fun field trips in louisville ky

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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Silo Center Mountain Bike Park Closed

Spraygrounds are open for the season.

Field Trips

Adventures await..

Our Outdoor Classroom experiences range all over the Parklands, but in-park field trips start at the PNC Achievement Center in Beckley Creek Park. From there, groups venture out to Floyds Fork, the Humana Grand Allee Wetlands, stone paths tessellated with fossils, and more.

***Field trip programs for the spring 2024 season are fully booked. If you would like to plan a trip for next school year, the summer, or be added to the spring waiting list, please contact Curtis Carman at [email protected].***

Outdoor Classroom

Walk all over us..

Built around Next Generation Science Standards, our programs are designed to spark curiosity in the Kentucky landscape around us. With the Outdoor Classroom, our Parklands educators coordinate both in-classroom and outdoor learning experiences for young adventurers in grades Pre-K–12.

Field trips include an in-classroom lesson with hands-on activities, an outdoor activity, and time at our Playground and Sprayground. If your school qualifies as a Title 1 or equivalent program, scholarship funds may be available. 

The cost of field trips is $9 per student. Use the Plan a Field Trip form for questions or to book a program. 

Outreach Programs

Can’t take a field trip? No problem! We can bring The Parklands to YOU! Outreach programs contain all of the fun and science learning of a field trip without ever having to leave the comfort of your own classroom or location. We offer Outreach Programs to Preschool–12th grade, as well as after-school programs, scout groups, senior centers, and daycares.

Rise to the occasion.

There’s always something happening at The Parklands. Check out our upcoming events.

Wee Wednesday Wonders

Beckley Creek Park

Wednesday Wonders

Turkey Run Park

Eastwood Village Farmer’s Market

Maps and Directions

Get on the beaten track..

Our park system is nearly five times as large as New York’s Central Park, so you may need some help finding your way around. Chart your course with our interactive map.

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North Beckley to Creekside

Creekside to seaton valley, seaton valley to cliffside.

12 Amazing Field Trips Every Kentuckian Took As A Kid... And Should Retake Now

Jenn Shockley

I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky. I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.

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Going to school provides kids with a unique experience, adjusted according to child, home and class environment. Growing up, I recall some of the most interesting school days occurred when our class took a field trip in Kentucky. Excursions usually began with everyone lining up and getting on a bus for transport, all giddy with excitement. Some of the places we went to opened the door to exciting adventures and learning experiences.

Growing up doesn’t ban us from taking interesting excursions in our beautiful state. The field trips in Kentucky we loved as a child are still available to us, in most cases. Granted the memories of a cold sandwich and Kool-Aid may not hold the allure they once did, but as adults, we can improvise that. Here are 12 childhood field trips in Kentucky worth taking again:

12. Aviation Museum of Kentucky at 4029 Airport Road in Lexington

This museum reminds us that we were once flying high with simple propeller engines and prayers. We get to see vintage restored air crafts, along with memorabilia from long before some of us were born.

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Do you remember taking any of these field trips as a kid? Share your memories with us!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Louisville Zoo

Field trips.

• Field trip rates are only available Monday – Friday.
• All field trips require at least 10 students and a ratio of one adult per 10 students.
• One adult chaperpone per 10 students is required and admitted at no charge.
• There is no parking charge for those registered with your group.
• Memberships are not valid for and cannot be used for field trips.
• There are no refunds for field trips.
• We do not have places to store lunches
• We do not have any education programs for field trips yet, but check back next year!

For Walk Up Field Trips

Know before you go:.

• Walk-up field trips are $11 per person (students and adults).
• All payments must be made upon arrival at the ticket windows.
• One adult chaperones per 10 students is required and admitted at no charge.
• Additional chaperones may be included with your group at the $11 per person rate.
• All chaperones and children must be paid for as a group in one transaction. Individuals are not able to purchase tickets at the walk-up field trip rate.
• You will not receive an invoice.
• You will get a receipt.
• There is no parking charge for those with your group.
• The Zoo does not accept Purchase Orders.

To Register in Advance

Reservations are now available! If you have questions about our field trip program, please email us at [email protected] .

REGISTER ONLINE

• Registered field trips are $10 per person (students and adults).
• Underestimate the number of students and chaperones that will be attending your field trip. You may add on at the ticket windows, but they cannot subtract from your numbers.  We cannot update your numbers before your trip.
• We are unable to refund excess payments; please make sure the payment matches how many people you bring.
• Chaperones will not receive the field trip rate unless they are included in your payment.
• Payment must be made in one transaction but may be split between multiple forms of payment. Single tickets cannot be sold at the group rate.
• The Zoo DOES NOT ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDERS.
• One adult chaperone per 10 students is required and admitted at no charge.
• There is no parking charge for those registered with your group. Reservations must be made 2 weeks in advance of the date you want.

