With school out for summer, parents are always searching for fun, safe, even educational activities for their children to enjoy. Owensboro Parent is happy to give you just that—a guide to summer fun for kids and the whole family!
July 4, 2014
5:30 | Kids Bike Parade
The City of Owensboro will host a bike parade for children aged 12 and younger. The parade will begin at 2nd Street and Locust Street in Downtown Owensboro. Any non-motorized modes of transportation, like bikes, scooters, strollers and wagons are welcome to participate. Children are encouraged to dress and decorate their bikes in everything red, white and blue. Secret judges will be looking at all of the decorated bikes, wagons, etc. to select one girl and one boy with the best decorations for a special prize. It is the hope of the City that this event will tie kids to the patriotic spirit of Independence Day.
Parents need to check-in for the parade at the tent by the video marquee at 2nd and Locust Streets to register their kids for the parade. Goodies will be handed out to parade participants (12 yrs. and younger) at the conclusion of the parade.
6:00 – 6:15 (or the end of the Kids Bike Parade) | The Owensboro Convention Center 4th Fest
At the end of the parade, families will be able to enjoy 4th Fest, hosted by the Owensboro Convention Center, which will last until the fireworks begin. Participants will get a free drink and hot dog and then come inside and enjoy a wide variety of fun activities in the exhibit hall. There will be a lot of fun things for kids in a safe, air-conditioned environment.
On the lower terrace, outside of the exhibit hall and facing the river, we will have a food and beverage area set up with seating for the general public. A full service bar and food stands will be available. We will have some great All-American 4th of July treats, like fried chicken, mac and cheese, apple pie and much, much more. You can reserve an eight-person table inside the air conditioning and then walk out to watch the fireworks or rent your table outside on the terrace. Inside or outside tables are $40 or ($5 per chair). We will have an alcohol free family section available for renting a table also.
Upstairs the Convention Center will host a wonderful VIP viewing area that will offer valet parking, buffet dinner, great views of the fireworks, restrooms, air conditioning and a full cash bar for only $30 per person, tax included. Also, there will be a limited supply of corporate hospitality tables available. It will be the premier viewing location for the fireworks!
9:15 | Fireworks Over the River
Enjoy a spectacular firework display over the Ohio River!
Throughout July
Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Throughout July enjoy events for kids at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. Live animal shows, science labs, morse code, cave scavenger hunts, chemistry magic, and flight simulation are just a few of the programs offered this month. For more information on any of these events, visit owensboromuseum.org or call (270) 687-2732.
Junior League of Owensboro will host Kids in the Kitchen at the Museum on July 1, 15 and 29. Kids can enjoy a variety of games, activities and prizes while learning to cook a fun, nutritious snack or meal.
Learn healthy, fun exercises in the Museum’s Kids Fit program. Kids will learn to be active through game and activities that can then be done at home. This event will be July 3, 18 and 30.
Daviess County Public Library
The Daviess County Public Library has a number of events for kids this month. Every Saturday, DCPL hosts Saturday Morning Live!, where kids can visit the library every from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness. Every Monday and Thursday kids can enjoy story time– Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5.
This month DCPL will also have various children’s programs throughout July, including Fancy Nancy Fanciest Doll in the Universe on July 2, where kids can get fancy at the library as they read, do a craft and enjoy refreshments. Registration is required. DCPL will also host Doc McStuffins’ Animal Clinic on July 9, where kids can learn about pet care through imaginative play and interacting with live animals. On July 16, kids can learn about volcanic explosions and safely experiment with chemical reactions. And on July 23, kids can Go Batty at the library, as they read, learn about bats, and do a batty craft with special guest readers. Best of all, these events are all free!
Owensboro Dance Theatre
Beat the heat and join Owensboro Dance Theatre’s Frozen in Time, this year’s theme for the 13th annual Wiggle, Giggle & Pretend, July 7th-11th and July 14th-18th, 2014. Camp participants will get a taste of the arts with movement, dance, costuming, make up and performing. There will be creative play, crafts, healthy snacks, bouncy house, water games, Frozen Delight Tea Party, and a walk down the red carpet followed by a final day performance Letting It Go. Spa la la will include the above activities with an added spa day including manicures, hand messaging and relaxation. Sessions for children ages 3-7 are from 9 a.m. to noon, while sessions for ages 8-11 are from 1-4 pm (July 7th-11th week only). Registration is limited. For more information, visit owensborodancetheatre.org or call (270) 684-9580.
