This week's Parents and Preschoolers edition brings parents and their little ones across the river to Southern Indiana. Here are twelve preschool-age and kid-friendly ideas to do together on the sunny side of Louisville.
1. Falls of the Ohio [4]is one of the best kept secrets and hidden gems in Kentuckiana! You can spend an entire afternoon here and on the way back spend some time at Ashland Park [5]river watching and grab a treat at Widow's Walk Ice Creamery [6].
2. Watch candy making at historic Schimpff's Confectionery [7]. This item is still on my family's bucket list, and I hope we make it over there this summer. A friend of mine posted recently that she and her family walked the Big Four Bridge [8], explored the new park and then stopped by Schimpff's to participate in the candy making demonstrations.
3. Walk the Big Four Bridge and stop to play at the park at Big Four Station in Jeffersonville [9]. There is a lot of green space to sprawl out with a picnic or a snack, plus fountains, a pavilion and a playground. It sounds like a great place to make an adventure.
4. Hidden Hill Nursery & Sculpture Garden [10]is a unique place to visit. They have a nursery, sculpture gardens to explore and many flowers to purchase. It seems like a neat place to take a stroll and see some amazing features of the grounds.
5. Check out the Howard Steamboat Museum [11]and the Vintage Fire Museum [12], both located in Jeffersonville. Take a trek back in time to learn the history surrounding steamboats in our area, see old collectible fire trucks and learn some things about fire safety as well. This Father's Day weekend (June 19-21), the fire museum is giving all Dads a gift, so go check it out!
6. Berry picking at Bryant's Blueberries [13]is also sitting at the top of the list for my family to do. I've heard so many rave reviews from friends and families who go to Bryant's every year as a tradition. Now is the peak season when blueberries are ripest, so picking this weekend!
7. Visiting ice cream at Polly's Freeze [14]is another staple thing to do while over in Southern Indiana. It's a little bit of a drive to Georgetown, but well worth it!
8. Clarksville Aquatic Center [15]is a steal of a deal at $5 daily admission! This Father's Day Dads will get in free! All day Sunday, June 21 dads can enter the facility free with one other general admission-paying customer. This place is hopping and very popular with its many slides, water features and a zero depth entry pool.
9. The Griffin Recreation and Activity Center [16]has a Wiggles and Giggles indoor playroom that is perfect for children ages 5 and under. It's totally FREE and is open Mondays and Thursdays. See the schedule here [17]. They also host preschool-aged arts and activities programs all summer long, which are also listed on their schedule online.
10. Joe Huber Family Farm and Restaurant [18]always has something up its sleeves for families. Whether it's strawberry picking, free outdoor movie nights or occasional kids eat free nights, families can find plenty of fun at this staple of a spot in Starlight, Indiana.
11. Carnegie Center for Art & History [19]hosts Family Fun Workshops once a month. They are recommended for families with children ages 2-12 and are completely free, but pre-registration is required.
12. Last but not least, Jeffersonville Riverstage [20]has alternating free outdoor movies on the river and a free concert series every Friday and Saturday night this summer. All events happen through September 13. Did I mention this is all free as well? My favorite word for fun around the Ville with families! Enjoy!
Photo courtesy of shutterstock.com/szefei