science center field trips louisville

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Kentucky science center.

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Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Relive an amazing tale of discovery and exploration on Kentucky Science Center’s immersive 4-story Digital Theater as National Geographic brings to life the first crossing of what would become the United States. The film chronicles a group of explorers — the Corps of Discovery — led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they are guided by Sacagawea into uncharted territory to find a water passageway to the Pacific Ocean and describe for science the wonders of the west. With stunning aerial cinematography and meticulous recreations, Lewis & Clark dramatizes the legendary early 19th-century expedition that crossed the uncharted North American West.

After the movie explore three floors of exciting, interactive exhibitions that offer educational science fun for the whole family! Plus, enjoy other amazing films in our four-story theater. For tickets, movie schedules and additional information, visit www.KYScienceCenter.org.

Already recognized as a leader in inquiry-based learning, Kentucky Science Center is advancing a statewide science literacy campaign to encourage people of all ages to explore science in everyday life. Its flagship location on Louisville, KY’s historic Museum Row, welcomes visitors from across the globe with 3-floors of interactive exhibits and films on a 4-story screen. With daily programming for children, families, and adults, the Science Center plays an ongoing role in the region as a resource for caregivers and teachers, a gathering place for the science community, and a chosen source of entertainment for all.

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

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Last updated: June 2, 2021

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Louisville Field Trips

The FieldTripDirectory.com is a resource of field trips in Louisville, Kentucky for elementary school students thru high school students, camp groups, homeschool groups and scout troops for day field trips, overnight field trips and youth retreats. Learn about the Louisville’s museums, zoos and aquariums, botanic gardens, nature centers, historic sites, amusement parks, recreation, performing arts and more, CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for further field trip information. For those unable to travel to these locations, check out our  Virtual Field Trips  section or  Outreach Field Trips & School Assembly Programs  section.  

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Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay

At Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay, laugh, slide and play all day with over 70 family-friendly attractions, including sparkling wavepools, slides, and pint-sized rides all in the heart of Louisville, KY!

Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo, has 1,100 animals on 130 acres of natural settings, serving as a living classroom. Helps visitors develop an appreciation toward life on our earth.

Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

At the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum discover how children lived in the Victorian era. Explore the STEM or creative themes to inspire visitors to reach new heights.

Farmington Historic Plantation

At Farmington Historic Plantation, learn about Louisville’s rich history and life on a 19th century farm through exhibits and activities.

Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium

The Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium provides a unique learning environment primarily for astronomy and science education.

Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum is an American Thoroughbred horse racing museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Science Center

Kentucky’s largest hands-on science museum. Exhibits, movies, classes and labs — pick and choose activities to craft your ideal visit.

KMAC Museum

KMAC Museum is a contemporary art museum that introduces students to a variety of media through tours and hands on activities.

Louisville Ballet Company

At the Louisville Ballet, students will enjoy a live performance while getting an introductory look at classical and contemporary ballet.

Louisville Nature Center

At the Louisville Nature Center, fall, winter, spring or summer, learn about our natural environment and the native flora and fauna of our area.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, is a museum and factory tour showcasing the story of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and in American history.

Parklands of Floyds Fork

Parklands of Floyds Fork’s  Outdoor Classroom teaches STEAM & STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) and natural history education through dynamic experiences in the field.

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Free Resources for Kentucky Science Teachers

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Louisville Family Fun

Local events and things to do for families and kids around Louisville, Kentucky

Ultimate Field Trip Guide for Kentucky

Field trips in Kentucky can be a great way to enjoy our region with your family. And, involving learning in family fun allows kids to expand their perspectives.

What are the best field trips in Kentucky? Some of them are the hidden gems that are less obvious options.  

Why not incorporate your family fun with learning opportunities?

Field trips motivate kids to learn, and hands on education has a more long-standing effect than a traditional classroom lecture. Here are some in-state, outdoor, out-of-the-box field trip ideas to connect students to real-world learning and teach them lessons they’ll remember.

Even if you cannot take your kids on field trips in Kentucky during the week, they make for wonderful weekend day trips as well.

Best Kentucky Field Trips

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site : Admission to the park (as well as museum and visitor center) is free to all visitors year round, and is open from dawn to dusk. Read more about it here. There are 4.5 miles of hiking trails with varying terrain and difficulty.