Bluegrass Museum
Experience Bluegrass Music Day Camp for Kids is a music day camp for children ages 8 to 12. They will learn all about local legend, Bill Monroe, and how he started Bluegrass music as they tour the museum and see the instruments played. They will take what they learn and turn it into a song to record. Each child will get their very own copy of the song on CD. Students will also learn to play the fiddle tune “Boil The Cabbage Down” and sing Blue Moon of Kentucky (instrument provided). They will also learn an old time square dance and draw pictures about Bill Monroe’s music. Friday there will be a performance with all the students for family and friends. They will show off all their new skills! The camp will be held July 21 – July 25 at 3 p.m.
RiverPark Center
RiverPark Center hosts a unique event the first Sunday of every month. Sunday Movies on the River is a free event where families can watch a movie on a huge inflatable screen outside on the BB&T Plaza of RPC. Families are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and concessions are provided. Kids can watch “Brave” on July 6 and “Despicable Me 2” on August 3. The movie begins at dusk.
Trunnell’s Farm Market
Trunnell’s Peach Jam Fest & Pageants is an event the whole family will enjoy on July 12. The festival starts off with a delicious homemade peaches and pancake breakfast from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. After breakfast, head out into the peach orchard and pick your own peaches. Kids can burn off extra energy in the Family Fun Acre, have their face painted, explore the Finger Funny Game, ride the petal carts and petal trikes, tackle the Rope Maze & Tile Maze, meet the animals at the Animal Barnyard, or take a pony ride. Trunnell’s will host the Itsy-Bitsy Peach Pageant, Little Mr. & Miss Peach Pageant, and Miss Peach Pageant starting at 11 a.m. Families will have a blast mining for gems and arrowheads in the Gem Mine Adventure. Sample everything peach in the Market, including peach fudge, peach jam & jelly, peach BBQ sauce and more. There will be live music all day, and great food. For more information, call (270) 733-2222 or visit trunnellsfarmmarket.com.
Holiday World
Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari is always a great choice for family fun! Enjoy world-class roller coasters and water rides, fun shows, and free soft drinks, parking, and sunscreen. Holiday World has been voted the cleanest and friendliest park in the world, for good reason. Throughout its existence, Holiday World has set high standards for the theme park industry, with a steadfast adherence to the values established in the company’s cornerstones: safety, service, cleanliness and friendliness. For 68 years Holiday World has been in the business of Family Fun!
Escape to the great outdoors by staying at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort. Voted one of the top ten favorite parks in North America and a two-time National RV Park of the Year, Lake Rudolph is the closest lodging and camping to Holiday World Theme Park & Splashin’ Safari Water Park. Lake Rudolph’s multiple family lodging options include over 270 Cabins & Rental RVs that all sleep 4 adults and 4 children, include AC/heat, bathrooms with showers, fully equipped kitchens and more. Experience Lake Rudolph’s family fun amenities including Santa’s Splash Down WaterPark, the giant Blitzen Bay swimming pool, playgrounds, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, fishing, paddleboats, kayaks, gem mining, mini golf, game room, camp store, Blitzen Kitchen Ice Cream & Pizza, and much more. Enjoy FREE pizza delivery to your site, FREE WiFi at nearly every site and FREE Holiday World shuttle to and from the theme parks. Family favorites include renting one of Lake Rudolph’s golf cars, joining in the daily planned activities, and visiting with Rudolph.
August 3, 2014
Owensboro Parent Birthday Bash
You are invited to join the fun at the 3rd Annual Owensboro Parent Birthday Bash! Presented by Owensboro Dermatology. This FREE, family event features train rides along the Owensboro riverfront, inflatables, vendor booths, birthday cake, fun activities and much more! Register at the door to win thousands of dollars worth of giveaways at the Birthday Bash! Lots of local businesses will participate by having a vendor booth and/or donating items for door prizes. The vendor booths will be located inside the RiverPark Center.