6 Flags Kentucky(have free kids tickets) or Holiday World

[chalex]

The kids participated in the St. Judes mathathon and received free tickets to any 6 Flags park plus an additional coupon for $8 off adult tickets.

Problem is I haven't seen any good reviews for the park.

We are going to be heading to KY on vacation and will be spending 6 days in Louisville and I would like to take them to one theme park. I have a DD 10 who likes roller coasters but will probably not ride too many as dad is not able to come on this part of the trip and I don't do roller coasters. DS 9, does not like wild rides. Both like water parks.

As this is a budget board, should I take the cheaper option and go to 6 flags or splash out for a visit to Holiday World. Which is the nicer park? We have a WDW trip planned in Sept. so trying to budget our summer vacation.

We are also planning to visit: Slugger museum, downtown waterfront, science museum, flea market on Saturday, boat trip on the river and Churchill Downs. I wanted to see Lion King but cannot believe the cost of tickets.

Does anyone know where kids eat free in Louisville?

Is 6 days too long?

Should I plan on visiting other parts of Kentucky/Indiana/Ohio?

DH is joining us after the 1st week and we will be camping in COE parks near Bowling Green and Lake Cumberland.

Planning on pricelining the hotel. Hoping for the Hyatt Place or the Hyatt downtown.

Thanks for helping!

Angie

 

[madge]

I'd try to see Mammoth Cave - if you're traveling from Louisville to Bowling Green, you'll definitely be in the area.

As far as Ky Kingdom/Holiday World - I'd go to Holiday World. I hear fantastic things about that park, and I'm looking to go there around July 4th. One thing to consider: You might have free tix to KK, but the food is spendy (and nasty). At Holiday World, the food is reasonable, drinks are free. There's also free sunscreen available at the park.

When going to the Science Museum, be aware of the construction on I-64.
http://restore64.ky.gov/

We got "reasonable" Lion King tickets - but I think they were sold out months ago.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[jennwdw]

I would definately choose Holiday World. It's cleaner, nicer, and better geared toward children (more kid friendly rides). Plus I like the crowd better at Holiday World.

I should know where kids eat free in louisville but I don't. I seem to remember that WW Cousins had kids night but not sure which....

All your other plans sound great....You could also add the Frasier Historical Arms museum..It's really nice and my kids really enjoy it, particulary the sword figthing demonstrations.

I would also take the mammoth cave suggestion. It's so worth the trip!!!!!

 

[mom2my3kids]

Holiday World is so much fun, free drinks and free sunscreen. We usually take the 2 hour trip each year..

 

[Praying Colonel]

I live in the area and have been to both. In fact, DW and kids had a pass there about 5 years ago. They didn't renew, which should tell you how we feel about Kentucky Kingdom.

IMHO Holiday World is a much nicer park and you'll have a better time there. Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom isn't awful, so you may decide that free at Six Flags is preferable to paying for a better time at Holiday World.

Personally speaking, I wouldn't go to Kentucky Kingdom if you paid me, even though it's the cheaper choice. For me, paying more for a better experience is a better budget choice than paying less (or nothing) for an experience I won't enjoy. But YMMV.

As for your other choices, they are great! I'd also work in a trip to the Frazier Historical Museum. Lots of cool exhibits and live performances. At least a 1/2 day excursion. Our family has a membership there.

http://www.frazierarmsmuseum.org/

 

[Harvest02]

I agree- Holiday World! We live in Central Indiana and we are actually headed to Holiday world in a few weeks(middle of July). The kids can't wait! We were there several years ago, but I won some tickets at a silent auction for Holiday World and we are looking forward to visiting there again! The "drinks are free" is a true money saver!!! It is nice not to have to go buy a drink every time the kids say they are thirsty! Also, the tickets get you into both parks, and the other nice perk - FREE PARKING!!! They have some great wooden roller coasters too, and I am looking forward to trying out there newest one! Holiday World is so clean and very friendly staff! Awesome place to visit, even if it is in the middle of no where!!!