They just added some homeschool days that look great. Check out the link here . 

There are nearly 40 acres of picnic grounds with tables and grills. The Discovery Trail begins at the Megafauna diorama behind the Visitor’s Center and continues along Big Bone Creek past interpretative panels regarding prehistoric drama that occurred in that area during the last Ice Age.

There is an abundance of wildlife along the trails, and the bison are perpetually viewable every day of the year. The park currently offers two, permanent orienteering courses.

Science : fossils, Orienteering Courses, wildlife, bison

Math : Guess how long The Discovery Trail is. How long would it take to walk it, run it, skip it? If a child started at one end of the trail walking 3 mph, and a bison started at the other end of the trail running 35 mph, where would they meet?

PE : 4.5 miles of hiking trails, The Discovery Trail

Art : Megafauna diorama; Discuss how animals are depicted in art

Black Horse Manor – Animal learning and farm tour

Black Horse Manor is in Shelbyville and such a lovely drive to get out there. You can book a private tour for up to 10 people so coordinate with another family and go together. You can designate what you want to learn about most. Read all about it on our post. 

What’s also great about going to Black Horse Manor is that it is literally a two minute drive to Mulberry Orchard. The kids can get in all of the outdoor, active time in their play area plus learn about agritourism by visiting a local working farm. Again, all of the info is in our post. 

Enjoy this video to see more about this fantastic field trip idea. 

Hodgenville, KY / Abraham Lincoln On your way to Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, as you drive through the center of Hodgenville, take note of the Statue of Abraham Lincoln. There are two bronze Abraham Lincoln statues in the town square, one of Lincoln as a child facing the other stature of Lincoln as an adult Arrive at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park .

Walk up the steps to The First Lincoln Memorial, see a replica of the cabin Abraham Lincoln was born in, and hike down to the Sinking Spring. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch.

After soaking in all your history, stop by Hinton’s Orchard for a snack of healthy fruit, fresh baked good, or soft serve ice cream. Not only do they make seasonal ice cream flavors from their fresh fruit, they make homemade peanut butter, preserves, and salsas!

Social Studies : Discuss how family life would have been in a one-room cabin, what chores kids had to do back in the 1800’s

Math : Work with your kids to figure out how many presidents there have been since Lincoln. Pose questions about the length of presidential terms and estimate how many presidents there have been in their lifetime, your lifetime, their grandparents lifetimes. Are they correct? Practice counting by 4s and figure out the election years ahead. 

PE : Walk up the fifty-six steps that symbolize Lincoln’s life. Hike down to the water source for the Lincoln family. Which muscles are used more when you are going up the steps?

Art : Research who sculpted the Hodgenville statues, what other statues they have sculpted. Discuss with your kids what the statues are made of and why, and what they think the sculpture wanted to convey by the looks on the faces of the statues. Discuss the symbols designed in the Birthplace architecture (hint, count the steps, windows, and rosettes on the ceiling).

Science : Discuss how Sinking Spring drains through the subsurface and empties into a branch of the Nolin River. Discuss different types of water sources and what happens when people allow pollutants to encroach on our water sources.

Nutrition/Health : Look at the nutritional choices to combat obesity and chronic disease before or after your visit to Hinton’s. How can your family incorporate more fruits and vegetables in your diets? Which ones would everyone like to try next?

Fort Knox Area:

Bridges To The Past Walking Trail is a two mile paved path that follows the route of the old L&N Turnpike with 10 points of interest including three stone arch bridges. Tioga Falls is a scenic waterfall located near Fort Knox. The less than two mile hike to the falls includes passing by some impressive railroad trestles. The falls are especially good after some rain.

Saunders Springs Nature Preserve is a 26 acre heavily wooded natural area located on steep terrain with interesting historic features. There are three 1800’s vintage cabins. Two pavilions and picnic tables. The preserve provides opportunities for nature study, hiking, picnicking, and historic interpretation. Next to the nature preserve is a 73 acre tract called the Saunders Springs Annex which the city has leased and from Fort Knox. Both are free to enter and use from dusk to dawn year around, weather permitting.

Fort Knox Armor Unit Memorial Park is located near the General George Patton Museum. It pays tribute to units that have served the United States in 20th century wars. (tip: To enter Fort Knox, you need to have a valid ID, current vehicle registration and insurance). Definitely a must for field trips in Kentucky.

