Louisville is dominated with kid and family friendly activities all year, and the activity level seems to reach its peak in October. As soon as we moved here, everyone I met suggested that we buy annual passes to the Kentucky Science Center and the Louisville Zoo, and it turned out to be great advice. When we lived at the Galt House, we could walk to the Science Center and did so weekly. The kids probably still go to one of these every couple of weeks. We have to drag Kate away from the Zoo's new baby giraffe (born last summer). Robert attended a week of day camp this summer at the Science Center and is still talking about it - the camp was very well organized, as well as fun and educational. We've also attended great birthday parties at the both locations.
 |
| I want brains! |
Both the Science Center and the Zoo hold Halloween events that are perfect for little kids because they aren't scary. The Science Center's event is Boonanza, and this year it was held October 27-28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free for Science Center members. There are special eerie science displays and demonstrations - think a chemistry lab with glow-in-the dark geyers, ultraviolet minerals, and electronic experiments, plus zombie makeup, viruses, and, yes, even organs. The displays aren't scary but are geared toward slightly older kids. Saturday, KET was on-site with Curious George, and Sunday StageOne performed readings of some classic spooky tales. Skip the $3 showing of Spookley the Square Pumpkin. This year, the Science Center also added a My First Halloween costume contest. There's a little bit for any age group.
 |
| Expecto Patronum! |
The Zoo holds the "World's Largest Halloween Party" every weekend in October (plus some Thursdays) from 5-8:30 p.m. Admission is generally $8, but there are discounts for Zoo members on certain dates (you can also get discounted tickets at Meijer); there are also special Adventure tickets ($13) that include passes for the Haunted Carousel and the Dora and Diego 4-D Adventure. Parking on-site, which is usually free at the Zoo, is $5. My advice would be to go early in the month and/or on a Thursday (Sunday is the runner-up). This is a very popular event; it generates a lot of traffic in the area and parking can be an issue, plus there can be long lines for the trick or treat tables. The event itself is perfect for smaller kids. No zombie brains here; the scariest things are an encounter with the Headless Horsemen and a classic movie monters attraction with characters like Frankenstein's monster and the Wolf Man. The Zoo grounds are populated with kid-friendly costumed characters (superheros, princesses) and storybook/movie scenes (Hogwarts, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland). Bring a camera and a big treat bag, you'll need it.
No comments:
Post a Comment