2013 Bucket List of the Best Activities for Louisville Families

January:

- Ice skating at Jeffersonville Ice Rink - ends January 27th

- It's not Derby time, but it's probably not as crowded either. Winter is a great time to explore Louisville's museums, and the Kentucky Derby Museum is not to be missed.

- Start off the New Year visiting an historic landmark that's chock full of education and learning - the Thomas Edison House in the Butchertown neighborhood.


February:
- Head to the Muhammad Ali Center in celebration of Black History Month.

- February is chilly around here, so stay warm indoors at the Derby Dinner Playhouse. They offer great children's shows at breakfast and lunch times and showcases the beloved children's book series, A Year -with Frog and Toad this season.

- Check out the season of children's theatre at Stage One Family Theatre at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. The 2013 schedule includes the shows Jackie and Me, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, and Charlotte's Web.

March: 
- On the days when spring is trying to break free from winter's grip, head to Waterfront Park to fly a kite in the breezy days of March. Walk around the riverfront and play at the playground. Grab a bite to eat at Joe's Crab Shack and sit at a picnic table outside and watch the river traffic. Rent a bike, or bring your own, and explore paths along the river. http://www.louisvilleloop.org/

- Spend some time checking out the park system in Louisville.
http://www.olmstedparks.org/
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/MetroParks/parks/

April:
- Walk Museum Row and spend some time downtown on Main Street, Louisville. Visit the Kentucky Science Center, Louisville Slugger Museum, Frazier History Museum, and pop into 21C Museum Hotel just to look around. 

-Most school breaks around here occur during the first or second week of April. If you're not heading out of town, take a staycation here. Remember, Lonely Planet awarded Louisville one of the Top Ten Tourist Destinations in 2013. See why! There will be a special exhibit of baseball artwork at Slugger Museum called “Big Leagues, Little Bricks” starting in March 2013-September 2013.

-Head to LEGO Fest while it’s here in Louisville!! April 5-7, 2013. Get your LFF discount code here.

-Enjoy the many family-friendly events that take place during the Kentucky Derby Festival

May:
- The Kentucky Reggae Festival is a fun time for families, during the day time hours of the festival. It occurs Memorial Day weekend every year. The music, Jamaican fare and flair, and handmade arts and crafts are worth checking out. It's held on the grounds of the historic Water
Tower on the river.

- Springtime is a gorgeous time in Louisville - check out the grounds of historic Locust Grove during this beautiful time.

- Renaissance Family Fun Park is a great place to head in the evenings or weekends when the kids are itching to get out of school for summer break. Check them out if you haven't yet, there is a lot to entertain your crew for a wide span of ages.

June:
- Louisville Free Public Library SummerReading Program - and all of the programming that goes along with it. There is almost something to do any given day in the summer at almost every library so don't miss out!

- Head to the spray ground at the Beckley Creek Park, of the Parklands of Floyds Fork - this is a must for outdoor spray time and fun in the sun.

- My family and I discovered lots of outdoor, family, FREE movies this past summer - most start in early summer. We especially enjoyed the Cards Under the Stars series.


July:
- Go trolley style this summer. If you haven't taken your family on a ride on one of the trolley hops, they are fun. The evenings are great for this, as you can beat the heat of the day and make frequent stops inside A/C filled shops and restaurants. There are two that run
monthly: First Friday Trolley Hop in downtown and F.A.T. Friday Hop in the Clifton, Crescent Hill, and Butchertown neighborhoods.

- Check out the outdoor music series that occur all over Louisville and Southern Indiana. Two highlights on this list: Westport Village and Jeffersonville's River Stage.

-Experience the oldest, free Shakespeare festival in the U.S. in Central Park, Old Louisville: Kentucky Shakespeare presents “Shakespeare in the Park.”

August:
- It's just not August unless you head to the Kentucky State Fair!

- The St. Joseph Orphans’ Picnic is a staple in Louisville - go check out the family fun during the daytime hours of this legendary family-style picnic complete with games, prizes, fried chicken, and raffles.

- Summer isn't complete without singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at a Louisville Bats game at Louisville Slugger Field.

-Explore The Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville before the kids head back to school


September: 
- Head out to the Iroquois Amphitheater for a play, free movie, or music festival in the outdoor seating arena. Hop on the New Cut Corridor Trolley Hop for the day, sightsee around the south end, then take a walk through Iroquois Park for the day before settling down for some
evening entertainment.

- Check out Blackacre State Nature Preserve at some point this fall. Often on Saturday mornings, your family can help feed the animals early in the morning, then stick around for a walk through the trails; pack a picnic lunch to be enjoyed anywhere on the vast property - no spot will be disappointing.

- Check out a cruise on the Ohio River aboard the historic steamboat, the Belle of Louisville.

October:
- You can't spend fall in Louisville and Southern Indiana without heading to Joe Huber's Family Farm to pick apples or pumpkins. This place speaks to families; check out Huber's Orchard & Winery for a less crowded experience as well.

- Trek through Old Louisville this fall. There are many awesome photo opps to be had, and kids love the old cobblestone sidewalks and alley ways. Check out St. James Court Art Show during the first weekend. Grab a bite to eat at Dizzy Whizz; enjoy a 50s style burger and milkshake.

November:
- Check out a laser show or stargazers delight at the Gheens Planetarium on UofL’s campus. They have many holiday themed light shows this time of year and are a great option if you have older kids.

- Take your family on an unforgettable learning tour at the Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind.

December:
- There are so many holiday activities to attend during this season in Louisville. Check out Christmas at the Galt House, which has so many options you will not get bored as a family. Spend time downtown and pretend you're in the movie Miracle on 34th Street...window shop, adore the decorations, catch a horse-drawn carriage ride, explore the Galt House Hotel's lobbies and elevators, walk the Belvedere, head to 4th Street Live for ice skating, and grab a bite to eat at so many places to choose from.

- Do not miss Toyland Christmas for the enormous light display. It will get you in the spirit of the season.

By guest contributor: Erin