Ziplining through a massive underground cavern. Spotting gorillas, snow leopards and sea lions. Hiking fossil beds older than the dinosaurs. Louisville, Kentucky might not be the first place you think of for family adventure travel — but it delivers.
Just a 4.5-hour road trip from metro Detroit, this city is full of hands-on, high-energy ways to explore the outdoors and connect with wildlife. Skip the airport and check out these five spots.
How about a few other unexpected adventures? Learn about three destinations worth trying, also including The Wilds in Ohio and Indiana Dunes National Park.
1. Louisville Zoo
Home to over 1,700 animals, the Louisville Zoo features exhibits such as the African Safari and Gorilla Forest. Kids will love watching sea lions at Waters Edge or exploring the Playground of the Apes. The zoo also offers interactive experiences, including animal feedings and behind-the-scenes tours, which are great for learning about wildlife conservation.
Why families love it: “By far one of the best zoos I’ve been to,” mom Mom Rilee says. “There were plenty of things for kids to do and lots of places to sit and take a break. The animals were out and about and seemed very well taken care of.”
2. Louisville Mega Cavern zip lining
For a truly unique experience, head to Louisville Mega Cavern, an underground adventure park. The highlight is the Mega Zipline, which touts being the world’s “only fully underground zipline course.” It spans 17 miles and features glow-in-the-dark LED displays and high-energy music.
You can also explore its aerial ropes course, which has 76 challenges. Or keep it ground level with a walking tour or tram tour. Kids ages 7+ are welcome.
Why families love it: Reviewers generally rave about the attentive guides and safety prep. There’s even a photo package to capture your experience.
3. Falls of the Ohio State Park
Just across the river from Louisville, this park lets families walk across a 390-million-year-old sea floor — older than the dinosaurs! — and one of the largest fossil beds in the world. When river levels are low, you’ll spot ancient corals, sponges and trilobites embedded in the rock.
Kids can try the Fossil Challenge, hunting for nine common fossils and earning a real one from the gift shop (since collecting from the beds isn’t allowed). The interpretive center brings it all to life with hands-on exhibits and life-sized displays of long-extinct sea creatures.
Why families love it: It’s part hike, part treasure hunt — and a wild way to connect with the planet’s deep past.
4. Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park
This downtown amusement park packs in 70+ rides and attractions — and its newest addition, Discovery Meadow (opening May 10, 2025), is built for families. Kids can swing, spin and climb across three new rides and a 4,800-square-foot playground designed just for them.
Still got energy? Hop aboard the Kentucky Flyer, a wooden coaster with a 47-foot drop, or cool off next door at Hurricane Bay, the on-site waterpark full of slides, splash zones and wave pools.
Why families love it: A one-stop destination combining roller coasters and water adventures. Not to mention, there’s a free season pass for kiddos ages 3-5.
5. Where to eat
After a day of exploring, your crew’s going to be hungry — and Louisville delivers big on bold, Southern-inspired eats. The city’s food scene balances creative flair with comfort food.
Spots like Against The Grain Public House serve up house-smoked wings and BBQ with local brews for the grownups, while CASK Southern Kitchen & Bar offers family-pleasers like hot chicken, mac and cheese and fried green tomatoes — all with a modern twist.
Why families love it: These spots are casual, lively and full of flavor — the perfect reward for a full day of adventure.
More creatures and nature await you in our family adventure travel road trip guide, which also highlights The Wilds in Ohio and The Indiana Dunes National Park.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
