From thrill rides to 5D movies, here are 9 things to do this summer at Kentucky Kingdom (2024)

More than 70 rides, shows and attractions await people who visit Kentucky Kingdom, an amusement and water park with both thrill and children's rides, plus waterslides and wave pools, located right in the heart of Louisville. And since we've all been cooped up in our housing during the coronavirus pandemic, what better way to get backto "normal" than a trip to an amusement park?

And while there's plenty to look forward to, keep in mind there are no new rides coming this season.

"We're in the process of developing a five-year master plan," Kentucky Kingdom General Manager Craig Ross previously told the Courier Journal. "You can certainly appreciate it takes time to bring new rides and attractions tothe market. It takes a lot of planning, a lot of time to design and develop these concepts, so we have a team of people that are working on that for the park.We're conducting the research."

However, Ross said, new entertainment options will be offered this year, including a five-dimensionalmovie "Yogi Bear: The Wild Ride," which features three-dimensional elements as well as immersive special effects that audience members can touch and feel.

From cabanas, water rides and a sea lion show to special days at the park,hereare 9 things to do at Kentucky Kingdom this summer.

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Beach Club and Big Surf Cabanas

From thrill rides to 5D movies, here are 9 things to do this summer at Kentucky Kingdom (1)

WHAT: Rent a cabana for your family or group surrounding the Family Wave Lagoon and Big Surf. Choose fromdifferent cabanas that can fit up to eight people. Each one includesa dining table with four chairs, two chaise lounges, a ceiling fan,a locker, free soft drinks, andcomplimentary 20-oz. bottles of Aquafina water available upon request (number depends on size of cabana).

COST:Regular cabanas starts at $99 and large cabanas start at $159

MORE INFORMATION:kentuckykingdom.com/tickets/cabana-island

Coasting for Kids

WHAT: Coasting for Kids is a fundraising program that allows participants to experiencetheir favorite local theme parks while giving back. In 2021, visitors who go toKentucky Kingdom and other participating venues can take part in threechallenges. Raise a minimum of $100 for Give Kids The World to receive free park admission.

WHEN:Aug. 7 at 9 a.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn how it all works, the different events and how to register, visitgive.gktw.org.

Girl Scouts Day

WHAT:Girls Scouts from all over the region can gather for a day of fun at the amusement park.

WHEN: July 10 and 11

COST: $35 for two-day admission with free drinks and a meal voucher. $13.24 for meal voucher only. To purchase tickets, visit the Kentucky Kingdom website.

ICYMI:Kentucky Kingdom will start requiring chaperones for youths due to behavior concerns

Hurricane Bay

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WHAT: Cool off from the summer heat with water rides in Hurricane Bay. Enjoy rides like Deep Water Dive, Castaway Creek, Family Wave Lagoon and Splash Zone.

WHEN: Starting Saturday, May 29, Hurricane Bay will be open every day from 11 a.m. to6 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:kentuckykingdom.com/attractions/hurricane-bay

Interactive Kingdom Gardens

WHAT: The park has more than just rides and attractions, it also operates its own greenhouses where you can seeGolden Rain Trees, Kentucky Coffee Trees, Red Yucca, Summersweet, Blue MistShrub and more. Head of the horticulture department, Jason Anderson, is a degreed horticulturist and certified arborist witha staff of more than a dozen people.Depending on the season, you will seeblossoming trees, shrubs, and flower beds that are coordinated with the colors of nearby rides and buildings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:kentuckykingdom.com/experience/gardens

Keys to the Kingdom 2

WHAT: A event created by roller coaster enthusiasts for people to enjoy various roller coasters at the amusement park including Eye of the Storm, Kentucky Flyer, Lightning Run and T3. The day will be filled withexclusive ride time,behind-the-scenes access,food,an after-hoursbeach partyand much more.

WHEN: June 6 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

COST:$59.95 for general event admission, $39.95 for event admission with a season pass.

MORE INFORMATION: To buytickets, visit the Kentucky Kingdom website.

Sea lions and Yogi Bear:Here's what's on tap as Kentucky Kingdom prepares to open

King Louie's Playland

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WHAT:This is a great section for kids to enjoy themselves with various rides and attractions that are safe and fun. Kids can enjoy rides like Big Foot Trucks, Sun and Moon, Flutterfly and Rio Grande.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:kentuckykingdom.com/attractions/king-louies-playland

Sea Lion Splash

From thrill rides to 5D movies, here are 9 things to do this summer at Kentucky Kingdom (5)

WHAT: An entertaining show sea lions from California and South America. Each show demonstrates the relationship between their trainers, natural behaviors and teaches kids how to recycle.Between every show, they play with their trainers and each other.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:kentuckykingdom.com/attractions/shows-and-events

More:The Kentucky State Fair free concert series is back for 2021. Here's the full lineup

Yogi Bear: The Wild Ride

From thrill rides to 5D movies, here are 9 things to do this summer at Kentucky Kingdom (6)

WHAT: This is a live-action, PG, animated film of Yogi Bear: The Wild Ride.People are given 3D classes and be able to feel like they are immersed in the movie.A great way to step away from the thrilling rides and immerse in the action of the 3D movie.

