to do
It's official: Jack Harlow has his own Hometown Hero banner in Louisville: Grammy-nominated rapper and Louisville native Jack Harlow now has his own gigantic banner hanging near downtown. If you are a fan its a great spot for selfies along with the alley garage from the cover art of his album "Jackman" and a stop in front of his alma mater Atherton High School.
Looking for a cool new summer hangout? Try one of these 5 rooftop bars in Louisville: Elevate your summertime "drinks with friends" when you order cocktails al fresco at one of Louisville and Southern Indiana's rooftop bars.
Curious about this Old Louisville murder? New walking tour explores the mysterious case: The Glitter Ball City Tour hits many of the spots in Old Louisville that are featured in author David Dominé’s 2021 true-crime memoir, "A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City."
You may like: Looking for something fun and free for your kids this summer? Check out the Cultural Pass
Elvis' and Lincoln's grandfathers and a statue that comes to life: They're all hidden in Louisville: When it comes to oddball secrets, unusual history and peculiar places around Louisville, Kevin Gibson knows more than most.
Bubble it up: 3 new bubble tea shops open in Louisville. Here's where to find them: Summertime is the perfect reason to try the refreshing bubble trend, a combination of tea, milk and little balls of tapioca or jelly.
Reach features reporter Kirby Adams at kadams@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville summer tourism guide Things to do, places, attractions 2023
