Things To Do in New Albany

Composed of seven par 3s and two par 4s each no longer than 265 yards, the nine holes of Cherry Valley Golf Course present both the beginning and seasoned golfer with low-stress opportunities for improvement. Players zip around the 1,584-yard stretch aboard 2006-model Club Car Precedent golf carts—a far cry from the options available when the course was built in 1932 and players had to rely on zeppelins for transport. Gerald Mason has served as the head professional since he bought the course in 2001, helping players overcome game hurdles through one-on-one lessons.

Course at a Glance:

• 9-hole, par 29 course
• Total length of 1,584 yards from the back tees
• Three sets of tees per hole
• Scorecard

Owners Larry and Angie Doherty utilize their more than 20 years of combined education and supervision experience to make Outside In Family Fun Center a safe, entertaining destination for adults and demi-adults alike. Putt away cares with a loved one during a saunter through the center's 18-hole minigolf course (prices varies by age), or set a youngster (12 years or younger) loose in one of the cartoon-clad inflatable bounce houses to see how long it takes for him or her to get tired or befriend a migrating bullfrog. Outside In is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Safety plating divides the six lanes in both of the indoor civilian ranges, where sound-absorbing material muffles the blast of bullets hurtling toward targets on a 25-yard journey. Visiting shooters can test their aim with a rental gun or purchase a new firearm from the showroom, which also stocks an array of holsters, spotting scopes, and replacement grips. Meanwhile, gunsmiths spruce up pistols with cleanings, coatings, and tiny top hats, while the staff's NRA-certified instructors enhance pupils' handgun knowledge, safety, and skills during private lessons and women's-only classes.

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.

The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft collects and displays works by the state’s artsy residents and nurtures creative inclinations with art classes for kids and adults. A family membership grants free access to the museum's permanent collection, which holds works by such Kentucky artists as Marvin Finn and Rebekka Seigel. Members can also attend openings of special exhibits, such as the upcoming Big Idea : small package challenge, which dared and, in some cases, double-dared local artisans to craft a tiny piece of art no larger than one cubit cubed. At a discounted rate, budding Botticellis can enroll in creativity-sparking classes such as textiles and origami courses as well as children’s summer camps and special-needs classes for adults on bookmaking and watercolor painting. A 10% discount in the gallery store, meanwhile, lets members support local artists and acquire conversation-provoking pieces with which to adorn coffee tables, mantles, and inflatable sideboards.

Founded in New York City during the 1960s, the Improv Comedy Clubs has since grown to host a multitude of celebrity comedians, including Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, and Jim Carrey. Standup chucklemeister Dean Napolitano—known for his appearances on the Internet sitcom Hollywood Handyman and TV series What About Brian?—rouses crowds with flaming-pie fights and gut-busting insights on everyday situations. An appetizer platter stocked with potato skins, mozzarella sticks, and other finger foods sates the appetites of two audience members in between bouts of guffawing and scouring the comedy club for dissolvable sutures.