Another great field trip for this area is Brandenburg . You can spend the day near the Ohio River from another perspective. There are many opportunities to be active and learn. See this post on Buttermilk Falls, River Front Park, Jailhouse Pizza, and more!

Learn more about Kentucky’s connection to the Underground Railroad by watching this video to help lead discussions with your kids.

History : While you can’t visit the Fort Knox Bullion Depository, you can see it from a far. Research why when it was built, no visitors are allowed. Research the Presidents who have visited, and the last civilian who was allowed to tour the Depository.

Science : Do some research on the element of gold (Au), atomic number 79, and compare it to other precious metals.

Social Studies : Look at the cultural side of gold. It’s use in a variety of objects from the top prize in the Olympics to the subject of nursery rhymes like Rumpelstiltskin and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Math : What are the five biggest waterfalls in the world? Compare their height, length, and flow rate. What about in Kentucky?

PE : Hiking around these locations. On a paved path, use your phone to mark 100 yards and a 100 yard dash. How fast do Olympians run that distance?

Art : Take a sketch pad with you and try to sketch the railroad trestles, stone arch bridges, or vintage cabins. Discuss drawing three dimensional objects and the use of shading.

Basil Griffin Park contains a few great options. It is free and open to the public from 8am until dusk every day. Inside is Aviation Heritage Park which is an 11,000 square foot outdoor aviation museum. It contains multiple aircraft that honor aviators of the past. There is also a lake with fishing access, picnic shelters with grills, and a walking trail.

Fort Webb Park is a hidden gem so we think it would be great for field trips in Kentucky. Fort Webb is a Civil War historical site known as one of the numerous fortifications in Bowling Green used by Confederate States of America and Union Forces. When you arrive, you will be captivated by the stone terrain outlined with rich vegetation. There is a wooden stairway that leads upward to more of the park. From the top, Fort Webb Park overlooks miles of Bowling Green’s country side.

Dispersed throughout the location are park benches, perfect for a short respite. Shanty Hollow Lake Trail is a 1.3 mile moderate trail which features a lake which you can fish (don’t forget a fishing license for ages 16 and over) and native KY plants.

Lost River Cave is a favorite Bowling Green location and so perfect for field trips in Kentucky. Read this 12 Things to Know about Lost River Cave post before you go! If you don’t want to pay for a boat tour through the cave or a zip line adventure, you can stroll the grounds for free and your kids can play in the Nature Escape Playscape area by the gift shop where kids can use their imaginations to create a world of their own in nature.

There are nearly two miles of easy walking trails. You can explore the blue holes, limestone bluffs, and natural spring. Check out the remains of stone buildings that once stored dynamite used in quarrying the limestone, and watch the zipliners fly overhead.

Baker Arboretum is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Bowling Green, overlooking downtown. It has 115 acres of tree and art collections. There is no fee for admission. This is a small arboretum but very nice. The paths are easy to walk. Most of the main trees are labeled but not the annual plants. The sculptures are interesting to look at without needing to go inside the art museum, however, you may be the only ones in the small museum to view with social distancing.

History : At Aviation Park, read about the planes and history surrounding each plane and pilot. At Lost River Cave, take a cave tour and learn about how the cave was used in the past. It’s very interesting!

Science : Look into the science of fighter jets or caves. What allows a plane to fly? What can cause a cave? What animals can live in a cave?

Social Studies: How has man used caves from primitive times until now? Research caves in Kentucky and find three that are interesting and make a poster about them to present to the family. 

Math : Compare the dimensions of the Lost River Cave to the longest cave system in the world: Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. Develop a graph of your analysis.

PE : Walking the locations above. Talk about hydration. When spending the day hiking, how many ounces of water should each person have in order to stay properly hydrated? What are some of the symptoms of poor hydration?

Art : Sketch some of the trees at the Arboretum paying attention to perspective. Look into cave paintings and recreate your own at home on a cardboard box (check out Cueva de las Manos in Argentina).

Music : Talk about the acoustics in caves. Why would singing be an efficient way to explore caves (think echolocation)? Look at the use of caves for musical venues.

We can’t pass this up for field trips in Kentucky. Old Louisville also contains Central Park, one of the great Olmsted Parks .

