18 Free/Cheap Fun Ideas for Spring Break

Needs some free or cheap spring break ideas? Here’s a list of fun, inexpensive places to visit during Spring Break in and around Louisville.

Spring Break Louisville

If you are staying around Louisville or visiting for spring break, there are plenty of opportunities for fun that are either free or cheap! Here are 18 for you to choose from.

PLEASE VISIT OUR SPRING BREAK STAYCATION 2024 FOR MORE FUN IDEAS! 

Crestwood, KY

Visit Yew Dell Botanical Gardens Tuesday-Sunday this spring for an inexpensive day of fun, especially if you have kids under the age of 6. Yew Dell offers the public exceptional display gardens, an ambitious slate of education programs and community events, ongoing garden plant research, hiking trails and event rental opportunities. Adults: $9, Children 6+: $5, admission for children under 5 is free. This is a great deal if you have preschoolers!

free fall fun Louisville

Clarksville, IN

The Falls of the Ohio State Park is located on the banks of the Ohio River in Clarksville, Indiana at I-65, exit 0. The 390-million-year-old fossil beds are among the largest, naturally exposed, Devonian fossil beds in the world. The park features a spectacular Interpretive Center overlooking the fossil beds containing an exhibit gallery and video presentation. If you skip the interpretive center and just explore the fossil beds, it’s just $2 to park and you can still go into the center to ask for a fossil map for free! Pack a picnic!

Louisville, KY

Take a Harbor History cruise on the Mary M. Miller for just $10. It’s a 1 hour harbor cruise with narration so you can learn about our local history. Hey, there’s also free popcorn. It’s free for children ages 4 and under. Secure your time and tickets online. April 6 & 13, 2024

New Albany, IN

The Carnegie Center of Art & History offers free admission and is open Monday-Thursday 10:00am-7:00pm and Friday-Saturday from 10:00am-5:00pm. Then, visit the vibrant downtown area of New Albany for shopping or dining, or venture to a nearby New Albany park for a picnic and play time.

Frankfort, KY

Head to Rebecca Ruth’s and see where the world famous Bourbon Chocolates is born. Known worldwide as “The Inventor of Bourbon Candy!,” it is close to the Kentucky state capitol building which allows for some sweet educational fun. Take a tour and sample some yummy candy! $5-8 depending on age. Guided tours are Monday – Saturday at designated times. 

Josephine sculpture park

Josephine Sculpture Park is free and open to the public dawn to dusk. Walk around their grassy paths and discover the art throughout the old farm. Pack a picnic and eat in a shady area at this unique place. Be sure to read our post about being prepared with what else to bring for cool activities!

Salato Wildlife Education Center has something for the entire family! While touring the grounds, you will see native wildlife up close and personal along their paved exhibit trails. Bring a lunch and have a picnic, bring fishing gear and go fishing at one of their stocked lakes, or take a hike on one of their trails! Adult: $5, Youth (5-17): $3, admission is free for kids ages 4 and under! They are open Tuesday-Saturday. And, there’s a nice playground just down the street at Juniper Hill.

Click here for more ideas about a day trip to Frankfort. 

Lexington, KY

The Kentucky Children’s Garden is a safe 2 acre outdoor learning environment designed to help children 2-6 years old discover plants and the environment. There’s an integrated combination of various “child-scaled” theme gardens and garden-like elements for experiential play: gardens planted and maintained by children, a small amphitheater for presentations, interactive educational exhibits, interconnecting paths and comfortable benches. $4 per person, under 2 years old are free. Open Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Clermont, KY

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest has lots of classes and trails to explore. Open year round and only $15 recommended donation.

field trips in kentucky

Hodgenville, KY

Visit Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace. Begin your journey at the Visitor Center and view the Bible that belonged to his father and mother, Thomas and Nancy Lincoln, watch a 15 minute video about his early years, and follow the “Pathway of a President” plus lots more. 

Louisville Area

Take a walk over the Big 4 Bridge and bring a picnic to share with your family and friends. This is a fun and cheap way to spend a beautiful spring day. Splurge a bit have lunch/dinner at one of the yummy restaurants in Jeffersonville! Over the bridge in Jeffersonville, there is a lot to explore so be sure to read out post before you head out

Louisville Free Public Library branches offer loads of fun to explore during Spring Break! Find more information here about classes being held near you.

Parklands of Floyds Fork, Iroquois Park, and Cherokee park are just a few of the great parks within Louisville that have loads of fun ready to be found within!

Wednesday Wonders at the Parklands of Floyds Fork are interactive programs designed to spark the curiosity of young children. Each week, they explore a new science wonder with a story, craft, hike or related science experiment. See all events here.

If you are ready to be brave, take a trip to the Extreme Park downtown! The Louisville Extreme Park is one of the nation’s best skate parks, with awesome features, including a 24 foot full-pipe! The park offers a great balance of street-style, transition style and vert.

Get your exercise on the Louisville Loop. The Louisville Loop is an estimated 100-mile trail system that will eventually encircle the city and link existing and new parks and neighborhoods to civic attractions, transportation alternative and recreation opportunities. Make sure to check the website for any closings.

outdoor family fun in louisville

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing is part of Louisville Metro Parks and so rich in local history. They do have special events that are fun but they are also open to the public so you can explore and learn over spring break. Great picnic spot too. The original home is there and very interesting as well as active archaeological digs going on to learn more about the people that have lived on that site. Tours available Tuesday – Saturday. You can book your slot online

If you are looking for a unique way to learn history, download a map and explore Cave Hill Cemetery. It is known for its exquisite collection of monumental art, many examples of which are over 150 years old. Additionally, the property includes a variety of historic structures, from the Administration Office to the Board Room to the three and half miles of brick and stone wall that encircle the perimeter.

Bonus ideas: Painting at Whet Your Palette or take a tour at The Little Loomhouse!

 

Be sure to keep tabs on our Spring Fun links for MORE Spring Break ideas!

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