Stir-crazy kids and parents are looking for ways to get out of the house and get moving this summer. ShelbyKy offers a number of activity-based escapes for the family that loves to explore.

The Shelby County Parks System offers some exciting ways to get moving – mostly outdoor, but even a few indoor activities in case you visit on a rainy day.

There are plenty of free options within the county to get the heart pumping including the Disc Golf Course, located at Red Orchard Park (704 Kentucky Street, Shelbyville, KY).  This course is open daylight to dark, seven days a week.  It is an 18-hole course that is stationed throughout the beautiful terrain.

If you prefer to explore on the water, for just $5 you can enjoy both the sunshine and cool water in the outdoor pool at the Family Activity Center (first come first serve basis).  If you are a bit more adventurous on the water, bring-your-own kayaking is available on Lake Shelby, every day from daylight to dark. The launch fee is just two dollars.

The Greenway Trail extends through Shelbyville.  There are two trailheads on 7th Street to access to two different parts of the trail. This trail is open to everyone daily, daylight to dark.

The Family Activity Center (FAC) at Clear Creek Park (717 Burks Branch Road, Shelbyville, KY) provides many types of recreational activities for all ages including swimming, fitness classes, fitness gym, and basketball gymnasium walking track.

Stop by and take a fitness class offered 6 days a week at a variety of times, including yoga, cardio drumming, strength works, water aerobics, among others. Classes are booked online, and they are six dollars per class (yoga is eight dollars). If you are more independent and prefer to work out alone, you may like the gym, complete with ellipticals, treadmills, bikes, weight machines, and free weights. A quick sweat session is six dollars for adults. For more information about the offerings at Shelby County Parks and Recreation, you can visit their website.

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Shelby County is known for its love of the equestrian sport. Located in Simpsonville, Kismet Farm offers farm tours for both large groups as well as families.  During a typical tour, guests will view an American Saddlebred up close while performing their daily workout routine. You will then be able to see the inner workings of the farm, meet the staff and enjoy a quaint experience on a working farm.

Owned by award-winning equestrian Alex Gravett, she offers lots of ways you can get up-close and personal with a horse. Tours are generally one hour and are 10 dollars per person in groups larger than six and 20 dollars per person for groups of five or less.  All tours must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance and are subject to availability.  Generally, tour hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Riding lessons are also available for guests ages 5 & up.  Previous riding experience is required.

Kismet Farm is located at 199 Colt Run Rd, Simpsonville, KY. You can contact them by calling (651) 248-2027.

For a more leisure activity, walk the the historic district of Downtown Shelbyville. Be sure to stop in the newly opened Spotz Gelato on Main Street. They offer handcrafted, small batch gelato & sorbet made from local Kentucky Proud ingredients. They not only offer gelato by the scoop, you can make a “sammie” with cookies and your favorite gelato, and add some of their numerous toppings.

Plan your trip with help from the ShelbyKY Commission & Visitors Bureau at 502-633-6388 or VisitShelbyKY.com.

 

Written by Allie Hembree Martin

Allie Hembree Martin is a native ShelbyKYian, residing now in Louisville where she lives with her husband, Brandon. Allie is a podcast host, frequent contributor to national publications, and runs a digital marketing company, Fame and Fortune.