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KENTUCKY Field Trips

To help plan MAY curriculum focused classroom activities, field trips and school assembly programs, these May themed celebrations might be a helpful focus. Monthly : National Inventors Month. May 6-10 : Teacher Appreciation Week. May 3 : World Press Freedom Day. May 5 : Cinco de Mayo. Museum Lover’s Day. National Space Day. May 6 : Herb Day . National Fitness Day . May 8 : World Red Cross Day. May 12 : National Limerick Day. May 13 : International Migratory Bird Day. May 16 : Love a Tree Day. Do Something Good for your Neighborhood. May 17 : National Endangered Species Day. May 18 : International Astronomy Day. May 22 : National Maritime Day. May 28 : Amnesty International Day. May 29 : Learn About Composting Day. May 30 : International Jazz Day. May 31 : National Smile Day. CLICK on the ACTIVITY FILTER below for activity type of field trips to learn about. For those unable to travel to these locations, have the fun come to you. Check out the Outreach Field Trips & School Assembly Programs  section.

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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.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Explore the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park , historic gateway to the West. On a guided tour follow the route of the buffalo, Native American, longhunter, and pioneer.

Dinsmore Homestead

At Dinsmore Homestead , an indoor/outdoor museum, visitors will experience how people lived locally, regionally, and nationally during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

EAST KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER & PLANETARIUM

The East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium serves as a hub of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in eastern Kentucky.

Explorium of Lexington

Explorium of Lexington creates a fun and dynamic hands-on learning environment that inspires imagination with a multi-curriculum focus on history, science, literacy and the arts.

Farmington Historic Plantation

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

General George Patton Museum Of Leadership

The General George Patton Museum of Leadership explores the history of the US Army thru stories, artifacts and film while viewing the foremost collection of Patton materials.

Georgetown and Scott County Museum

Georgetown and Scott County Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret the significant historical and educational interest relating to Scott County history and culture.

Gheens Science Hall and Rauch Planetarium

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

Highlands Museum and Discovery Center

The Highlands Museum & Discovery Center exhibits over 11,000 historical artifacts, an interactive children’s Discovery Center and a Space Science Hall.

Historic Diamond Caverns

Diamond Caverns features intricate drapery deposits lining the halls in cascades of colorful calcite. For over 160 years, the Caverns has offered educational tours.

Historic RailPark & Train Museum

The Historic RailPark & Train Museum and L&N Depot brings alive the magic and adventure of railroading everyday thru a guided tour and interactive exhibits.

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Host your next field trip, summer camp outing, or club gathering with Wheel Fun Rentals! We offer a variety of activities that are not only fun, but also engaging. Our group activities are the perfect opportunity for kids to learn important skills like teamwork, cooperation, relationship building, problem solving, and communication. Give us a call today to make your reservation.

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Surrey Scavenger Hunt

Whether your group is from work, school, or church, this adventure is always a favorite. The group that pedals together, stays together... of course that has a lot to do with the fact that everyone is riding the same bike. Our Surreys seat up to six people and an additional two small children in the front basket. We spice it up a bit by getting you into teams, setting up a course, adding a list of questions, clues, and riddles to be solved, and last but not least...IT’S A RACE! (Educational pieces can be added to the scavenger hunt upon request).

Duration: 2 Hours Note: if your group finishes the scavenger hunt before the 2 hour mark, guests are welcome to enjoy hop-on-hop privileges for any of our cycles for the duration of the event.

(502) 589-2453

Biking Free-for-All

Free-For-Alls are great for releasing kid's energy with a non-structured format. This is great for school and camp groups that have riders of all abilities. It enables everyone to try any of the various types of traditional bikes and specialty cycles. Race along on a Deuce Coupe with a pal, grab five friends and take a Surrey for a spin, or enjoy a ride on a Beach Cruiser. We offer a wide variety of vehicles that seat 1-6 people. The best part is you can switch from product to product on a whim with this hop-on-hop-off structure.

Duration: 2 hours

Drag Races/Team Time Trial Races

On your mark, get set, Go! This is a race for speed; the fastest person pedaling the Chopper, Quad Sport, or kids bike across the finish line is given the checkered flag and announced the winner of the Drag Race. The Team Time Trial requires a three-person team riding each of the three cycles for a combined total time. The cycles for this program can be delivered to your event or you can enjoy it at one of our Wheel Fun locations. (Offsite events incur extra fees for bike delivery and race staff)

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Everyone loved it! It was something no one had ever done before. The staff were beyond helpful and great to work with. Thank you for making the day a success for our youth group.

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What to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby

By Alex Sundby

Updated on: May 4, 2024 / 1:20 PM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 Kentucky Derby  today will be the 150th running of the high-profile race. Known as the Run for the Roses, the race is the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown, famously celebrated with mint juleps, seersucker suits and stylish hats.

Here's what you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby:

Where is the Kentucky Derby held?

