Kentucky Down Under

Last Saturday we decided to take a day trip to Kentucky. We found a little family place near Mammoth Cave called Kentucky Down Under. It is a type of zoo/petting zoo with all kinds of Australian animals. Throughout the day there are animal shows/demonstrations about every half-hour. The park also has a cave in it with a 45 minute tour. While it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles that Disney World has, it is a great family place, especially for families with young children. It was very educational and interesting at the same time. The day had perfect weather and it wasn't crowded at all, but there were enough other families to make the interactions at the animal petting shows interesting.

I must admit that while I did touch the horned toad and a gecko, I did not feel the need to pet the snake. I'm not exactly afraid of snakes, but I do have a healthy respect for them. The snake at this particular animal show was very creepy looking and I just played the part of photographer, instead of animal handler. (Ellen did touch the snake. It just doesn't look like it in the picture.)


We went on a 45 minute cave tour that was easy enough for the kids, but involved enough that my legs were sore the next day. It was a very wet cave, and I was afraid of slipping. Ellen did not like the cave at all. She is smiling in the picture, but that was the only time she smiled the whole time--until we came out!

Look at this kangaroo!! He is a red kangaroo. We were able to go into an enclosure with kangaroos, wallabies, and emus. Some of the kangaroos (like this one) allowed us to pet them. He was just lying there like a big dog and we were able to pet him--only not on the face/neck because that is perceived as a threat. I expected his fur to feel like a dog's coat, but it actually felt softer, like a rabbit's. I can't believe that I got to pet a kangaroo. How many people can say that they have done that?

If you are looking for a nice family outing, consider Kentucky Down Under. You won't find any roller coasters, but you will find some good, clean family fun!