Lyndon, KY Outdoor Activities

Your Groupon grants you aerial access to a Cessna172 ($98–$100 per hour, depending on location). As you hop into the cockpit, study the navigational dials and instruments. Firmly grip the yoke. Then see how many witty quips you can squeeze in over the intercom before it's time to fly. Each lesson is copiloted by one of Givens' expert instructors ($40 per hour). Having logged countless flight hours, your copilot will keep your confidence and nose up as you take in the basics. Though it may be difficult to resist showing off for friends, save the barrel rolling for professional stunt pilots and Donkey Kong.

The Louisville Equestrian Center is the realization of a childhood dream for owner, operator, and adept horsewoman Betsy Webb. Now found in the familiar confines of the Red Barn Arena, the center is home to a team of dedicated staff members and instructors. Nestled less than 20 minutes from Louisville in the rolling country hills between Taylorsville and Mt. Washington, the arena provides a picturesque setting for private and group lessons for all ages and experience levels. During these sessions, trainers illuminate horse-handling and riding fundamentals with the help of the center's stable of horses. Camps and clinics engage equestrian youngsters aged 4 and older, and pony parties entertain kids with experiences more rewarding and memorable than trying to ride a pile of My Little Pony action figures.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, Louisville Nature Center offers a tranquil escape from urban sprawl. At its 41-acre Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve, more than 2 miles of hiking trails wind past a verdant forest populated by 180 species of tree, shrub, and wildflower. The latter blooms in a native pond and garden, and dragonflies and 30 butterfly species in other gardens pay homage to Lord of the Flies by trying to collectively lift a conch. More creatures soar skyward inside one of Louisville's only bird blinds, where visitors can watch 150 species of resident and migratory birds fluttering about.

After exploring on their own, guests can relax on one the picnic tables or beneath the covered gazebo before joining in on special events such as owl hikes. Youngsters, meanwhile, can discover more nature factoids at summer camps, educational programs, or birthday parties, which include guided hikes and live animal presentations.

Professional football player Corey Taylor always knew he was born to fling the pigskin, but it wasn’t until a serious knee injury that he discovered his true passion was coaching. It was during this time off the field when Corey began working as a performance coach at the Institute for Sports and Medicine, developing an appreciation and talent for the work while earning his credentials. Even after returning to football, Corey continued to work as a trainer at sports-performance facilities around the US for years.

Today, Corey teams up with a staff of fellow fitness aficionados to conduct a variety of sports-training and fitness programs at his facility. The coaches have trained athletes from all walks of life and disciplines—from youngsters to professional-football players to champion MMA fighters. Amidst the advanced training equipment of local fitness facilities, the trainers lead challenging workouts designed to enhance speed and agility, build strength, and prevent injuries. They also strive to impart mental techniques for performing under pressure, whether on the field, in the ring, or at a karaoke bar alongside professional Freddy Mercury impersonators.