The Kentucky Derby is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Racetrack officials boast that the Run for the Roses is the oldest continuously held major sporting event in the U.S. The Derby dates back to 1875, when the track was called the Louisville Jockey Club.

What time is the Kentucky Derby?

Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. EDT. The race is traditionally held on the first Saturday of May and had been on that day for 73 years — from 1946 to 2019 — before the coronavirus pandemic's disruption to everyday life in 2020 moved the Derby to September . It returned to May in 2021 and has since stayed on the first Saturday of the month.

The Derby has been held on every day of the week except for Sunday, but it's been on the first Saturday in May a total of 92 times.

How long is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby has been 1 1/4 miles long since 1896. While the dirt track at Churchill Downs is only a mile long, the starting gate and the finish line are in different places, allowing the race to go that extra quarter mile.

What were the Kentucky Oaks results?

The Kentucky Oaks is the all-filly race held a day before the Kentucky Derby. Thorpedo Anna won the so-called Run for the Lilies followed by Just F Y I and Regulatory Risk respectively on a sloppy track in front of a crowd of more than 107,000 on Friday.

How many horses run in the Kentucky Derby?

The field for the Kentucky Derby has been kept to a maximum of 20 horses since 1975. If a horse pulls out, or scratches, from the race in the days leading up to the Derby, additional horses can fill out the field until the scratch deadline. Last year's Derby field featured 18 horses after five scratched from the race.

Who is favored to win the Kentucky Derby?

Fierceness, the winner of March's Florida Derby, was named the morning line favorite by Churchill Downs oddsmaker Mike Battaglia with 5-2 odds. The bay colt was followed in the morning line odds by Sierra Leone at 3-1 and Catching Freedom at 8-1.

What horses are running in the Kentucky Derby?

Here's the complete list of the horses running in the Kentucky Derby in order from post closest to the inside of the track out with their morning line odds:

• Dornoch (20-1)
• Sierra Leone (3-1)
• Mystik Dan (20-1)
• Catching Freedom (8-1)
• Catalytic (30-1)
• Just Steel (20-1)
• Honor Marie (20-1)
• Just a Touch (10-1)
• T O Password (30-1)
• Forever Young (10-1)
• Track Phantom (20-1)
• West Saratoga (50-1)
• Endlessly (30-1)
• Domestic Product (30-1)
• Grand Mo the First (50-1)
• Fierceness (5-2)
• Stronghold (20-1)
• Resilience (20-1)
• Society Man (50-1)
• Epic Ride (50-1)

How much is the Kentucky Derby purse?

The Kentucky Derby purse was raised to $5 million for the 150th running after being $3 million since 2019. The additional prize money means the winner will collect $3.1 million with $1 million for second place, $500,000 for third, $250,000 for fourth and $150,000 for fifth.

How much are Kentucky Derby ticket prices?

Tickets were still available in the days leading up to the Kentucky Derby, starting at $130 and going up to five figures. The big race is the 12th of the day at Churchill Downs — post time for the first race is 10:30 a.m. EDT — with two more races scheduled for Saturday night after the Derby.

The $130 tickets are for general admission to the racetrack's infield. While the area is surrounded by the track, tickets are sold on Ticketmaster with a disclaimer that they don't come with a seat, view of the track or access to the frontside of Churchill Downs and its newly renovated paddock area. The Derby's website says fans can "watch the races from the world's largest 4K video board."

For $275, tickets were available for the part of the infield near the final turn, when the horses make the closing sprint down the homestretch to the finish line. Those tickets also don't have seats or a view of the track, and they have a $52 service fee added on Ticketmaster.

Tickets for reserved seats throughout Churchill Downs were recently being sold for Derby day, ranging from a $750 ticket — plus a $127 fee — to a $3,500 ticket with a $595 fee.

What were the 2023 Kentucky Derby results?

Mage won the 2023 Kentucky Derby with 15-1 odds. The chestnut colt crossed the finish line first with a winning time of 2:01.57 ahead of Two Phil's and Angel of Empire, who came in second and third respectively.

What are the fastest Kentucky Derby times?

Secretariat holds the record for the fastest Kentucky Derby time, finishing the 1 1/4 miles in 1:59.40 in 1973. Before then, the record was 2 minutes flat, set by Northern Dancer in 1964. In 2001, Monarchos recorded a winning time of 1:59.97 for the second-fastest Derby time .

How to watch the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby will be televised on NBC and streamed on Peacock .

• Horse Racing
• Kentucky Derby

Alex Sundby is a senior editor at CBSNews.com. In addition to editing content, Alex also covers breaking news, writing about crime and severe weather as well as everything from multistate lottery jackpots to the July Fourth hot dog eating contest.

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2024 Kentucky Derby date and time: When is the race, how to watch, odds, horses and weather

The Athletic has live coverage of the 2024 Kentucky Derby , the 150th anniversary.