Old Louisville consists of about 48 city blocks. Be sure to check out Belgravia Court’s gas lights, St. James Court Fountain, Conrad-Caldwell House, the Pink Palace, The Witches’ Tree, and the home of Shakespeare in the Park.

Is Old Louisville haunted????!!!!

History : Old Louisville is on the site of the Southern Exposition, a five year series of world’s fairs held in Louisville from 1883-1887). Research more history on The Southern Exposition. What about Central Park? Who designed that park and why is he important?

Science : The Southern Exposition had the largest to date installation of incandescent light bulbs, which had recently been invented by Thomas Edison (who lived in Louisville in 1866-1887). Feel free to drive by Louisville’s Thomas Edison House in Butchertown on your way home from Old Louisville. Look into how lightbulbs work and other inventions by Thomas Edison.

Social Studies : Look into how people lived back in the 1870s when these houses were built. Host a tea party for your kids and have them make ruffled dresses with trains and top hats to wear during tea.

Math : Look for relationships between shapes and lines in the architecture. Find parallel and perpendicular lines. Identify right triangles and discuss why they are important. Are there other types of triangles you can find? 

PE : Bring balls, frisbees, jump ropes, etc. to play with in Central Park in Old Louisville. Create challenges for each other. 

Art : Talk about the different types of art seen at the St. James Court Art Show each year (painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, photography, jewelry, etc.) Bring sketchbooks and colors for the kids to draw their own interpretation of the fountain in St. James Court. 

Paris: Paris is located in Bourbon County, known as the Thoroughbred Capital of the World. Bourbon County has some of the most beautiful horse farms in the world, and is known for its thriving equine industry. Enjoy the drive through Bourbon on your way to Paris while exploring your field trips in Kentucky. (For a paid horse farm tour, visit Claiborne Farm where Secretariat is buried)

There’s history all over Paris. Check out this video from KET about the Paris Fire Department and then stop by and see if when you visit Paris for a field trip. 

Paris, Kentucky has a 96 acre historic district. You can see early American architecture, rough-hewn stone walls, centuries-old wooden beams, ionic columns, a sharply-peaked cupola, and flower gardens and groves of stately trees. Paris contains the oldest standing tavern ( Duncan Tavern ) in Kentucky. There is a year round farmer’s market and a replica of the Eiffel Tower at the Welcome Center.

Check out Reed Valley Orchard for some healthy snacks or stay for a picnic. You can pick seasonal fresh fruits and walk their nature trail, check out the Stagecoach Trail where Jesse James once camped. Look for old rock fences and indentations from heavy buggy and stagecoach use long ago.

Another lunch option to check out in Paris is Trackside Restaurant . It is located in the fully-restored historic 1882 Paris, Kentucky Train Depot. Everything that isn’t original, was replicated. It’s said Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech at the depot. There is some outdoor seating.

History : Look into the history of Jesse James and Secretariat, see the video above. Why is Secretariat such a storied horse?

Social Studies : Discuss what life was like in Kentucky in 1880’s when the train depot and Colville Covered Bridge were built, and when Jesse James was a wanted outlaw. Talk about the use of carriages instead of cars.

Math and Science : Look at the construction of bridges. Bridges rely heavily on the mathematics and physics of stress and load. Discuss the four types of forces that act on a bridge: tension, compression, shear, and torsion. Discuss each type of force. Research how to make a covered bridge and have your kids try to make their own out of recycled materials.

PE : While walking around Paris and down Reed Valley’s trail, create a pattern together like: hop three times on one leg, do that with the other leg, walk backwards, do lunges with alternating legs and repeat. Make it your own!

Art : Look at some bridge art by famous artists: Monet, Munch, Brandeis, and Cole. How are they different? What do they have in common?

Ashland- Henry Clay Estate has 17 acres of outdoor learning with a self-guided tour of the outbuildings, formal garden, and walking trails available. The grounds are free to visit year-round. (Virtual FB tours). (Pay for indoor tours of small groups)

Waveland State Historic Park , also known as the Joseph Bryan Estate, has an antebellum house and three original outbuildings – slave quarters, smokehouse, and ice house. There is a short (.25 mile) trail where you can explore the old mill house structure, foot bridges, natural spring, and pond. Picnic lunches are encouraged on the property with picnic tables and charcoal grills provided. The grounds are open to the public year round from 8am until dark

Loudoun House is considered one of the largest and finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the state. The house was built in 1851 for Francis Key Hunt, and contains some really interesting architecture.

