Things to Do in Madisonville

As the summer sun dips lazily into the horizon, the air fills with an orchestra of buzzing go-karts and humming ziplines punctuated by floods of laughter. The revelry lasts into the night only to start anew the next morning, a cycle that will continue until Labor Day’s arrival sends Kentucky Shores Family Fun Center’s attractions into hibernation. Guests of all ages romp around the park’s verdant grounds, orchestrating aquatic collisions in the bumper boats or hopping aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a trip back in time without the hassle of having to arm-wrestle your past self. The 36-hole mini golf course adds a touch of the majestic to putting outings thanks to its two waterfalls and stainless steel sculptures forged by renowned artist George Bandarra. Indoors, an arcade beckons guests to video games and rounds of skeeball, and a snack bar staves off hunger pangs with frozen treats and gooey pizzas.

The daughter of a retired administrator, Renee Rayles grew up learning the importance and pleasure of helping others learn. Harnessing her artistic bent, she decided to open a studio that would help anyone create handsome paintings regardless of previous experience. During evening lessons, private parties, and camps, Rayles and her cadre of helpful instructors guide students step by step as they copy a previously chosen work, adding personal touches to create take-home works of art that spruce up living rooms and distract guests from sentient houseplants.

At regular intervals each day, Swonder Ice Arena’s trusty Zamboni rolls out to keep the NHL-size ice rink smooth between lessons and public-skating sessions. Once the glossy surface is ready, professional instructors begin to lead students through classes in hockey fundamentals, ice skating, and figure skating. Hockey lessons are offered in four levels, beginning with the essentials of hockey skating and stick handling. Ice-skating lessons include nine separate curriculum sets, such as choreography and synchronized skating.

In addition to winter-water fun, Swonder Ice Arena is home to a fitness center with cycles, free weights, exercise machines, and personal trainers.

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.

Ranked second on the Kentucky edition of Golf Digest's Best in State list, the golf course at The Falls Resort & Golf Club makes use of the 2,500-acre resort's size with a verdant layout of varied terrain and historic flavor. Architect Jody Kinney encapsulates the bermuda fairways and bentgrass greens with rough of pure Kentucky bluegrass, yielding a layout that incorporates elements of wooded parkland, open links-style design, and galleries of chirpy avian. The course ranges from 4,200 yards from the front tees up to 6,900 from the back, and players of all skills must negotiate with the land's lakes and rivers. Between shots, idle players can wonder at the simple beauty of flowers populating the landscaped areas between holes or prepare their putters for a jousting duel in case of a tie.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole course
• 6,900 yards from back tees
• Five sets of tees per hole
• Designed by Jody Kinney

Hoof Beats Stable brings horses and riders together for hours of enjoyment during lessons, training sessions, and parties. At an indoor arena, riders mount powerful steeds to learn basic skills or sharpen their English- and Western-riding skills. Instructors teach students the techniques they want to learn, whether it's bareback riding or parallel parking. Parties at the stable bring party guests nose-to-muzzle with gentle horses.