The 2024 Kentucky Derby (Saturday, May 4 on NBC/Peacock) will be the 150th running of the annual horse race in Louisville, Ky. Celebrities, famous athletes and horse racing enthusiasts (along with three of The Athletic ’s staffers) will descend on Churchill Downs for the annual Run for the Roses.

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Who will be wearing the most ridiculous hats? What do I need to know about Mystik Dan? Why is Tom Brady on my screen? All your answers are below, and be ready to strap in for Derby Day and get plenty of ice for your mint juleps — there will be more than six hours of television coverage on NBC.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Kentucky Derby.

What is the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby is the premier horse race in the United States held the first Saturday in May each year. It is frequently called the Run for the Roses as a blanket of red roses is placed over the winning horse in the winner’s circle. The field is limited to 20 horses each year, and they qualify for the race through a series of point races. Only horses that are three years old are eligible to race in the Kentucky Derby , and it is open to both male and female horses. A filly (a female horse) hasn’t won the Kentucky Derby since Winning Colors triumphed in 1988.

What makes Churchill Downs so special? The quirks, traditions of the Kentucky Derby’s home

When is the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The 2024 Kentucky Derby will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

How long is the Kentucky Derby?

The race is 1 1/4 miles long. Secretariat set the Kentucky Derby record in 1973 with a race time of 1:59 2/5. That record was set 50 years ago and still stands today. The race is commonly referred to as “the fastest two minutes in sports” (with variations also crowning it “the greatest two minutes” and “the most exciting two minutes”)

Where can I read all your excellent and insightful coverage of the Kentucky Derby?

Thank you for asking! There’s a section at the bottom here that has links to all the stories we’ve done. We’ll update it as we publish more, all the way up to the race on Saturday.

Who won the 2023 Kentucky Derby?

In 2023, Mage won the Kentucky Derby by one length at 15-1 odds. Two Phil’s finished second and Angel of Empire finished third. Mage finished third in the Preakness to end his Triple Crown bid.

What is the weather forecast for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

The forecast for Saturday calls for a high of 80 degrees, a low of 62 degrees. There’s a 25 percent chance of rain showers on Saturday.

When is the draw for the 2024 Kentucky Derby post positions?

The draw for 2024 Kentucky Derby post positions was held last Saturday. Each of the 20 horses in the Kentucky Derby were assigned a starting spot in the starting gate. This can largely affect which horse wins the Derby because some starting positions have a better chance of winning than others .

What time does the 2024 Kentucky Derby start?

The post-time for the 150th Kentucky Derby is set for 6:57 p.m. ET. The Kentucky Derby isn’t the only race on Derby Day at Churchill Downs — more than 10 races will be held starting at 10 a.m.

How can I watch and stream the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

Television coverage for the 2024 Kentucky Derby starts at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. All coverage can also be streamed on Peacock.

Five long-standing traditions of the Kentucky Derby

Who is the favorite for the 2024 Kentucky Derby?

Fierceness is the 5-2 “morning line” favorite after the draw. Fierceness is assigned to the No. 17 starting gate. No horse from the No. 17 starting gate has ever won the Kentucky Derby.

What does morning line mean?

It is the first set of odds, released after the post positions were announced. Horse racing is parimutuel betting, meaning you can buy a ticket on the horse you want to win (or place or show, etc) but the odds are going to fluctuate up until the start of the race and eventually land on final odds as the horses go off, based on what everyone else is betting. In regular sports betting, you can buy a ticket at 5-to-1 odds and even if it’s down to 2-to-1 by the start of the game, your bet will pay out at 5-to-1. In horse racing, those 5-to-1 odds moving to 2-to-1 means you get stuck with those 2-to-1 odds like everyone else, no matter when the ticket was purchased (but, on the bright side, the odds can always go in the other direction, too).

What is the Kentucky Oaks?

The Kentucky Oaks is the premier race on Friday’s horse racing calendar. It puts the best 3-year-old Fillies against each other. It is scheduled for 5:51 p.m. ET and will air on USA and stream on Peacock. TV coverage starts at 1 p.m. ET Friday.

The entire Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs is full of great undercard races and up-and-coming horses, as well.

The Oaks has also been held for 150 years.

What is a mint julep?

A mint julep is a bourbon cocktail that is the signature drink of the Kentucky Derby. The ingredients for a mint julep include bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice and fresh mint (which Eddie Hansel, Manager of the US Campari Academy , says you should slap before adding it to the cup to release its flavor). Some mint juleps substitute simple syrup for sugar. Hansel uses cubes in some of his variations. You can see (and make) his creations here .

How does betting on the Kentucky Derby work?

There are many different ways to bet on the Kentucky Derby, and it can be confusing to understand what an exacta, trifecta and superfecta are. It’s also confusing on how actually to place a bet on them.

The easiest way is to bet on the winner of the race. We explained all of the different types of horse racing bets here .

