What to do with kids in: Louisville

The 21C Museum Hotel‘s trademark penguins guard its entrance.

The Gateway to the South offers plenty of fun for everyone.

Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory…

Nirvana for baseball fans, the site includes loads of historical paraphernalia, interactive fun (see what it feels like to be on the receiving end of a 90 m.p.h. fastball) and amazing stadium replicas built with LEGO bricks. The factory provides a first-hand look at how bats are made for different players, and guides pass around bats used by legends such as Jackie Robinson. Mandatory photo op: There’s a 120-foot-tall baseball bat in front of the museum.

… Then catch a Bats game at Slugger Field

The Triple A farm team for the Cincinnati Reds plays in a stadium that competes with the big leagues. There’s not a bad seat in the house, and you can expect plenty of good concessions and fam-friendly activities. There’s even a carousel ($1 rides) and playground.

Get Derby fever

The Kentucky Derby Museum can include tours of Churchill Downs, a visit to the barns to see the thoroughbreds and fun kids activities, including a chance to play virtual jockey on a life-sized “horse.”

Sleep in a museum

A stay at the 21C Museum Hotel instantly ups your cool factor instantly. Mod art—including the boutique chain’s signature red penguin statues—are on display throughout the public spaces, and rooms are well appointed with contemporary furnishings. No need to turn to Google Maps to find it: Just look for the 30-foot tall golden replica of Michelangelo’s David out front.

Zipline your way through a cavern

The Louisville Mega Cavern is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and with good reason: It’s exciting, fast fun that’s good for all ages (we had a pair of 70-year-olds in our group!). A series of seven ziplines takes you through 17 miles of corridors underneath Louisville that are rich with geologic goodies. A few tips: Ladies, don’t wear skirts or dresses. And no matter who you are, maybe don’t look down til your actually zipping across steep, dark spaces. Scaredy cats can opt for tram tours instead.

Eat ice cream!

When a town’s got ice cream legends both old (Graeter’s) and new (The Comfy Cow, where parents can sneak in some whiskey tasting by opting for a scoop of Bourbon Ball), it’s important to do your research to ensure you’re informed tourists.

Interested in visiting Louisville? Let Orbitz be your guide!

Tagged: Family time