Where to take the grandchildren in October? (Louisville, Cave City: appointed, live)

[Cattknap]

Three of our grandchildren and one of our sons are coming for a visit in mid-October - children are ages 11, 9 and 5...oldest is boy, the other two are girls. We want to do Kentucky things - no theme parks.

We have thought about taking them to the races at Keenland, the Kentucky Horse Park, and our son, my husband and grandson will go kayaking while I take the girls to have their nails done and to tea. Maybe a horseback riding lessons for them at one of the nearby horse farms (Rose Island Road area has a good one and it is close)

I also thought about taking them to Huber Farm. I'd love to have them see Mammoth Cave but think the ride might be too long - anything to do out that way in conjunction with seeing the cave?

These are very sharp, active and outdoorsy type children.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by Cattknap

Three of our grandchildren and one of our sons are coming for a visit in mid-October - children are ages 11, 9 and 5...oldest is boy, the other two are girls. We want to do Kentucky things - no theme parks.

We have thought about taking them to the races at Keenland, the Kentucky Horse Park, and our son, my husband and grandson will go kayaking while I take the girls to have their nails done and to tea. Maybe a horseback riding lessons for them at one of the nearby horse farms (Rose Island Road area has a good one and it is close)

I also thought about taking them to Huber Farm. I'd love to have them see Mammoth Cave but think the ride might be too long - anything to do out that way in conjunction with seeing the cave?

These are very sharp, active and outdoorsy type children.

Paintballing and rock wall climbing. There are several facilities for this in the metro.

Also, take them to the city areas. Walk up bardstown road with them, frankfort avenue, or even to sports and social club downtown to go bowling.

[missymomof3]

I would never take a 5 year old paintballing. How about Bernheim forest, My Old Kentucky Home, maybe even Shakertown. Glendale is sweet and has a store that sells nothing but Kentucky stuff, there is a playground there for the younger kids and a restaurant. In Cave City near Mammoth Cave there are several little places, Wax Museum, Dinosaur world, Jesse James action park and a couple of antique stores that could be a good stop on the way.

[Off Topic]

I love most of the above suggestions, but be sure and mix in the fun with the educational part. The Louisville Slugger Museum is a good combination of both. Taking them horseback riding is a great idea. Is Kentucky Kingdom still open in October? And what about Henry's Ark? http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ot_henrys.html

I'm not sure they would like the race track at those ages.

[stx12499]

Originally Posted by missymomof3

I would never take a 5 year old paintballing. How about Bernheim forest, My Old Kentucky Home, maybe even Shakertown. Glendale is sweet and has a store that sells nothing but Kentucky stuff, there is a playground there for the younger kids and a restaurant. In Cave City near Mammoth Cave there are several little places, Wax Museum, Dinosaur world, Jesse James action park and a couple of antique stores that could be a good stop on the way.

Paintballing is actually very safe with proper equipment. Five is probably a little young, but the older two kids would enjoy it.

[missymomof3]

I would also suggest the Falls of the Ohio and Marengo cave(I can't believe I am actually pushing Indiana lol). Spring Mill in Indiana is actually pretty nice too. How far are you wanting to go?

[missymomof3]

Originally Posted by stx12499

Paintballing is actually very safe with proper equipment. Five is probably a little young, but the older two kids would enjoy it.

Safe, but not pain proof. My husband, brother and cousins play and always come back with whelts, and that is with equipment. Yes, the older two should be ok as long as they don't mind the sting.

[missymomof3]

Oh and if they are coming the first weekend in October, there's always the St james art fair.

[Cattknap]

Thanks all for the suggestions. We have been every place that was mentioned except the caves. We were really disappointed in Shaker Village - it was such a long drive and there was so little going on...the best part was having dinner there - it was delicious.

MissyMom I will look into the things you mentioned that are near Mammoth. We spent a few nights in Land Between the Lakes and went through Glendale on the way - I spent 30 minutes in that Kentucky store - loved it! Went to that big barn antique store too. I thought of Bernheim too - we really like it there and they seem to have quite a few hands on activites for kids on the weekends (I learned all about the Kentucky walnut when I was there)- I will look at their website and see what they have going in the middle of October.

OffTopic we live 5 minutes from Henry's Ark and we plan to take the kids there. I have only been to the races once in my life and that was at Churchill Downs - I was most fascinated by the horses and how magnificiant they were and how fast they can run....I think the kids would love the races - just two or three not the whole afternoon.

I know the 11 1/2 year old would love paintballing but know that the 9 yr. old girl would not and the 5 year isn't even 5 yet - she will be by the time she gets here - probably a little young for that ....and I am looking mostly for things we can do together....it is hard to find things that fit everyone's idea of fun - such a disparity of ages.

I will keep an eye out for upcoming activities in Jefferson, Oldham and Henry Counties and again, again, I thank everyone for their suggestions - they are all good ones.

[missymomof3]

Cattknap here's a link: Cave City - The Official Web Site of the Cave City Convention Center & Tourism Bureau

The zoo has a Halloween Party all through October on the weekends, Thurs, Fri and Sat nights Louisville Zoo - The World’s Largest Halloween Party! - October 2008