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    This month's edition of Parents and Preschoolers takes little ones and their parents or caregivers on a trek south. There is so much beauty to be taken in, culture to be found, and history to be learned in the south end of Louisville. Visit some of these Louisville parks and landmarks for a new outing during these dog days of summer.


    1. Riverside Farnsley-Moremen Landing
    Last year my kids and I took advantage of the Cultural Pass and visited the Riverside Farnsley-Moremen land and home for the first time. It is suitable for younger children, but at the time mine was two and it was a little rough keeping him occupied. One of the key components to visiting this site is all the neat programming and events they offer for families. In September they will host their annual 200 Years on the Ohio living history timeline event that will be a great opportunity to explore this 19th century farm on the Ohio River. The grounds are beautiful though and it's worth a trip just to see a different part of Louisville's history.
    7410 Moorman Road
    502-935-6809

     

    2. Iroquois Park and Sprayground
    My family and I absolutely love Iroquois Park. From trail walking and hiking up to the lookout, to adventuring at the playground and cooling off in the sprayground area, it's a sure bet. The park also houses the Iroquois Amphitheater and there are so many events going on here it's too hard to keep track of them all! One of the best is the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular held in October so check into that.
    5216 New Cut Road
    502-368-5865

     

    3. Fairdale Library
    This beautiful library in Fairdale was renovated a few years ago and is a wonderful staple to this small area of south Louisville. Residents of the area use the library nonstop, and visitors will love a nice rest here while browsing a book or magazine.
    10620 W. Manslick Rd  
    502-375-2051

     

    4. Riverview Park
    This park is another great outdoor spot with lots of bang for its buck. It sits right along the Ohio River at the old Greenwood Boat Docks and has walking trails, a playground, picnic tables and shelters, access to the Louisville Loop and a fantastic splash park. Perfect for preschoolers and parents alike!
    8202 Greenwood Rd.
    502-456-8100

     

    5. The Little Loomhouse
    This historic site is actually on my own family's bucket list, and every year I keep adding it back so this summer we're heading there before school starts back up. It is also part of this year's Cultural Pass program. For the summer they are offering a Weaving Wednesdays program for kids (although not for preschoolers, it's for ages 6 and up.) It's from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. through August 12.
    328 Kenwood Hill Road
    502-367-4792

     

    6. Jefferson Memorial Forest
    Kids can get in on last minute summer camps, go hiking and trail walking through 6500 acres of forested woods or try their hand at fishing at Tom Wallace Lake in the forest. There are miles upon miles to explore all year round.
    11311 Mitchell Hill Road
    Fairdale, KY 40118
    502-368-5404

     

    7. Jimbo's Bar-B-Que
    If you're over on New Cut Road in the south end of Louisville and you're starving from all your exploring, step into Jimbo's almost directly across from Iroquois Park on Kenwood. It's a great place for barbeque and where everything is home cooked and delivered with southern hospitality. Locals love it.
    801 W. Kenwood Drive
    502-375-1888

     

    8. Sister Beans Coffee House
    After you grab lunch at Jimbo's, save room for a coffee laden treat for the parents and a cool sweet treat for the kids at Sister Beans. Another staple along New Cut Road across from Iroquois Park, this place is bustling and is kid-friendly as well. They serve up Louisville Cream ice cream, Heitzman's Bakery pastries and more. They also have some outdoor seating and a convenient drive-thru.
    5225 New Cut Road
    502-364-0082

     

    9. Southwest Regional Library
    The #NewSouthwest Library is literally the newest branch library of the Louisville Free Public Library system. A remarkable space with 40,000 square feet of learning and play, the library has an excellent children's library space with educational and creative areas suited perfectly for preschoolers.
    9725 Dixie Highway
    502-933-0029

     

    10. A Day in Fort Knox
    Although not part of the city of Louisville of course, I throw in a trip to Fort Knox because it's definitely south of Louisville and is a place that many people may not realize they can visit with their family. It's a great place to go for the day and spend time around Radcliff, Kentucky. Just some of the awesome attractions families can see are Bridges to the Past, Fort Duffield, General George Patton Museum, Tioga Falls and the Kentucky 9/11 Memorial among many others. This list of tips on what to know before visiting Fort Knox is a great resource from Elizabethtown Family.
     

    Check out the South Points Scenic Area for more tips and ideas of where to go and what to do in the fabulous south end of Louisville.

    Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com/LuckyImages
     

    Erin Nevitt's picture

    About Erin Nevitt

    Longtime Louisvillian, I am a children's librarian at heart and have a passion for children's lit. I am most recently a stay-at-home mom who is always on the move, searching for family fun in Louisville. If it's free, it's preferable!

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