Visit the Louisville Zoo. Open year-round, the zoo features more than 1,300 exotic species, botanical gardens and a water park. Group rates and season passes are available. Parking is free, with the exception of special events such as their Halloween Party. Louisville Zoo is located at 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40313. www.louisvillezoo.org.
Visit Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and Splashwater Kingdom. Open spring through Labor Day and selected weekends, Six Flags offers rides for all ages, live entertainment, food and games. Season passes and group rates are available. Six Flags is located at 937 Phillips Lane, Louisville, KY 40209-1331. Phone: (502) 366-7508, www.sixflags.com/kentuckykingdom
Visit a museum. The Louisville area boasts numerous museums, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, 800 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 588-7228, www.sluggermuseum.org.
The Frazier International History Museum is located at 829 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 753-5663, www.fraziermuseum.org.
The Louisville Science Center and IMAX Theatre is at 727 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 591-2203, www.louisvillescience.org.
Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N. Sixth St., Louisville, KY 40202, (502) 584-9254, www.alicenter.org.
Museums feature multimedia exhibits, group rates and hands-on learning. Check out the World's Biggest Baseball Bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum, watch the awe-inspiring IMAX productions, view the interactive timeline of Ali's life, or see live performances by costumed actors at the Frazier Museum.
Cruise the Ohio River by steamboat. The Belle of Louisville, built in 1914, and the Spirit of Jefferson each provide scenic and relaxing tours during the spring, summer and fall, with limited winter excursions, too. Experience travel as in days gone by while you enjoy the sights and sounds, which includes the Belle's working paddle wheels and calliope. Located at 401 W. River Road, Louisville, KY 40202, (866) 832-0011, www.belleoflouisville.org.
Go to a baseball game. The Louisville Bats, the city's Triple A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, play at Louisville Slugger Field. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster or visit www.batsbaseball.com.
Visit a park. E.P. "Tom" Sawyer State Park is one of the many offerings and features tennis courts, an outdoor pool, hiking trails, a model airplane airfield, archery target area, dog park and special events. Located at 3000 Freys Hill Road, Louisville, KY 40241-2132. For recreational info, call (502) 429-7270.
Grab a bite to eat. From fast food to open-air cafes and restaurants, Louisville has an assortment of dining choices. The Old Spaghetti Factory, for example, located in a renovated old-world style building on 235 West Market St., Louisville, KY 40202, has a menu to please everyone. Call (502) 581-1070.
Take a carriage ride. Louisville Horse Trams provides scenic tours around the city, the historic districts and along the Ohio River. One stop is in front of The Old Spaghetti Factory for easy access to an after-dinner ride. Visit louisvillehorsetrams.com or call (502) 581-0100.
Explore Louisville Mega Cavern. Take a guided tour with a cavern expert through 17 miles of underground corridors. Explore and learn about early cavern formations and mining operations and worm recycling. Open year-round, group rates and special events are available. Visit louisvillemegacavern.com or call (877) 614-MEGA.
