School is out, the weather is hot and we are all looking for something to do; something different, something fun! Instead of planning an expensive trip away from home, why not look to your own area for some places to go, things to do and ways to make the days slip away?
A short distance from Louisville, KY you can find some short retreats that are not only fun but educational.
Genesis Creation Museum, Petersburg, KY
This state-of-the-art museum has over 70,000 square feet of interactive and educational activities for families. There are dinosaurs, a remake of Noah's Ark, a planetarium and special affects theater's. This museum brings the pages of the Bible to life. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-12.
Boonesborough, Richmond, KY
Fort Boonesborough is an 18th Century fort where Daniel Boone used to reside. Families can interact with period dressed workers as if it were actually the 18th Century all over again. You can learn about the history of Daniel Boone, the Indians and life in those days. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children age 6-12.
Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, KY
For the horse lover, this is the place to be! Pony rides, horseback riding and farm tours. Spend a day on a horse farm interacting with the animals and learning how to take care of them. Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for children ages 7-12. There is also a parking fee of $3 and some additional fees for the activities (pony rides - $5, horseback riding - $25 and farm tours - $15-30).
My Old Kentucky Home/Stephen Foster Story, Bardstown, KY
One of the best theatrical productions I've seen and even better, it is outdoors! This is for the music buff in the family! Enjoy an evening under the stars listening to a musical of historical significance. Stephen Foster wrote the song we all love, "My Old KY Home" as well as "Old Suzanna" and many others. Tickets are $18-23 for adults and $10 & 12 for children ages 6-12.
Mammoth Cave & Bernheim Forrest
For the outdoorsman, either of these choices will fit the bill. You can explore caverns, go on a long hike, bike the trails, fish or simply have a picnic. Inexpensive fun and exercise for the whole family! Mammoth Cave entrance fees are $5 for adults and $3.50 for children. Bernheim Forrest is FREE on weekdays and $5 per car on weekends.
Fountain Films on Friday at Triangle Park, Lexington, KY
If you love movies, what a better way to watch them than under the stars? Bring your blanket, folding chairs and snacks. Curl up for a night and enjoy a movie at the park. The featured films this year are 1776, Sahara, Chocolat, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom and Ferris Buellers Day Off. Better yet, it's FREE!
For some great local entertainment, try one of these favorites:
Henry's Ark, Prospect, KY
This is a zoo where animals have been rescued. You can see giraffs, bison, sheep, and many other wild animals. You can interact with several of them. Kids love animals and this is a great place to go for an afternoon of entertainment and it is also FREE!
Apple Camp, Oxmoor Mall, Louisville, KY
Do you have a child who has always wanted to be a Movie Producer? Apple camp will set them on the right path. This is a three day workshop for kids 8-12 where they will learn the ins and outs of iMovie making. At the end of the camp, there will be a film festival where the kids can debut their movie masterpieces! Go to www.apple.com/oxmoor to sign up.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
At any Home Depot around town, on the first Saturday of each month, they conduct a workshop for children ages 5-12. They must be accompanied by a parent and it is FREE. Show up at 9:00 am and an expert will teach the children how to build something. In July they will learn how to build a moving truck.
HOOPS Summer Camps, Louisville, KY
For the sports enthusiast, these camps are a must! Your child can learn offensive skills, ball handling and shooting skills in basketball or if they enjoy volleyball there is a camp for that. Go to www.hoopslouisville.com to register for your child's favorite camp!
Of course you don't want to forget any of the other favorite such as Slugger Museum, Science Center, Glassworks or the Zoo. Whatever you do, have fun and enjoy the summer. Get outside, get active and build memories!
On the days when you cannot go out, I have compiled some fun at home activities you can do with the kids.
Scavenger Hunt - get the neighborhood kids together and have a scavenger hunt. Hide some "treasures" around the house or in the yard. Make a map with clues that will lead them from one place to the next. Be sure to reward them with a nice treat at the completion of the hunt.
Obstacle Course Party - invite your children's friends to enjoy an obstacle course competition. Use trees as obstacles, create a rope swing over a wading pool, make a balance beam for the kids to walk across, use small cones to create a maze, make a hoop alley or have them crawl under a table. Go to www.marthastewart.com for more ideas. Be sure to have an awards ceremony at the end. Great fun!
Bake - both boys and girls enjoy working alongside their parents, even in the kitchen. Not only are they having fun but they are learning valuable skills that will help them in life. Have a day of baking where you make cupcakes and cookies. Decorate in colorful frostings and sprinkles then endulge in your creations!
Plant - how rewarding is it to plant a garden and see it grow and produce?! Make a small garden for your child and teach them how to plant vegetables or flowers. They will learn how to take care of something and then see the fruits of their labor when it begins to grow.
Crafts - there are some simple homemade crafts you can do with your children. You will both enjoy the process and have something to cherrish.
Windchimes - items needed: metal hanger, colorful pipe cleaner, bells, twine, scissors, clear plastic container lids, hole punch, sharpie, paint & paint brush.
Curl the hanger so that the ends overlap. Twist pipe cleaner around the upper and lower levels of the hanger. Cut the plastic container lids into various shapes. Punch holes in the top and bottom of the shapes. Tie twine to one side of the shape and attach to the hanger. Tie twine to the other side and attach to a bell. Paint the shapes and decorate with fun designs.
Bird Feeder - items needed: 2 liter clean soda bottle, scissors, two wooden spoons, bird seed, twine, clear plastic dinner plate, hot glue gun & glue.
Cut a 1" hole in the middle of the bottle (with the lid on). Directly opposite the hole, cut another small hole. Repeat this at 2" above the botom of the bottle but on a different side. Push the end of the wooden spoons in the 1" hole and through the opposite side. Fill the bottle with bird seed. Glue the bottom of the bottle to the plate with hot glue. Punch holes all around the bottom of the bottle. Attach twine to the top of the bottle, screw on the cap then hang the bottle from a tree.
Pottery Spot, St. Matthews
The artist in the family will love this place! Your children can select from a variety of pottery already made, then sit down and paint it however they'd like. The technicians will place the pottery in a kiln to seal it and then it is good to go home with you. Call 899-SPOT for more information. Cost $8 per person plus the pottery $5 and up.
Backyard Camping - pitch a tent, pull out the sleeping bags and folding chairs, and settle in for a great camping experience. Use a portable grill to make smores or grill hot dogs. Tell stories by the campfire. Play games and have a blast.
Making great family memories is what it is all about. Enjoy!
~Wendy Anguiano
