The holiday season in Louisville is a magical time filled with family, friends, shimmering lights, gift-giving, seasonal treats, and the occasional snowfall. With so much to choose from, The Gardner School has made a winter bucket list—and you’ll want to check it twice! It’s full of recommendations for our favorite activities that preschoolers and their families can enjoy this winter in the Bluegrass state.
Charlie Vettiner Park
Louisville has numerous parks to choose from, and Charlie Vettiner Park is one that offers designated sledding hills. When snowfall reaches two to three inches, bundle up and bring out the sled for a day of classic outdoor winter fun! The park also has ample green space, a playground, a dog run, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Fête De Noël
Start a holiday tradition at Fête De Noël in Paristown. This 6-week-long winter wonderland features photos with Santa, trackless train rides, a holiday market, and the state’s only outdoor ice skating rink. The ice rink is open to skaters of all ages and is an excellent way for preschoolers to develop coordination, balance, and gross motor skills.
Glow Worm Cafe and Play
Warm up on a cold day at the Glow Worm Cafe and Play. This unique setting offers a place for parents and caregivers to enjoy a cup of coffee while children enjoy two spaces for creative, child-led play. The cafe also hosts special events on Saturdays—think Storytime Yoga and a weekly parent support group— so working parents can attend!
Kentucky Railway Museum
All aboard at the Santa Express at the Kentucky Railway Museum! Don your favorite matching family pajamas for a nostalgic trip through the Rolling Fork River Valley and a visit with Santa himself. Before the ride begins, duck into Claus’s Kitchen for hot chocolate, a cookie, and themed child-friendly activities.
Light Up Louisville
Be there when the city’s first Christmas lights of the year are turned on at Light Up Louisville! While the tree lighting is the center of this free community event, you’ll also find Christmas music, balloon animals, and the popular Passport Program for ages 18 and under (a scavenger hunt with a chance to win tickets to Kalahari Park).
Lights Under Louisville
Bring the spirit of the season underground at Mega Cavern’s Lights Under Louisville. From November 10 to January 1, the caverns are transformed into a holiday spectacular with more than 6,000,000 points of light and 900 displays. The 30-minute ride can be enjoyed in your own vehicle or aboard one of the cavern’s Christmas Express open-top trailers.
StageOne Family Theatre
Encourage your budding arts patron with an outing to StageOne Family Theatre. This year’s winter production, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” promises to be perfect for all ages, with a run time of just 60 minutes. For children who prefer dimmed lights rather than dark, lowered sound levels, and other considerations, a sensory-friendly performance is also scheduled. StageOne also hosts monthly live storytelling that allow you and your little ones to interact and perform with the storyline of their favorite books.
The Reindeer Farm
Reindeer do exist beyond the North Pole. In fact, they are at The Reindeer Farm, right here in Kentucky! Plan a trip to Bowling Green and spend the day playing on the indoor playground, munching snacks from the food trucks, sipping complimentary hot chocolate, and meeting live reindeer!
Adventurous Learning in Every Season
The Gardner of Louisville offers an engaging, hands-on curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Our caring teachers encourage children’s curiosity while supporting a robust educational foundation in and out of the classroom. To learn more about our preschool, contact us to set up a tour.