24 Things To Do in Henderson This Summer

1. Tinkergarten

Tinkergarten is coming to Henderson this summer at the John James Audubon State Park! Bring your kids and come ready to explore the outdoors with this 6-week class! Tinkergarten is an outdoor facilitated class designed to help a child’s development from ages 18-months to 8-years-old. It focuses on communicating, problem solving, creativity and imagination, motor skills, empathy, teamwork, self-control and much more!

2. Henderson County Farmers Market 

The Henderson County Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce to the community. Bring the kids to help pick out fruits and vegetables that are on the menu for the week.

3. Born to Move

What better way to encourage exercising to your kids to promote health and wellness than to participate in classes together or allow them to experience how fun exercising can be by themselves! This fun-filled exercise class, held at the YMCA, keeps you moving through dance. Children age 4-13 must be accompanied by a parent/adult; 14 and over may take the class without a parent/adult. 

4. Teen Night Tuesday: Game and Movie Night at the Fairgrounds

Teens just want to have fun! Every Tuesday night in June, teens can come together at the fairgrounds. There will be games, such as cornhole and basketball, an open mic, food and a movie! 

5. YMCA Day Camp

Let your kids join in on the fun this summer at the YMCA’s 2018 Day Camp for both members and non-members ages 6-12. Go to the movies every Wednesday and don’t miss out on a day full of games and fun! 

6. Independence Bank 4th of July Fest

With more than 5,000 attendees every year, this makes for a fun evening with family and friends at Audubon Mill Park and Henderson Riverfront. Filled with live music, food, family-friendly activities and fireworks over the river, you won’t want to miss this event!

7. School’s Out Science Camps

The perfect opportunity for your children to experience a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program this summer hosted by the Preston Arts Center, Henderson Community College and Kentucky Science Center. These camps provide children ages 6-11 the opportunity to learn and practice their STEM skills.

8. Riverfront Fountain Play Area

Let the kids splash around at the fun water park fountains! There are two designated splash areas. One is a large area that contains 45 jets ranging in height up to 15 feet. The smaller area is for toddler-sized kids.

9. Bike Along the Canoe Creek Nature Trail

Stop and take advantage of the educational benefits offered as there are 24 different types of trees found on this trail to learn about. 

10. Disc Golf Course

Enjoy the day with your family completing the 18-hole course at 1813 N. Elm Street! You can swing by Dairy Queen on N. Green St. for a cold treat afterwards! 

11. Henderson Flash Baseball

It’s not summer without a little baseball! Spend some of your summer nights at the baseball field supporting and watching Henderson’s collegiate baseball team.

12. Summer Reading Program

Sometimes those hot summer days just make you want to sit inside with a good book. Take advantage of the Henderson County Public Library’s Summer Reading program where your children can continue working on their reading skills and earn prizes all at the same time! 

13. Henderson County Fair

Summer isn’t summer without the county fair! Head on down to the fairgrounds for pageants, tractor pulls, auctions, petting zoos and much more. There is fun for the entire family to enjoy!  Check our calendar for more details.

14. Downtown Wind Down

Prepare for the weekend every Thursday night in June and July with family and friends. Visit local shops, enjoy food from vendors while listening to live music and bring your kids to participate in fun activities and crafts. 

15. 28th Annual WC Handy Blues and Barbeque Festival

Experience four days of free live blues music on the beautiful Henderson riverfront from June 13–16. Handy Lunch Breaks will be hosted by select restaurants in downtown Henderson along with Handy Happy Hours.

16. Volunteer at the Humane Society

The Henderson County Humane Society is always in need of volunteers. Call ahead of time and see if they are low on supplies!

17. Children’s Handy Art Camp & Umbrella Workshop

If you want to prepare for the Branaman Street Strut Parade on Saturday, June 16, come join the camp beforehand on June 14 for the opportunity to decorate your umbrella! 

18. Annual Kids Fishing Derby 

What better time than to practice those fishing techniques this summer. Held at the John James Audubon State Park, children ages 5-16 can participate to learn and earn prizes. With experts from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, your children are sure to become fishing pros. 

19. Hit the Movie Theater

Take a break from the hot summer heat and enjoy a great movie with family and friends. Don’t forget the popcorn and candy!

20. Take a Boat Ride

Rent a canoe, kayak or pedal boat at John James Audubon State Park. 

21. Princess at the Castle

Every little girl dreams of being a princess, and this summer that dream can become a reality at John James Audubon State Park. Girls age 6-8 will spend three days doing art projects, learning about reptiles, playing with bubbles and chalk art and learning about Lucy Audubon. The last day will end with a Tea Party where the girls can dress up as their favorite princess.

22. Downtown Summer Sales

Do some back-to-school shopping and support your local downtown businesses by visiting their stores July 26-27 to get the best summer deals.

23. Ellis Park

Ellis Park offers a live experience of thoroughbred horse racing right here for the tri-state area. Summer horse racing begins July 1 and is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day weekend. Don’t worry about the cost, it’s free admission for everyone!

24. Missoula Children’s Theatre presenting Snow White

Calling all actors/actresses in town! This is a great way for children to practice their acting as they audition and perform in this year’s summer program. Children and students 1st-12th grades are eligible and encouraged to audition. Let the fun begin!