Kids' activities in Bowling Green: weekly library story times, playgrounds and splash pads, the free Hardin Planetarium, roller skating, mini golf and rainy-day picks.
Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Facts come from each venue’s own page, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation (270-393-3249), the Warren County Public Library (270-781-4882) and the Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s listings. Hours change by season; check before you go.
Bowling Green is an easy town for families: story times at the library every week, a free planetarium on the WKU campus, city playgrounds and spraygrounds, and a handful of indoor spots for the rainy days. Here is the list, free things first.
Good to know
- Library story times run every week, and most need no registration.
- City parks with lights are open sunrise to 11 p.m.; parks without lights close at dusk.
- Seasonal events for kids: Halloween, holiday lights, spring break, summer camps and pools.
Story times and library programs
The Warren County Public Library runs weekly programs for young children:
- Brilliant Babies (birth to 18 months): stories, songs and play at the Lisa Rice Library, 1225 State St.; the next session is 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19.
- Storytime for All: a weekly program of movement, reading and play for a wide range of ages at the Lisa Rice Library; 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19.
- Talented Toddlers (18 months to 3 years): songs, dance and early literacy at the Bob Kirby Branch, 175 Iron Skillet Court. No registration required.
- LEGO Club (ages 5 and up): weekly building at the Lisa Rice Library; bricks provided, no registration.
- Sunday Storytimes at the SoKY Ice Rink during skating season.
Check the events calendar for this week’s times at each branch. The library also runs a Summer Reading Program for ages 18 and under.
Playgrounds and splash pads
From Bowling Green Parks and Recreation:
- Roland Bland Park, 401 Center St., downtown: an accessible playground, the city skate park (open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and basketball.
- Lampkin Park, 826 Woodway St.: a playground and the Limestone Springs sprayground.
- Jennings Creek Nature Park and Playscape, 2617 Russellville Road, along the Creekwood Greenway.
- H.P. Thomas Park, 850 Cave Mill Road: a playground next to the dog park.
- Fort C.F. Smith Park on Reservoir Hill, 900 E. Main Ave.: a playground with views over the city.
- Circus Square Park, 621 State St., downtown: a water feature open for splashing from Memorial Day through Labor Day unless an event is on, the visitors bureau says (listing).
Lost River Cave, 2818 Nashville Road, has a Nature Explore Playscape and walking trails, plus the 45-minute boat tour (tours page).
Free indoors
- Hardin Planetarium, Western Kentucky University, 1501 State St.: free public shows on astronomy and space at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, and interactive exhibits open during university hours. 270-745-4044 (listing).
- The Capitol, 416 E. Main Ave.: free family movies on some days; in October 2026 it showed “Scooby-Doo” and “The Addams Family” with no tickets needed (The Capitol).
Rainy-day picks (paid)
| Place | What it is | Where | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Corvette Museum | More than 70 Corvettes and a KidZone; open daily until 5 p.m. | 350 Corvette Drive | 270-781-7973 |
| Historic RailPark and Train Museum | Two-story train museum in the 1925 L&N depot, with railcars out back | 401 Kentucky St. | 270-745-7317 |
| BG Skate | Roller rink; open Tuesday to Sunday from 5 p.m., plus weekend day sessions | 506 Three Springs Road | 270-561-8008 |
| Conundrum Workshop | Escape games; an adult must come with players under 16 | 1901 Russellville Road | 270-282-0792 |
| Kentucky Museum | South central Kentucky art, history and culture at WKU | 1444 Kentucky St. | 270-745-2592 |
| Be Happy Yoga and Salt Cave | Kids’ yoga classes in a Himalayan salt cave | 2710 Nashville Road, Suite 104 | 270-799-8070 |
Outdoor fun (paid)
- The Shack Mini Golf, 1110 Three Springs Road, in front of Flea Land: an 18-hole course with waterfalls, a cave and a river, plus a free play area with yard games (listing).
- NCM Kartplex, 505 Kimberlee A. Fast Drive: go-karts Friday to Sunday in season, with junior and two-seater karts; age and height rules are on its website (listing).
- Beech Bend Park and Splash Lagoon, 798 Beech Bend Road: rides and a water park from May. See our summer page.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Where is story time in Bowling Green?
The Warren County Public Library holds story times every week, including Brilliant Babies for birth to 18 months and Storytime for All at the Lisa Rice Library, 1225 State St., and Talented Toddlers for ages 18 months to 3 years at the Bob Kirby Branch, 175 Iron Skillet Court. No registration is required for most.
What can kids do on a rainy day in Bowling Green?
Free planetarium shows at WKU’s Hardin Planetarium on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons, the National Corvette Museum’s KidZone, BG Skate roller rink, escape games at Conundrum Workshop and the Historic RailPark and Train Museum.
Where is the splash pad in Bowling Green?
Limestone Springs sprayground is at Lampkin Park, 826 Woodway St. Circus Square Park downtown has a water feature open for splashing from Memorial Day through Labor Day unless an event is on.
Is there a free planetarium in Bowling Green?
Yes. Western Kentucky University’s Hardin Planetarium, 1501 State St., holds free public shows at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Call 270-745-4044.
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