Lexington Cemetery (and Henry Clay Monument) is a nationally reputed garden cemetery and the burial site of many notable Kentuckians. The cemetery contains the remains of both Union and Confederate soldiers as well as veterans of the Spanish-American War. Notable Kentuckians who are buried in the cemetery include: Henry Clay, Kentucky’s famous senator and three time presidential candidate (Clay served as a United States Senator and Representative from Kentucky during the period of the War of 1812 up to the decade preceding the Civil War. Henry Clay was best known for his attempts to secure a compromise between the states on the issue of slavery). John C. Breckinridge, Vice-President of the United States under James Buchanan, and author James Lane Allen, as well as General John Hunt Morgan.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is the site of the most destructive Civil War battle in Kentucky. When considering the history of our state, this would make for one of the best field trips in Kentucky. The battle left more than 7,600 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. This field has virtually been left exactly as it was in the 1862. You can take a self-guided walking tour on the battlefield.

KET has an electronic field trip! There is self-guided tour information in the box just outside the museum front doors. There are over 15 miles of trails that include history and nature, with over 40 interpretive signs. There is a picnic shelter and restrooms, picnic tables and grills. The park is open daily from daylight to dark. There is a small fee to enter.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is a unique, 734-acre nature sanctuary located just outside of Lexington. The park borders the Kentucky River and provides a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing. Ten miles of trails pass through meadows, woodlands, and streams characteristic of the inner Bluegrass. Historic remnants of early 19th century settlers can also be found throughout the park. Check the website for specifics on hours and restrictions.

History : SO much history at each location.

Science : Talk about the science of tree rings and years of growth. Research the wildlife and wildflowers seen along the trials and gardens.

Social Studies : Compare life in the 1800s with life in the early 1900s. What changes were made?

Math : Before setting off for a picnic, make some food to take with you at home. Include a recipe for dessert that involves measuring and converting measurements. If you go on a hike, track your distances and times to find rates. 

PE : On one of the paths or trails, how far can you jump? Put two feet together and jump, measure the steps. How far to professional long-jumpers jump? If you change the way you jump, can you jump further? Why or why not?

Frankfort: Josephine Sculpture Park (JSP) is an amazing location to walk around and look at art. It is free and open daily from dawn until dusk (they do have a donation box). There are about 70 works of art located on 30 acres. Bring something metal or organic to leave behind on the blue, dome sculpture, and bring something to paint or write with at Graffiti Hill to leave your mark behind. You can also bring picnic lunch or sign up for art classes that are held at JSP.

Follow the Historical Markers of Frankfort . There are many markers around Frankfort with lots of good information and history about our state. While in Frankfort, eat lunch or made from scratch delicious treats at B’s Bakery, followed by a wide selection of ice cream at Hoggy’s Ice Cream . End at the Capitol Building where you can download a copy of “Capitol Grounds Walking Tour Brochure” to end your day.

Art : Research different types of art. Add your own art to the Graffiti Hill and the blue dome. Take photos of the sculptures at JSP and at home, use clay to recreate your favorite sculptures. 

PE : Enjoy walking around the 30 acres at JSP. Do some important stretches before your hikes and talk about the important of hydration before, during, and after exercise. 

Louisville: Historic Locust Grove was established around 1792 and should be on all lists for field trips in Kentucky. Locust Grove is a National Historic Landmark on 55 beautiful acres. Locust Grove is the mansion and former home of Louisville founder, George Rogers Clark. They offer free audio tours. You can walk around all of the property and get a good history lesson.

Farmington Historic Plantation was a 550-acre hemp plantation in the 19th century and was the home of the John and Lucy Speed and as many as 57 enslaved black Americans. John Speed was a friend of Abraham Lincoln’s and Lincoln visited Farmington in 1841. The main house is has Jeffersonian-Federal style architecture.

The present 18-acre site also includes an elaborate early 19th century garden, stone springhouse and barn, cook’s quarters and kitchen, blacksmith shop, and remodeled carriage house. Self-guided tours of the historic 18 acre grounds are available daily form 9am to 6pm.