 

[madge]

I agree- Holiday World! We live in Central Indiana and we are actually headed to Holiday world in a few weeks(middle of July). The kids can't wait! We were there several years ago, but I won some tickets at a silent auction for Holiday World and we are looking forward to visiting there again! The "drinks are free" is a true money saver!!! It is nice not to have to go buy a drink every time the kids say they are thirsty! Also, the tickets get you into both parks, and the other nice perk - FREE PARKING!!! They have some great wooden roller coasters too, and I am looking forward to trying out there newest one! Holiday World is so clean and very friendly staff! Awesome place to visit, even if it is in the middle of no where!!!

I don't want to hijack the thread - but, I do have a question about Holiday World and crowds. From what I understand, it's better to go during the week. What about July 4th or 5th? does anyone know if it's wall to wall people around the holiday?

 

[mom2my3kids]

Yep its less crowded during the week then weekend and holidays. If you go to holiday world.com it has charts what days are busiest etc..or at least they used to.

 

[cfknight]

I would MOST definatly choose holiday world! We just got back saturday and it was awsome. Food was really cheap,FREE COKES ALL DAY, rides and crowds were great. 2 of the rides had a good wait but for a saturday it was not bad. IMHO I can't stand KY kingdom. way,way to small for the amount of people, and expensive!

 

[PrincessDana]

Don't forget about the Louisville Zoo. It's a really, really nice zoo.

 

[madge]

Don't forget about the Louisville Zoo. It's a really, really nice zoo.

has anyone been to the new splash park there?

 

[disynut]

I've not been to Kentucky Kingdom, but we like Holiday World. A group of mom's and I took our kids their last year. It's about an hour and a half drive for us, and it was well worth it! We spent most of the day at the water park and had a blast.

Our school BETA club always goes to KK, but after this last year they decided they are now going to be going to Holiday WOrld.

And, like the others have said, free pepsi products, including orange gatorade(or whatever the pepsi sports drink is--I think in the heat too much soda is not good so we stuck to the gatorade) and free sunscreen. The park was as clean or cleaner(these days) than WDW.

But, if you have teens or middle schoolers--do they have a preference? I know our BETA kids love KK. If you're already going to be in Louisville, you won't have much of a drive to KK, but it will be atleast a little drive(I would think, but not sure) to Holiday World. I'd hate to drive it to have to listen to kids complain about it, lol(but maybe your kids aren't like mine---they let me know if they don't want to do something, and loudly....and they aren't even teenagers yet!).

Oh, and the zoo is good, slugger museum is good too, especially if you have baseball fans in your group. DH loves Joe's Crab Shack to eat when we're in Louisville. I think it's pretty good...as long as there's a Cold Stone Creamery or Marble Slab Creamery near me on vacation I''m happy .

And there's a Disney store in one of the malls---Oxmoor maybe?

Mammoth Cave is very interesting. Bowling Green is a neat town. I went to college there...go Hilltoppers! Best restaurants in town there: Rafferty's and Mariah's(downtown).

Have fun!

 

[Praying Colonel]

Some other fun things to do in Louisville:

--Louisville Bats game: the Bats are the AAA minor league affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds (my team!). They play at Slugger Field, a new and very nice ballpark. They have good ballpark food, stuff to keep the kids interested between innings and a merry-go-round in the right field bleachers. They have fireworks after every Friday night game, and kids can run the bases after Sunday games. A good time is had by all. We go to several Bats games each season.

--Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs: Even if you're not that into horse-racing, you should enjoy this very interesting exhibit.

--Falls of the Ohio State Park: The Ohio River is low right now due to our rain shortage, and that means lots of fossils are visible at the park.

 

[chalex]

I think it's got to be Holiday World. To be honest I think I already knew that!
I was just trying to save some pennies. However, I just got a steal on the hotel. Hyatt Palce for $42 a night.
Total for 5 nights on the Hyatt website is $695 + tax

Just hope getting to all the attractions downtown is not going to be a hassle.

As for Mammoth Cave, it's already on the list. I think the kids are going to do the TROG tour.

I am so excited. We leave in 2 days time.