A guide to our coverage of the 2024 Kentucky Derby: Hats, glasses, long shot bets, and more

We have a lot of coverage of the 150th Kentucky Derby. A lot. Everything from expert picks to our experience getting an official hat made from the Derby’s most famous milliner. In the interest of keeping things organized, we created this “menu” to house everything in one easy place. Below, you’ll find everything you need to thoroughly enjoy your 2024 Kentucky Derby experience — even recipes for mint juleps and a deeper look at the history and significance of the drink.

Enjoy! Have fun! And good luck!

Odds, expert picks and long shots

• The six factors that past Derby winners have in common
• Expert picks (coming Saturday morning)
• Teresa Genaro’s picks (coming Saturday morning)
• Analyzing the horses in the 150th Kentucky Oaks field

Kentucky Derby explainers

• Visual Guide: What makes Churchill Downs so special? The quirks and traditions of the Kentucky Derby’s home
• How a horse qualifies for the Derby and how that system has changed
• Inside Churchill Downs’ redesigned paddock — better views, high-roller perks

The people, stories and culture that make the Kentucky Derby

• The ghosts of the Kentucky Derby: A trip to Sauerkraut Cave, African Cemetery No. 2 and more local burial sites
• The woman behind the Kentucky Derby’s most coveted hats: ‘The hat becomes part of you’
• Commemorative glasses: How a headless horseman helped turn a side hustle into a booming business
• A world away from Kentucky Derby glory, Secretariat’s forgotten daughter found a bright future

The mint julep

• Kentucky Derby Mint Julep recipes from NYT Cooking
• How to make a Mint Julep for the Kentucky Derby: Four recipes from an expert

Kentucky Derby party props sheet (downloadable!)

• Kentucky Derby 2024 printable party props sheet: How many words will the winning horse’s name have? And more
• Kentucky Derby 2024 post positions, odds: Fierceness the favorite, Sierra Leone a top contender (updated)
• Judge denies motion that would have allowed Bob Baffert horses in 2024 Kentucky Derby
• Encino becomes first horse scratched from Kentucky Derby, replaced by Epic Ride

(Top photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)

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Andrew DeWitt is The Athletic's senior editor for sports betting. Andrew previously worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning, CBSSports.com and the St. Joseph News-Press. He graduated from the University of Missouri and is from Kansas City.

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Home > News > Pedigree fun facts > Pedigree fun facts: 2024 Kentucky Derby

Pedigree fun facts: 2024 Kentucky Derby

May 01, 2024 kellie reilly/brisnet.com.

A glittering collection of bloodlines will compete for the special 150th Kentucky Derby trophy (Photo by Coady Media)

History is on the line in the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1), not only for the contenders themselves, but for their parents as well.

Will Justify , a newly-minted Hall of Famer, become only the fourth Triple Crown champion to sire a Derby winner? Will Puca , the mother of 2023 hero Mage, become the first mare ever to produce two Derby winners? Will leading sire Into Mischief furnish a record-tying third Derby winner?

Let’s explore the fascinating pedigree angles in Derby 150!

Justify could join a super-exclusive club

Justify’s sons Just a Touch and Just Steel will try to add to his ever-burgeoning resume on Saturday. Just a Touch is a lightly-raced improver for Brad Cox, while Just Steel is an experienced veteran for 88-year-old Derby legend D. Wayne Lukas.

If either can snare the roses, Justify would join Gallant Fox (1930), Count Fleet (1943), and Seattle Slew (1977) as Triple Crown stars who sired Derby winners.

Gallant Fox was succeeded by his son Omaha (1935), who swept the Triple Crown himself. Count Fleet’s son Count Turf (1951) was a third-generation Derby winner, since paternal grandfather Reigh Count (sire of Count Fleet) had likewise captured the 1928 Derby. Seattle Slew sent out Swale (1984), who won two-thirds of the crown by adding the Belmont (G1).

Justify would also rank as the 13th Derby winner to sire one. The most recent was Unbridled (1990), whose son Grindstone prevailed in 1996.

Before his attempt for history at Churchill Downs , Justify could get a classic winner across the pond at Newmarket on Saturday morning. His unbeaten colt City of Troy is the odds-on favorite in the 2000 Guineas (G1), the first jewel of the English Triple Crown, and trainer Aidan O’Brien has suggested trying dirt in the Travers (G1) later this summer at Saratoga .

Mage's brother Dornoch hopes to make mom and dad proud

As unusual as Triple Crown-winning Derby sires are, Kentucky Derby-winning siblings (out of the same mare) are unprecedented. Dornoch would rewrite the record book if he can emulate brother Mage , who rallied to a 15-1 upset in last year’s Derby.

