Bernheim offers a countless number of activities and adventures for families. Whether it’s having a picnic under a tree, playing at the Children’s Play Garden, experiencing Bernheim family programming, or hiking a trail, there’s a perfect option for your crew. Here are just a few adventures you may consider…
Playcosystem
Coming soon! Playcosystem, a new 10-acre natural playground currently under construction at Bernheim, will ignite children's imagination with free, wild, and adventurous play in nature.
Enjoy Family Programming
The Bernheim calendar is always full of family fun. From ECO Kids Discovery Days to Pollywog Play Parties to our Spring Break Adventure Week, families can always find a way to experience nature at Bernheim. Check out our calendar for this month’s family programming options.
Explore the Children’s Play Garden
Bring the kids to Bernheim for a day of free play at our Children’s Play Garden, a playground specifically designed to allow children to have creative control over their play environment. This playground is a part of Bernheim’s Children at Play Initiative, and includes both traditional equipment, like swings and slides, as well as nature-based play features, like rolling hills, fossil-filled rocks, and a dry creek bed.
Climb the Fire Tower
Experience Bernheim from atop our oldest structure, the historic fire tower. A volunteer naturalist will lead your family 961 feet up the flights of stairs for one of the best views in the state. The incredible scenery will leave you amazed as you take in the knobby landscape that surrounds Bernheim and even catch sight of Louisville on a clear day. The fire tower is only open when our volunteer naturalists are available.
Experience the Canopy Tree Walk
Hang out in the tree-tops with your family in our Canopy Tree Walk. This short boardwalk extends into the forest canopy, suspending visitors an astonishing 75 feet above the forest floor.
Hike a Trail
Over 40 miles of trails with varying degrees of ease and difficulty weave their way through the forest at Bernheim, meaning no matter what level your family is looking for, there’s a trail for you. Sections of both the Nursery Loop Trail and the Two Ponds Loop are paved, allowing easy access for children on wheels (strollers, bikes, etc.).
Discover in the Education Center
Learn about wildlife and nature at Bernheim’s Education Center. Stop in to view our art gallery, explore education exhibits, and enjoy our Wildlife Viewing Room where you can watch birds, small mammals and bees interact with their natural environment.