WHEN: Every dayat 5D Cinema

Reach Features Intern Gabby Bunton at gbunton@gannett.com

Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay

WHAT:With more than 70 rides and attractions, roller coasters, children’s rides, games, shows, and much more.

WHERE: 937 Phillips Lane

WHEN:11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday. Hurricane Bay: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (Big Surf opens at 10:30 a.m.); 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.

COST:Single-day admission starts at $39.95.

MORE INFORMATION:502-813-8200; kentuckykingdom.com.

From thrill rides to 5D movies, here are 9 things to do this summer at Kentucky Kingdom (2024)

FAQs

How many rides does Kentucky Kingdom have? ›

Enjoy endless fun under the Kentucky sun with a hassle-free, adventure-filled escape to Louisville's Family Theme and Water Park. Laugh, slide and play all summer with more than 70 family-friendly attractions, including sparkling wavepools, towering slides and pint-sized rides all in the heart of Louisville, KY!

What is the upside down roller coaster at Kentucky Kingdom? ›

T3 (stylized as T3; pronounced "T-three", "T-cubed", or "Terror to the third power") was an inverted roller coaster located at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky. The Suspended Looping Coaster model manufactured by Vekoma originally opened as T2 on April 8, 1995.

What happened to the Kentucky Kingdom? ›

Kentucky Kingdom opened to the public on May 23, 1987. The park went bankrupt after one season, and was reopened in 1990 by businessman Ed Hart. Due to loan payment challenges, Kentucky Kingdom was sold in 1998 to Six Flags, which operated it until closing it in 2009. Hart reopened the park in May 2014.

Does Kentucky Kingdom have a lazy river? ›

Beat the heat in giant wave pools, winding lazy rivers and even a four-story water playground! Louisville's Family Theme and Water Park is waiting for you.

Who owns Kentucky Kingdom now? ›

Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park is Kentucky's largest amusement and water park, owned by Herschend and located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky.

Is Kentucky Kingdom open in 2024? ›

— May 6, 2024— Kentucky Kingdom, Louisville's hometown theme and water park, is excited to open its gates for the 2024 season beginning Saturday, May 11, with an exclusive season passholder preview night on Friday, May 10.

What is the largest roller coaster in Kentucky? ›

The 2,850-foot-long (870 m) Thunder Run stands 90 feet (27 m) tall. With a top speed of 53 miles per hour (85 km/h), the ride featured a ride duration of approximately 2 minutes.

Is there a standing roller coaster? ›

a.k.a Standing Coaster, Standups

Chang at Kentucky Kingdom in the USA. The Standup Coaster does exactly what it says on the tin. Riders are on their feet, standing as the ride goes through its course.

Has a rollercoaster been stuck upside down? ›

The “AtmosFEAR” ride at Oaks Amusement Park “stopped at the apex position while operating in the 360-degree setting, suspending 28 riders upside down,” the park wrote on X. Portland Fire & Rescue responded around 3:15 p.m. local time after the ride got stuck, according to a post on X.

What is the age limit for Kentucky Kingdom? ›

Guests aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a chaperone. Guests without a chaperone who cannot provide identification proving they are at least 16 years of age will not be permitted entry.

Does Kentucky have an amusement park? ›

2. Kentucky Kingdom. It's an excellent amusement park, we went on a weekday and having short lines for every ride is great.

Is the Kentucky River clean? ›

Kentucky River

Although still above recommended levels, water quality has continued to improve and is approaching an acceptable level for swimming in some stretches of the river.

Does Kentucky Kingdom have a wave pool? ›

Spanning over 67 acres, Kentucky Kingdom Theme and Water Park offers family-friendly entertainment with over 70 rides and attractions – including five World-class roller coasters, two giant wave pools, and one of the largest selections of children's rides in the region (King Louie's Playland).

Can you float the Kentucky River? ›

You may make the resort as a take-out for a float of roughly eight miles by using either Hunters Ferry Boat Ramp or Poosey Ridge Boat Ramp as a starting point. Paddlers should make a trip into Paint Lick Creek, just upstream of the Buckeye/Paint Lick Boat Ramp on the Garrard County side of the river.

How many rides are in fantasy kingdom? ›

Fantasy Kingdom Theme Park has around 24 rides: Bumper Car. Zuzu Train.

How many total rides are at Magic Kingdom? ›

There are a total of 173 rides at Disney World Orlando. There are 41 rides at Magic Kingdom, 42 at Epcot, 17 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and 46 at Animal Kingdom. Also, there are 11 rides at Typhoon Lagoon, and 12 at Blizzard Beach.

Which WDW park has the most rides? ›

Magic Kingdom has 24 rides, giving it the most rides of any Disney park. Here is a rundown of the number of rides at each Disney World theme park: Magic Kingdom – 24 Rides. EPCOT – 11 Rides.

How many actual rides are at Animal Kingdom? ›

There are currently 42 rides and attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park.

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