Their mother, Puca, is a daughter of 2008 Derby and Preakness (G1) romper Big Brown . Puca was a talented runner in her own right, as a Grade 2-placed stakes winner. An unlucky sixth in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), she was unplaced in the next spring’s Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Both Dornoch and Mage were sired by Good Magic , the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) champion of 2017 who was runner-up to Justify in the 2018 Derby. Himself a son of Hall of Famer Curlin , the third-placer in the 2007 Run for the Roses, Good Magic sired Mage in his first crop. He’d make history too if he can follow up straightaway with another Derby winner in his second crop.

Good Magic’s hopes don’t rest only on Dornoch. He also has Society Man to represent him.

That’s why it’s statistically more feasible for top stallions to sire more than one Derby winner in their stud careers: they have scores and scores more foals every year. A broodmare produces just one (in the rare case of twins, they normally don’t develop into major winners); she might not even get in foal, or carry her pregnancy successfully, every season.

In context, it’s a great accomplishment for Puca just to have two high-profile sons good enough to make it into the Derby. It would be amazing if both win.

Into Mischief goes for an historic Derby hat trick

Into Mischief is already among the most successful sires in Derby history with two winners, Authentic (2020) and Mandaloun (2021). If his son Resilience can come through, Into Mischief would tie the all-time sires’ record of three winners.

That exclusive stallions’ club comprises Virgil and Falsetto in the early years, followed by *Sir Gallahad III and Bull Lea in the middle third of the 20th century. Virgil’s three were Vagrant (1876), the great Hindoo (1881), and Ben Ali (1886). Falsetto sired Chant (1894), His Eminence (1901), and Sir Huon (1906).

Gallant Fox led the trio for *Sir Gallahad III, who was later responsible for Gallahadion (1940) and Hoop Jr. (1945). Bull Lea stood at Calumet Farm, the all-time leading owner and breeder in Derby history. His greatest son was Triple Crown legend Citation (1948), and Bull Lea also sired Hill Gail (1952) and Iron Liege (1957).

Yet Into Mischief’s influence on the Derby field extends into a second generation. His sons Practical Joke and Goldencents have runners themselves, as does one of Into Mischief’s daughters.

Practical Joke, fifth in the 2017 Derby, is the sire of Domestic Product . Goldencents, far back in the slop here in 2013, has mud-loving Mystik Dan . Interestingly, both Practical Joke and Goldencents had distance limitations, but their sons are eligible to have more stamina from their mothers’ side.

Quality Road's rooting interests

Into Mischief also factors as the maternal grandfather of Track Phantom . His mother is the Grade 2-winning Into Mischief mare Miss Sunset, who was primarily a sprinter. Track Phantom gets more routing capacity from his sire, Quality Road , the 2009 Derby favorite before being sidelined.

Quality Road is the paternal grandfather of this year’s morning-line favorite , Fierceness . He’s by Quality Road’s $5.6-million earner City of Light, a multiple Grade 1 star who dominated the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Churchill. At the opposite end of the betting spectrum, also-eligible Mugatu is another grandson of Quality Road. He’s by the Quality Road stallion Blofeld.

Uncle Mo seeks to sire a second Derby winner

In addition to Into Mischief and Good Magic, Uncle Mo is the other sire in the field with a Derby winner already to his credit, Nyquist (2016). Nyquist had his own son, Encino, set to go on Saturday until a Derby week setback forced him to scratch.

Uncle Mo’s chance is longshot Grand Mo the First . He is the only one carrying the hopes for his male line, tracing from *Nasrullah’s grandson Caro down to Uncle Mo’s sire, Indian Charlie .

Like Into Mischief, Uncle Mo also appears as a maternal grandfather; his daughter Mo Wicked produced West Saratoga .

Rematch from the 2016 Derby

Ironically, West Saratoga is by Exaggerator , who was runner-up to Uncle Mo’s son Nyquist here before turning the tables in the Preakness. Exaggerator, like Good Magic, is a son of Curlin.

Gun Runner , third to Nyquist and Exaggerator in that Derby, ultimately surpassed them in the racetrack. Voted into the Hall of Fame along with Justify this year, Gun Runner has a terrific shot of Derby glory through his deep-closing son Sierra Leone .

The A.P. Indy factor

Constitution , denied his Derby chance by injury in 2014, can celebrate if his son Catching Freedom rallies in time on Saturday. Catching Freedom is out of Grade 1-placed stakes scorer Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile. Runner-up in the 2009 Derby, Pioneerof the Nile ensured his place in history by siring 2015 Triple Crown champion American Pharoah.

Constitution’s sire, influential patriarch Tapit , is a scion of the male line of Seattle Slew and his Hall of Fame son, A.P. Indy . Hailing from this same sire line is Honor Marie , by Honor Code , a champion son of A.P. Indy. Thus “Slew” might have just two male-line descendants in Derby 150, but both Catching Freedom and Honor Marie are prime win candidates with serious closing kicks.