Thanks for all the helpful advice. Please keep it coming. Especially good / kid friendly places to eat.

Angie

 

[jennwdw]

Ok good and kid friendly probably not alot in the immediate downtown area although we do have a hard rock cafe (food ok cost is $$$$) but very close to downtown I would suggest Lynn's Paradise Cafe. It's probably not more the 5-10 min by car and it's fun and delicious. Very kitchy (sp?) and fantastic food! They are well known for breakfast but all meal times are YUMMY. They been written up by Southern Living several times. IT's well worth the trip. Spaghetti factory is right downtown (walking distance)and seems to be very popular for families. Joe's Crab Shack on the river, not my favorite but it seems to be very popular. If you cross the bridge just on the indiana side of the river you could also try Buckhead's (casual American) and/or Rockys (casual italian) both are good.
There are lots of "nice" fine dining places downtown but I wouldn't necessarily take my kiddos.

Oh I do LOVE a place called Melillo's (on Market St) it's downtown but probably not walking distance. Very yummy italian and I would be okay with taking my kids there, you could even eat outside.

Alot of the great local places are on Bardstown Road. You good throw a dart and find a great place to eat and it ranges from very casual to pretty darn fancy....About a 5-10min drive

Louisville is a "eating out" kind of town so plan on waits most place if you go between 6-7p. Some waits may be longer than others. I've never seen anything like it even on a weeknight popular places often have waits.

I'm happy to answer whatever questions you have...Let me know and yes Disney Store is at Oxmoor Mall.

Oh my husband just walked in and reminded me about Tumbleweed. It's downtown on the river just follow river road and you'll be there. Very popular local casual mexican....definately okay for kiddos!

 

[sumrmist]

The Bernheim Arboretum and Forest are really neat. They are at exit 113 on 65. IF you are going south then take exit 113 and then turn left at the end of the ramp. There are also some historical things to do at Bardstown. We are headed there next weekend. My dad is from that area.

 

[SDFgirl]

I second the Louisville Bats game, if they're at home. The games are really fun and have a real "small-town" feel to them. Plus, the kids might see "Jake the Diamond Dog" who entertains between innings!

I also second visiting the Louisville Zoo. They have a new baby elephant who I hear is adorabe! And they have a splash park for the kids to cool down in.

You should be pretty close to 4th Street Live since you're staying downtown. There are a lot of restaurants there, plus a big Borders bookstore and Lucky Strike bowling (which is expensive at night, might be lower during the day).

If you want to get away from downtown for a bit, you could head up to the Highlands neighborhood which is pretty close to downtown. It's a really cool, walkable neighborhood with lots of shops and restaurants. Some family-friendly places in the Highlands include Wick"s Pizza (my personal fave!), Ditto's Bar and Grill, or Mark's Feed Store (good BBQ and I think they have a kids eat free night...). All three of these restaurants are on Bardstown Road. Here's a website with reviews of Louisville restaurants: www.louisvillehotbytes.com

For some hiking/nature, head down to Bernheim Forest south of Louisville. It's beautiful...they have a new canopy tree walk where you can walk way high up in the trees.

Have fun! You will love Louisville! Please feel free to PM me if you want more info.

 

[madge]

The Bernheim Arboretum and Forest are really neat. They are at exit 113 on 65. IF you are going south then take exit 113 and then turn left at the end of the ramp. There are also some historical things to do at Bardstown. We are headed there next weekend. My dad is from that area.

LOVE Bernheim Forest. love it. I wish we could get there more often.

 

[insoin]

Good to hear so many nice things said about Louisville. Did anyone already say the Science Museum? It's really neat.

I know you already said you would go to Holiday World, and here is another vote for it. I live about 10 minutes from Ky Kingdom, and would go to Holiday World any day

To bad we dont have the fountian in the middle of the river anymore huh ?

 

[wiggles]

would have to argee with everyone else. Holiday world is a great, fun, clean park. We go every year. Probably in the next few weeks. Also in Bowling Green there is Beech Bend and the Russell sims aquatic center. We went to the aquatic center several times a summer until we got our pool. Not very expensive either.