Gabrielle Bunton|Louisville Courier Journal
More than 70 rides, shows and attractions await people who visit Kentucky Kingdom, an amusem*nt 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 amusem*nt 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.
Beach Club and Big Surf Cabanas
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 amusem*nt 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
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 amusem*nt 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
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
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
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.