Also noteworthy is the A.P. Indy factor on the maternal half of Derby 150 pedigrees. Fierceness is out of a mare by 2011 Derby competitor Stay Thirsty , a son of champion Bernardini and grandson of A.P. Indy. Just a Touch is out of the Grade 3-winning Tapit mare Touching Beauty.

Sierra Leone and Japanese star Forever Young are closely related on their mother’s side. Sierra Leone is out of Grade 1 winner Heavenly Love , by the A.P. Indy stallion Malibu Moon . Heavenly Love is a half-sister to Forever Young’s mother, Grade 2 vixen Forever Darling, who is by another A.P. Indy son, Congrats .

Sunday Silence's line flourishes in Japan

Forever Young and his compatriot, T O Password , descend from the stellar sire line of 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness legend Sunday Silence . They trace to different sons of the Hall of Famer and breed-shaping sire.

Forever Young is a grandson of all-time great Deep Impact , via his son Real Steel, while T O Password is a grandson of Gold Allure , via his son Copano Rickey.

Epic Ride tries to emulate his upset-minded ancestors

Sunday Silence is by Halo , a son of Hail to Reason . Derby contender Epic Ride descends from another Hail to Reason stallion, Roberto . Hero of the 1972 Epsom Derby (G1), Roberto handed the great Brigadier Gerard his only loss in the Benson & Hedges Gold Cup (now the Juddmonte International) (G1).

Roberto’s male-line heir Blame channeled that energy to hold off Hall of Famer Zenyatta in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs, spoiling her perfect record in her career finale. Epic Ride’s mother is by three-time Eclipse Award champion Gio Ponti, who was runner-up to Zenyatta in the 2009 Classic over the old synthetic surface at Santa Anita.

Smart Strike on top and bottom; Colonel John's daughters

Another potent classic influence on both sides of the pedigree is the Mr. Prospector stallion Smart Strike , who’s appeared in both Derby-winning male lines and as the sire of Derby-producing broodmares . Sire of Curlin and grandsire of the aforementioned Good Magic, Smart Strike is also the maternal grandfather of Resilience and Honor Marie.

Not as frequently found, however, is Colonel John , but the 2008 Derby combatant factors as the maternal grandfather of both Society Man and Mystik Dan. As a son of Hall of Famer Tiznow , Colonel John represents the sire line of the legendary Man o’ War that’s hanging by a thread.

Additional Northern Dancer branches represented

In contrast, the prolific sire line of 1964 Derby and Preakness champion Northern Dancer has conquered the world. His grandson Storm Cat plays a significant role here through his aforementioned descendants Into Mischief and Justify. But other Northern Dancer branches also have chances in the Derby field.

Stronghold , by Hall of Famer Ghostzapper , belongs to the line carved out by Deputy Minister . Ghostzapper hasn’t sired a U.S. classic winner, but his daughter, Stage Magic, did produce Justify.

Catalytic , by Catalina Cruiser , traces back to the Northern Dancer stallion Dixieland Band . Like Stronghold, Catalytic has Distorted Humor on his mom’s side. Catalytic is out of the Distorted Humor mare One Show Only, from the family of 2010 Derby star Super Saver. Stronghold’s mother, Grade 2 heroine Spectator , was by Distorted Humor’s son Jimmy Creed.

Endlessly is by Oscar Performance , from the line of supersire Sadler’s Wells . Although turf-oriented in Europe, this Northern Dancer branch can be more versatile in North America, with El Prado siring Medaglia d’Oro as well as turf stars like Kitten’s Joy and Oscar Performance.

Northern Dancer edges 'Mr. P' as most prolific sire line in Derby 150

With Stronghold, Catalytic, Endlessly, Resilience, Domestic Product, Mystik Dan, Just Steel, and Just a Touch all counting Northern Dancer as a tail-male ancestor, eight Derby entrants hail from his clan.

Mr. Prospector’s sire line has six in the main body of the field – Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Track Phantom, Dornoch, Society Man, and West Saratoga – plus Mugatu, who needs someone to scratch for him to get a spot in the starting gate.

Oaks/Derby double possibilities

Interestingly, the Storm Cat-line sires are the only ones going for Oaks/Derby doubles.

Justify’s champion daughter Just F Y I will take on Practical Joke’s Ways and Means and Into Mischief’s fillies Leslie’s Rose and Into Champagne in the Kentucky Oaks on Friday . Leslie’s Rose is a “cousin” of Derby hopeful Grand Mo the First, both out of daughters of the mare Wildwood Flower.

Secretariat still exerts a long-term influence

Lurking much deeper in the recesses of nearly all the Derby contenders’ pedigrees is Secretariat . Although his male line has faded into obscurity, the 1973 Triple Crown record-setter has transmitted his legacy through his daughters – chief among them Terlingua (Storm Cat’s mother), Weekend Surprise (mother of A.P. Indy and Summer Squall), Secrettame (Gone West’s mother), and Sister Dot (Dehere’s mother).