Start at Veterans Memorial Park of Kentucky in Crestwood, KY. This is a great little park with lots of monuments with amazing stonework and history. Feel free to pack a snack (or drive through one of the local fast food restaurants) and eat at a picnic table or under the gazebo. Walk through this little park for a history lesson on each of the major wars. Be prepared with more information on each of the major wars to add to the education. Feel free to bring an American flag that needs to be retired to drop in the flag box.

Then, head to Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park in Jeffersontown, KY. The Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park was the first park in Kentucky to be dedicated solely to veterans. It is located on 25 beautiful acres, there are covered picnic areas, green space for throwing Frisbees, and a shady nature walk along a creek. The walk of veterans consists of approximately 6,000 brick pavers and has a huey helicopter, an M-60A tank, navel guns, and a 60-foot bronze flagpole. There is also a natural walk path through a forest like setting along Chenoweth Creek.

History : Review the major conflicts and wars that the U.S. participated in. Are there any notable Kentuckians that you would like to learn more about that were involved in these conflicts?

Science : Talk about the science behind flying a helicopter which generates lift that overcomes its weight.

Math : Discuss the math involved with laying 6,000 brick pavers. What patterns do you see? How do they know how many bricks will fit on the path? Use the pavers like fractions or percentages to work out math problems.

PE : Play in the greenspace at Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial. Bring simple items from home to make obstacle courses for each other using the natural items at the park as well. 

Art : Look at the detail of the monuments at Veterans Memorial Park of Kentucky. How are the wars depicted? How can art, like statues, impact how you visualize and view an event. Discuss how images wield the power to wound, to persuade, to ennoble, and to transport us through history. Paint rocks at home with patriotic themes and leave them at park to brighten someone’s day.

Nature Visits around Louisville:

Waterfront Botanical Gardens is now open to the public on weekends with a free entry. You don’t have to go far to find great field trips in Kentucky. The Gardens are handicap/stroller accessible, and restrooms are available to the public. The Gardens are laid out with all plants and flowers labeled. This attraction is being built in phases, and is still at the beginning of the three phases with much to come. But already there is much to see and look at related to plants, flowers, vegetables, a waterfall wall, and sculptures.

You can complete a nature trail scavenger hunt or explore other nearby trails along the Cumberland River. Take the Nature Explorer Hiking Trail Hike or bike the 3⁄4 mile trail, experiencing a variety of habitats just outside the Visitor Center. Take the Nature Explorer Hiking Trail Hike or bike the 3⁄4 mile trail, experiencing a variety of habitats just outside the Visitor Center. Challenge yourself with the nature trail scavenger hunt. Check with the front desk in the Visitor Center for more information.

Historical Reenactment Sites:

Fort Boonesborough State Park is in Richmond, KY, about half an hour southeast of Lexington. Fort Boonesborough has been reconstructed as a working fort, complete with cabins, blockhouses, and furnishings. There are costumed actors reenacting 18th century life, demonstrating what life was like for pioneers in Kentucky. There is a small admission fee.

Ultimate Field Trip in Kentucky Tips: 1. Do your research before you go. If you’re going to a historical location, look up some of the history before you go or watch related videos on the locations’ websites.

2. Ask tons of questions when you are out and about. Make sure the questions are open-ended and not yes/no. Let the kids take notice and wonder! 

3. Get creative: If you’re going to walk a bridge, don’t just walk, research how it is made, when, by who. Follow up by asking your kids to design their own bridge.

4. If you’re driving a distance to your fieldtrip, talk about what makes cars more or less aerodynamic and how that applies to gas. If you need to stop for gas, ask your kids how much they think 10 gallons of fuel will cost you at the price per gallon at the station your stopping at. 

5. Go tech free unless the kids are looking up facts on where they are visiting. Always bring field books for reflections and drawing! 

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For over 75 years, Adventure Science Center has been bringing science to life for students, teachers, and families in Middle Tennessee and across the U.S. The science center offers engaging learning experiences and science fun through hands-on, interactive exhibits, innovative programs, and full-dome productions in the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium.

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Bellarmine University students learn about alternative teaching career paths while visiting the Louisville Nature Center in Louisville, Kentucky on March 7, 2022. Dr. Kristin Cook took her elementary science methods class to the center to learn about science education in an informal space from Olivia Kaiser, the education programs manager who served as their tour guide.

