The Parents and Preschoolers series returns this week to bring you family fun around Labor Day this weekend. Here are five top picks for free fun to do with your family and little ones over the holiday weekend in Louisville and southern Indiana:
The Family Five for Free Fun:
1. Columbus Ships
Louisville Wharf
Thursday, September 3 - Monday, September 7
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Head to the Louisville Wharf and see the Nina and Pinta of Columbus Ships. The ships and history will enthrall you and your family. There is an admission cost to board the ships, but if you just want to walk around the wharf and see the ships from a few feet away you can do that. Make it a day of walking around the waterfront, take in the World Fest festivities, walk the Big 4 Bridge and watch bridge construction, all for free! Admission is $8 for adults for Nina and Pinta and children's cost is $6, but children ages 4 and under can board for free.
2. FamilyPalooza
Southeast Christian Church-Wide Campuses
Blankenbaker Campus, 920 Blankenbaker Parkway
Indiana Campus, 1309 Charlestown New Albany Road in Jeffersonville
Oldham Campus, 6201 Crestwood Station in Crestwood
Southwest Campus, 8301 Saint Andrews Church Road
September 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Take part in the fun of FamilyPaloooza at Southeast Christian Church. The FamilyPalooza fun at all campuses of Southeast Christian is really a great time. Keep in mind it's all outdoors on concrete and it's supposed to be pretty steamy this weekend. But you can't beat the free fun all over the parking lots; the only thing that will cost you any money is purchasing food and drink items, and even those are less than a $1 each! There is plenty to keep your family occupied at this Labor Day carnival-style event.
3. Louisville Free Public Library Events
Various Locations of LFPL
Friday, September 4 and Saturday, September 5
Library fun this weekend is another sure bet! On Friday and Saturday, there are plenty of free programs and storytimes happening at several library locations.
Friday, September 4
Baby Storytime at the Main Library at 10 a.m.
Saturday, September 5
Preschool Dance Party: International Music Edition at the Main Library at 10 a.m.
Toddler Dance Party at the Southwest Library at 10 a.m.
Family Storytime at the Westport Library at 11 a.m.
Preschool Party: Wild Animals at the Newburg Library at 11 a.m.
All area libraries will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
4. WorldFest
Belvedere at 5th and Main Street
September 4-6, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. , September 7, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
WorldFest is back all Labor Day weekend (that's four days!) at the Belvedere downtown. According to Mayor Greg Fischer, "'WorldFest is a great event for exploring and celebrating Louisville’s many faces and cultures and we always look to make it more vibrant, diverse and educational." Admission to World Fest is completely free and there is so much to do and explore!
5. Steamboat Days
Jeffersonville Riverstage, Jeffersonville Riverfront, Colston Park, Big 4 Station Park
September 4-6
Steamboat Days in Jeffersonville, Indiana is going to be hopping with entertainment! This event is an annual fundraiser for the Howard Steamboat Museum. It was held for many years, then went into a hiatus until 2014. This year promises to be just as fun and family-friendly! On Friday, September 4 there is a Balloon Glimmer and live entertainment on Jeffersonville Riverstage. On Saturday, September 5 there will be a parade at 11 a.m. All weekend long there will be food, entertainment, artists and vendor booths and more. There is a family fun area which includes pony rides, face painting, mini golf, bounce houses and balloon making; that area does have a cost to it. You can purchase a Family Fun Zone wrist band for $5.00.
Have a great Labor Day weekend around the Ville!
Cover photo courtesy of WorldFest, Facebook; others by Erin Nevitt