Thus everyone with those important sires in his bloodlines can claim Secretariat as an ancestor – 20 of the 22 original Derby entrants. The exceptions are T O Password and Endlessly.

Some have Secretariat in their ancestry more than once, or even several times, if you go back far enough. But of those with a double-dose of Secretariat in nearer view, Honor Marie and Forever Young can boast of having him twice within their five-generation pedigree.

Honor Marie gets both crosses from sire Honor Code, who is inbred to Secretariat . Forever Young receives one cross apiece from sire Real Steel, whose maternal grandfather is Storm Cat, and mother Forever Darling, via her paternal grandfather A.P. Indy.

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Who can beat the favorite in Kentucky Derby 2024? These are four horses to bet on

Is Saturday's 150th running of the Kentucky Derby really a two-horse race?

Talk to trainers on the backside at Churchill Downs and you’ll likely hear all about Fierceness and Sierra Leone — the Nos. 1 and 2 betting choices in the morning line.

“On his best day, (Fierceness) is in a league of his own,” trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said. “Sierra Leone is a very good horse, too. Different running style. Those two horses are the standouts. After that, basically, it becomes wide open.”

Post-time favorites have fared well since the current points system used to determine Kentucky Derby qualifiers started in 2013. They’ve landed in the superfecta payout all 11 years — six wins, two seconds, one third and two fourths.

But if you’re looking for options beyond Fierceness and Sierra Leone to fill out exacta, trifecta and superfecta wagers, we have you covered.

Here are four horses who can beat the favorites:

Just a Touch

Not long ago, a Kentucky Derby runner who was unraced as a 2-year-old and had just three career races under his belt would have been an instant toss. But starting with Justify breaking the “Curse of Apollo” in 2018, times have changed.

Just a Touch , son of the 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, didn’t get his racing start until Jan. 27 and has finished as the runner-up in the Grade 3 Gotham Stakes and Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes.

So, why is he a Derby contender?

“He’s very, very talented,” trainer Brad Cox said. “We’ve liked him pretty much since he came in last November. … He took a step forward in the Gotham, and I thought he took a step forward in the Blue Grass. But I do think there’s another move forward. He’ll need another move forward to be in the top one, two or three in the Derby.”

Fans of Beyer speed figures will like this progression over his three races: 89, 90 and 96.

Forever Young

This is another horse who must buck Kentucky Derby trends to win. UAE Derby winners are 0 for 19 all time in the race, and Japan-breds are 0 for 4 since 2019.

But many believe Forever Young — 5 for 5 in his career — is the best horse from Japan to compete in the Kentucky Derby.

At 10-1 odds, Forever Young is the co-fourth choice — with Just a Touch — in the morning line.

“He’s a very unique horse,” jockey Ryusei Sakai said. “Up to this point, he’s never been beaten. Ever since he won the Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun in December in Kawasaki, they’ve been focused on coming here to the Kentucky Derby. … Between that and his experiences this year and the horse’s talent, we’re pretty hopeful.”

One concern: Forever Young hasn’t faced much kickback in his previous races and likely will have to deal with that in the Derby.

WANNA BET? Bet the Kentucky Derby with FanDuel Racing

Catching Freedom

Cox’s other contender has a deeper resume than Just a Touch, sporting a 3-0-1 record in five career starts. He rallied from last place to win the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds in his last start.

“If we get that effort out of him Derby Day, he’s going to be very good,” Cox said.

Catching Freedom is the third choice in the morning line at 8-1 odds but has been overshadowed by Fierceness and Sierra Leone, who won their final prep races after Catching Freedom did.

Cox said there’s “zero doubt” Fierceness and Sierra Leone deserve to be favorites but noted there could be some recency bias involved.

“I do believe every year — whether it’s Oaks or Derby — that the horses from Fair Grounds get overlooked because the (prep) races were six weeks prior, as opposed to the Blue Grass being four weeks before or the Arkansas Derby five weeks before,” Cox said. “I think what happens more recently is definitely what people gravitate toward and the horses from Fair Grounds get lost a little bit.”

Honor Marie

At 20-1 odds, Honor Marie has become this year’s “wise guy horse,” the one that contrarians are touting.

He was the runner-up in the Louisiana Derby, a length behind Catching Freedom, and is expected to relish the longer 1 ¼-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby.

“You know he’s going to stay the trip, which is a question mark on a lot of the others,” jockey Ben Curtis said, noting Honor Marie has two victories at Churchill Downs. “He has course form. He looks a million dollars. … He’s such a strong closer. With the long stretch here, it’s going to suit him down to the ground.”

Watch out for the rain with Honor Marie. The two worst finishes of his career both came on sloppy tracks.

More horse racing: Your Kentucky Derby 2024 pick is likely wrong. Here's why each horse can or can't win

Jason Frakes: 502-582-4046; [email protected] . Follow on X @KentuckyDerbyCJ.

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