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Gerth: If the planetarium closes, the cause will be U of L's neglect

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the powers that be are quietly moving toward a decision to never reopen the University of Louisville’s Gheens Science Hall & Rauch Planetarium.

I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.

U of L officials will likely say the cause of death is the pandemic, which largely closed the building to the public in 2020. But make no mistake about it — if the planetarium closes, it will be because of U of L’s neglect.

This isn’t the first time this has happened.

U of L has long wanted to get rid of the planetarium because the revenue it generates hasn’t for years approached the cost of operating it. From July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019 — the last full year the planetarium was open before the pandemic — it brought in $152, 734 and it cost $347, 744 to operate.

Additionally, the planetarium’s projection system is 20 years old and needs a costly replacement.

If you’re looking at it from the “bottom line” perspective, closing the planetarium is a no-brainer.

But should the bottom line be the only thing we look at? Or should we look at the benefit to the astronomy students at U of L and a large share of the school children enrolled in private and public schools here?

The school did do away with the old Rauch Planetarium in 1998 to make room for a parking garage.

But a few years later, it built a new one after outcry from Louisville’s Jewish Community and Jefferson County Schools, both of which complained they weren’t consulted about the closure. Funding came in the form of a $1.5 million grant from the Gheens Foundation and money from the city of Louisville and Jefferson County government.

It is really the community’s planetarium.

The Jewish community was upset because the Rauch Planetarium was named after Rabbi Joseph Rauch, the longtime leader of Congregation Adath Israel, and whose death in 1957 was deemed important enough that the New York Times ran his obituary.

Matt Golden, the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, said he hadn’t been contacted by U of L about the planetarium and he didn’t know of anyone else who had.

"The planetarium has been the destination for countless school children from our community for the past 60 years. In many cases, it was the first opportunity for Louisville elementary kids to see a college campus or to be exposed to the stars," Golden said.

"While the loss of the honor to Rabbi Rauch's memory is great, the loss to our community's kids would be far greater," he said.

The schools were upset because, as Golden said, for years, they had sent students there to learn about the stars and the planets and all things cosmic.

If you were born in Louisville any time after the early 1950s, there is a pretty good chance you went on more than one field trip to the planetarium. I know I did.

And when I was in college, there occasionally were weekends when we sat around — low on money and nothing to do — and decided to grab a 12-pack of Old Milwaukee and sneak it into the planetarium, where we watched the stars and listened to Pink Floyd, or the Who, or whoever the planetarium staff decided they’d play.

During the 2018-2019 year, U of L says there were 29, 248 paid admissions to the planetarium, and of that, 23, 868 were K-12 students.

Mark Hebert, a spokesman for JCPS, said the school system hasn’t been contacted about the upcoming decision about what to do with the planetarium.

John Karman, a spokesman for U of L, said university provost Gerry Bradley has been tasked to determine the planetarium’s future.

“The provost is working with the academic units to determine its future. A decision is expected this summer,” Karman said.

Unfortunately, the “academic units” don’t feel like they’re being listened too — so much so that Benne Holwerda, an astronomy and astrophysics professor, felt his only option left was to create a change.org petition to convince U of L to keep it open.

It has nearly 3,900 signatures.

Holwerda said there was a donor who was willing to pay for a new projection system that would make it easier to operate the planetarium. That and the use of graduate students to staff the facility would bring its annual operating costs down to about $200,000.

"The Planetarium is a really valuable educational space. It has been used for classes, school trips, teacher training, and public events. A dedicated space like this is key to attracting students to STEM and for everyone to appreciate the natural world," Holwerda said in an email.

"With light pollution and the massive increase of artificial satellites, a Planetarium is one of the few places where anyone can see the universe," he added.But getting a straight answer out of U of L has proved problematic.

Bradley declined a request of an interview.

In fact, I can’t find anything he has said publicly about the planetarium at all.

Which seems odd.

If I was tasked with deciding what to do about the planetarium, and truly wanted to keep it open, I’d be talking about it nonstop, in hopes that it would catch the ear of some big-monied donor who saw the benefit of protecting it for generations to come.

But what do I know?

Joseph Gerth can be reached at 502-582-4702 or by email at [email protected].