Summer is fun, but with school out many families need some low cost and no cost options to burn off some energy. We live in a great area with a lot of fun things to do, yet sometimes we take that for granted. The things that we are familiar with are often the things we forget when we are at a loss to know what to do. Below are some fun things to do with your family this summer.
Printable Version
VISIT THE KENTUCKY WATERFRONT PARK SPLASH PAD FOR A REFRESHING BREAK FROM THE HEAT.
https://ourwaterfront.org/visit/activities/
We live by one of the best waterfront parks in the nation. Waterfront Park has free shows and activities all summer long.
SWING BY A PUBLIC LIBRARY AND ATTEND A FREE EVENT OR WORKSHOP.
https://floydlibrary.org/
https://jtpl.evanced.info/signup/calendar
https://events.lfpl.org/events/
Most libraries get overlooked and written off as a place that only offers books on a shelf. Both Southern Indiana and Louisville offer free events and workshops to keep the kids busy.
EXPLORE THE FALLS OF THE OHIO STATE PARK, WHERE ADMISSION IS FREE ON SUNDAYS.
https://www.fallsoftheohio.org/
We live in an incredible prehistoric area. The fossils and history of the Ohio River are great for kids.
BE INSPIRED AT THE SPEED ART MUSEUM ON SUNDAYS WHEN ADMISSION IS FREE.
https://www.speedmuseum.org/visit/
Kentuckiana has some great art. The Speed Art Museum offers some of its finest. Enjoy a trip to the art museum with your family.
COME EAT AT PICNICS ON THE PATIO.
https://www.mynorthside.com/summer
We at Northside Christian Church would love for you to join us at a service this summer and stay for our Picnics on the Patio afterwards.
VISIT CHEROKEE PARK FOR A HIKE OR PICNIC.
https://www.olmstedparks.org/our-parks/cherokee-park/
Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1891, Cherokee Park offers many miles of scenic trails. It’s a great place for a picnic in the shade.
ATTEND A FREE OUTDOOR CONCERT OR MOVIE AT THE IROQUOIS AMPHITHEATER.
https://iroquoisamphitheater.com/
During the summer Iroquois Amphitheater offers some free concerts and movies for the whole family.
EXPLORE ROSE ISLAND AND CHARLESTOWN STATE PARK.
https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/charlestown-state-park/
History can be boring for kids, but couple it with a beautiful hike outdoors and you have an adventure.
CHECK OUT THE LOUISVILLE WATER TOWER PARK AND MUSEUM.
https://louisvillewater.com/louisville-water-tower/visit-us/waterworks-museum/
There is both history and science at this museum and park. It’s also got some beautiful architecture.
TAKE A WALK ON THE BIG FOUR BRIDGE AND GRAB SOME FOOD AT UNION YARD GAMES.
https://ourwaterfront.org/feature/big-four-bridge/
https://uniongameyard.com/
Are your kids bouncing off the walls? Burn some energy with a nice long walk across the Big Four Bridge and some yard games at Union.
HIT THE LAZY RIVER AT RIVER RUN WATERPARK.
https://www.nariverrun.com/
Nothing is better than letting the water carry you and enjoying some sunshine. Melt your day away in a tube or on a lawn chair while your kids play in the water.
SHOP SOME OF OUR AREA'S FLEA AND FARMER’S MARKETS.
http://www.thefleaoffmarket.org/
https://www.thefleurdeflea.com/
https://developnewalbany.org/farmers-market-1
https://www.jeffmainstreet.org/farmers-market/
Fresh stuff and old stuff is just cool. Whether it’s fresh vegetables or old vintage toys, treasure hunting with the family can be a lot of fun.
ATTEND THE KENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL'S FREE OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES AT CENTRAL PARK.
https://kyshakespeare.com/season/sicp/
Take your kids to the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival to experience a little bit of art and culture in the great outdoors.
PLAY ON A FARM AT HUBERS.
https://www.huberwinery.com/dine-play/
Many of us grew up on or around farms and want to share that experience with our kids. Huber’s offers some great food and a family farm park for kids.
PADDLE THE BLUE RIVER.
https://cavecountrycanoes.com/
When your kid’s hands are on a paddle, they can’t be on a phone or tablet. Enjoy uninterrupted nature and quality time with family on a float trip.
BIKE FLOYDS FORK.
https://theparklands.org/find-an-activity/biking/
We are blessed to have a wonderful trail system just over the river at Floyd’s Folk with miles of trails to bike.
GET YOUR GAMER ON AT RECBAR 812.
https://www.recbar812.com/
So if the outdoors are not your thing, why not relive your 1980s arcade adventures with your kids at this classic video game arcade?
Everyone needs a change of scenery and all families benefit from shared activities. Don’t just lay around the house this summer with everyone in separate rooms on different devices. Put the electronics down, head out for an adventure, and make some memories.