Getting Out&About This Summer

How many times do we hear our kids say “There’s nothing to do!” There are many places to go and things to do in our area without breaking the bank or going far from home. You can find fun and affordable activities for everyone at our local hidden treasures.

Noble Park

Did you know that our local parks have many free activities you can participate in? Walking or biking the Greenway Trail, the playgrounds, and taking in the beautiful scenery along the Ohio River at Schultz Park are just a few favorites. There are basketball and tennis courts, a skate park and Pump track course, pickleball and tennis courts, and basketball courts! Or try your hand at disc golf. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a time to unplug and play. For more information, contact Paducah Parks & Recreation at 270.444.8508.

River Discovery Center

Located at 117 South Water Street, by the flood wall, this fun museum offers fun educational experiences for everyone. The Center celebrates Paducah’s maritime legacy and lore. Interactive exhibits tell the story of our Four Rivers Region. In the Pilothouse simulator, you can be the captain of a towboat or Coast Guard buoy tender and navigate through various scenarios on the water. Visit riverdiscoverycenter.org or call 270.575.9958 for more information.

Discovery Park of America

With a state-of-the-art 100,000-square-foot museum, you will always find something for everyone. See the 20,000-gallon aquarium revealing the underwater life of the region’s lakes and try out the 4-D simulation of the early 1800s earthquakes that created the beautiful landscape in the region. Take a stroll outside the museum and tour

By Cassie Johnson

the 50-acre outdoor heritage park. You will be in awe of the beauty found in the Japanese, European, and American gardens. Enjoy their nature-inspired playground experience with a PlayOdyssey Tower, log steppers, balance beams, hillside climbers, and a mini zip line. For information, visit discoveryparkofamerica.com or call 731.885.5455.

Calvert City

Calvert City is home to some of the greatest pickleball in our area. Head to their park to check out the new courts or the two disc golf courses – one at Old Park and one at Doctor’s Park. Ask about their June Kayaking event and other outdoor activities. Visit calvertcityky. gov for full details.

Get excited about those infamous cheeseburgers and watch a movie under the stars! The Calvert Drive-In is a local tradition and is under new ownership. Their opening date is coming soon, so check The Official Calvert Drive-In Page on Facebook or thecalvertdrivein.com for updates.

Land Between The Lakes

Explore the wonders of the 700-acre tall grass habitat of the Elk and Bison Prairie. Just remember to stay in your vehicle at all times. The Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory has a new SkyExplorer Digital Planetarium Software combined with a 2K Hi-Resolution Laser Projection system that displays out-of-this-world realistic images. Kick back and relax in the 40-foot dome and enjoy the starry show.

For a step back in time, visit the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm. You will see real history from the pre-Civil War time brought to life. Interpreters dress in era clothing and perform daily chores and activities just as they were done back in the day. At the Woodlands Nature Station, you can get up close and personal with the natural world. You can see animals such as turkeys, eagles, red wolves, bobcats, and a plethora of native plants.

Paddle across the waters of Land Between the Lakes – where 300 miles of scenic shoreline await. Energy Campground has canoe and kayak rentals from May through mid-October for just $15 per boat. Life Jackets are provided. There are also morning kayak trips and sunset canoe trips as well as guided paddling adventures. Visit landbetweenthelakes.us/ seendo/outdoor-rec/canoeing-and-kayaking

Now that you know about these activities, it’s time to go explore and have fun this summer! 