10 free summer activity ideas in Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Summer has arrived in Kentuckiana, and that means many are looking for new ways to explore, discover, and make memories together. Whether you're a mentor looking for your next Big-Little outing idea or a family wanting to stretch the season as far as it'll go, the Louisville metro and Southern Indiana area is packed with adventures that won't cost you a thing! Here's a roundup of our favorite free (and nearly free) things to do with your Little this summer.
Explore the PlayPort at Waterfront Park
(Kentucky Science Center)
One of Louisville's newest free attractions, PlayPort is an outdoor experiential learning area at 1105 Rowan Street in the Portland neighborhood — part of Waterfront Park's exciting westward expansion. A partnership between Waterfront Park and the Kentucky Science Center, PlayPort features authentic Ohio River artifacts converted into play structures, educational signage, and QR codes linked to hands-on science videos. It's equal parts playground and classroom, and it's completely free to visit!
Address: 1103 Rowan St, Louisville, KY 40203
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Discover Rose Island at Charlestown State Park
(IN.gov)
Just across the river in Southern Indiana, Charlestown State Park is home to one of the region's most fascinating hidden gems: the ruins of Rose Island, a resort and amusement park that once drew visitors from across the region before it was flooded in the 1930s. Walk the trails down to the Ohio River and let your imagination run wild exploring the ruins.
Address: 12500 IN-62, Charlestown, IN 47111 (Trailhead 3)
Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Chase the View at Iroquois Park Overlook
Strap on some comfortable shoes and hike up to the overlook at Iroquois Park for one of the best panoramic views in all of Louisville. It's the perfect spot for a selfie (or fifty), a picnic, or just a quiet moment to take in the city skyline. The park itself offers miles of trails for exploring, making it a great half-day adventure.
Address: KY-1020, Louisville, KY 40214
Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Free Summer Movies at Iroquois Park
(Iroquois Park)
Speaking of Iroquois Park… did you know they have a free summer movie series? Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a movie outdoors, and Iroquois Park is showing several family-friendly hits and classics for all to enjoy. Entry is completely free and seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Some nights also offer themed trivia with prizes! Here’s a look at this summer’s movie showings:
Monday, June 15 | Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert
Saturday, June 20 | Wicked: For Good Sing Along
Saturday, June 27 | Louisville Philharmonia Presents: America at 250
Monday, June 29 | How to Train Your Dragon
Saturday, July 11 | Almost Famous / This is Spinal Tap (Double Feature)
Monday, July 20 | The Big Lebowski
Address: KY-1020, Louisville, KY 40214
Doors for each event open at 7:30 p.m. and movies begin playing at 8:45 p.m.
Pay Your Respects at historic Cave Hill Cemetery
(Library of Congress)
Cave Hill Cemetery is a piece of living history in the heart of Louisville. During operating hours, you can walk the grounds and find the graves of two of the region’s most iconic legends: Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders. It's a surprisingly moving and memorable outing, and a great conversation-starter about legacy, greatness, and what it means to make your mark on the world.
Address: 701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Watch Candy Being Made at Schimpff's Confectionery
(Schimpff’s Confectionery)
Step back in time at Schimpff's Confectionery in Jeffersonville, Indiana — one of the oldest candy stores in the country. Stop in to watch old-fashioned candy-making demonstrations and browse the vintage candy museum. Admission to the demonstration is free, and the shop is a wonderland for kids of all ages. (Fair warning: it's nearly impossible to leave without buying something.)
Address: 347 Spring St, Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Sundays)
Train Watch in LaGrange
(JB Rail Photography)
Here's one the whole family will love: the small town of LaGrange is home to one of the most unique main streets in America, where freight trains run right down the middle of downtown! Head to the observation deck for an up-close look as trains roll through — sometimes just feet away from shops and pedestrians. It's a totally free and genuinely thrilling experience, especially for younger kids. Check the schedule so you don't miss the action.
Address: 209 E Main St, La Grange, KY 40031
Trains typically come through every 1-2 hours
Hunt for Treasure in Elizabethtown
(City of Elizabethtown)
If your Little has a flair for adventure, head south to Elizabethtown for a free pirate-themed scavenger hunt at Freeman Lake Park! Simply stop by the Freeman Lake Park office to pick up a Treasure Map, find all 10 hidden objects throughout the park, then return your completed map for a bag of loot — and a chance to win the ultimate Pirate Treasure Chest. It's a great excuse to explore the park together, and the prize drawing adds just enough suspense to keep things exciting. The Treasure Hunt runs from June 1 through July 5, 2026, with one winner selected and contacted on July 6th. You can also download the map in advance so you hit the ground running. Ahoy!
Address: 240 Blue Heron Way, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Hours: Dusk to dawn
find your favorite Public Art and Murals
(The Traveling Librarian)
Louisville and Southern Indiana are home to a thriving public art scene. From the vibrant murals of NuLu and the Portland neighborhood to pieces dotting downtown Jeffersonville and New Albany, an afternoon of mural-hunting is a free, creative adventure. Pick a neighborhood, walk the streets, and see how many pieces of art you can find. Bonus: it's a natural conversation about creativity, self-expression, and the artists who made each work.
This list from The Traveling Librarian has a great selection around Louisville to start with!
Explore the Parklands of Floyds Fork
(The Parklands of Floyds Fork)
Louisville's Parklands system stretches across four connected parks along Floyds Fork creek and offers miles of free trails, open meadows, fishing spots, and natural play areas. Whether you start at Pope Lick Park, Turkey Run Park, Broad Run Park, or Beckley Creek Park (home of the remarkable outdoor Egg Lawn and the Arboretum), there's always something new to discover. It's a great place to skip rocks, spot wildlife, or just wander — and the sheer scale of the connected trail system means you could visit a dozen times and never take the same path twice.
Pope Lick: 4002 S Pope Lick Rd, Louisville, KY 40299
Turkey Run: 13371-, 13657 Seatonville Rd, Louisville, KY 40299
Broad Run: 11551 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40291
Beckley Creek: 1411 Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245
Looking for more ways to connect with your Little this summer? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is here to help you make the most of your match — one adventure at a time. Check out the Activities calendar for upcoming events and fun things to do near you.
Not yet a mentor? Learn how to get started today!
Thank you to the Paul Purcell “Kids Win!” Annual Baird Education Grant for their recent support of our mentoring programs!
Learn more here: https://www.rwbaird.com/kidswin/