Our Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo guide covers practical planning for Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo Kentucky — best time to visit, getting there, and what to do on the ground.
For an unforgettable family adventure that combines exotic wildlife with subterranean wonders, look no further than Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo Kentucky. Our team at Roam States has explored this unique attraction in Horse Cave, Kentucky, and we're here to share everything you need to know for a seamless and exciting visit. From hand-feeding kangaroos to venturing into a historic cave, this destination offers a blend of experiences unlike any other in the Bluegrass State.
Why Visit Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
We believe Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo offers a truly distinctive experience, setting it apart from typical zoos or cave attractions. What makes it special is the incredible opportunity for interactive animal encounters, particularly with Australian wildlife, alongside the chance to explore a natural cave system. Imagine stepping into an open field where kangaroos and emus roam freely, allowing you to get up close and even hand-feed them. This isn't a passive viewing experience; it's a chance to connect with animals in a way that few places in the country allow.
Beyond the fascinating animal exhibits, the inclusion of Mammoth Onyx Cave within the park entrance fee adds another layer of adventure. Discovered in 1799, this active limestone cave boasts stunning dripstone formations and maintains a cool 58°F year-round, offering a refreshing break from the Kentucky heat. It's a perfect combination of above-ground wildlife exploration and below-ground geological wonder, making it a comprehensive and engaging destination for all ages.
Who It's Best For
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is tailor-made for families with children, animal lovers, and anyone seeking an interactive and educational experience. The hands-on nature of the animal encounters, such as feeding kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets, makes it particularly engaging for younger visitors. We've seen firsthand how children light up when a lorikeet lands on their arm or a kangaroo gently takes food from their hand.
It's also an excellent choice for those who appreciate unique attractions that blend different types of experiences. The combination of a zoo and a cave tour means there's something to captivate diverse interests. While accessible for many, visitors should be aware that the Mammoth Onyx Cave tour includes 144 stairs, so comfortable footwear is a must. For those with mobility issues or young children, golf cart rentals are available to help navigate the hilly grounds.
Getting There & Parking
Understanding how to get to Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is straightforward, as it's conveniently located right off Interstate 65 at Exit 58 in Horse Cave, Kentucky. This makes it an easy stop for travelers driving between Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee.
Once you arrive, ample parking is available for visitors. For those who prefer not to walk the entire park, especially with small children or mobility concerns, our team highly recommends renting a golf cart. Golf carts can be reserved up to 24 hours in advance, though any unreserved carts become available to all guests after 10 AM Central Time. Rental prices for 2026 are $34.95 for a 4-seat cart, $44.95 for a 4-seat luxury cart, and $52.95 for a 6-seat cart. Remember to park golf carts on grass, gravel, or against curbs, and avoid blocking roadways or pedestrian paths.
Top Things to Do
When planning your visit, you'll find a wealth of engaging activities, making the things to do at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo truly memorable. Here are our top recommendations:
- Outback Walkabout & Kangaroo Feeding: This is arguably the highlight of any visit. Step into an open, natural habitat and stroll among kangaroos and wallabies. You can purchase feed for $1 a cup and experience the thrill of hand-feeding these gentle marsupials. For the best interaction, we suggest visiting earlier in the day when the kangaroos are most active and hungry.
- Land of Lorries: Prepare for a colorful and lively experience in the aviary, where vibrant rainbow lorikeets are eager to land on your head, shoulders, and arms to sip nectar from a feed cup (also $1). It's an incredibly immersive and photogenic encounter.
- Mammoth Onyx Cave Tour: Included with your general admission, this guided tour takes you deep underground into a stunning active limestone cave. You'll marvel at various dripstone formations like stalactites, stalagmites, cave popcorn, and cave cauliflower. The cave maintains a constant 58°F, providing a cool respite, and tours are scheduled throughout the day with no reservations required.
- Interactive Animal Shows & Woolshed Program: Throughout the day, engage with educational animal shows featuring exotic animals, where you can learn about their backgrounds and habitats. Don't miss the Woolshed Program, where skilled border collie sheep dogs demonstrate their herding abilities.
- Petting Zoo & Miniature Farm: Beyond the Australian natives, the zoo also features a petting zoo with friendly farm animals like goats, horses, and sheep, which you can also feed for $1 a cup.
- Gem Mining: For an additional cost (ranging from $10.95 to $39.99 for different bags), visitors can try their hand at gem mining in the water sluice, sifting for genuine gemstones.
These things to do at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo ensure a full day of discovery and fun.
Best Time to Visit
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is open year-round, generally from 9 AM to 5 PM Central Standard Time. We recommend visiting during the spring or fall months for the most comfortable weather, as the Kentucky summers can be quite warm. However, the cool 58°F temperature inside Mammoth Onyx Cave offers a welcome escape from the heat during warmer seasons.
To maximize your interactive animal encounters, especially with the kangaroos, our team suggests arriving shortly after opening. Kangaroos tend to be more active and eager to feed in the mornings before they settle down for naps later in the day. Weekdays typically see fewer crowds than weekends, providing a more relaxed experience. Always check the official website for the most current operating hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
Where to Stay Nearby
Finding comfortable Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo lodging is easy, with several options in Horse Cave and the adjacent Cave City, just a short drive from the park. We've scouted out some excellent choices to suit various preferences and budgets:
- Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave by IHG: Located just minutes from the zoo, this hotel offers convenient access, an indoor pool, and complimentary breakfast. It's a solid choice for families.
- Horse Cave Motel: For a charming, retro-style stay, the Horse Cave Motel offers a unique local experience.
- Red Roof Inn & Suites Cave City: A budget-friendly option known for its convenient location near Mammoth Cave National Park and other area attractions, including Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo.
- Baymont by Wyndham Cave City: Guests often praise this hotel for its clean rooms, comfortable beds, friendly staff, and breakfast offerings.
- Hampton Inn Cave City, KY: Known for clean rooms and friendly staff, it's conveniently located near the caves and other local attractions.
- Sleep Inn & Suites Cave City: This hotel is a budget-friendly option about 5 miles from Horse Cave, offering an indoor pool, free breakfast, and comfortable beds.
- KOA Holiday Horse Cave: If you're looking for something different, the Horse Cave KOA Holiday offers a variety of Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo lodging options beyond traditional camping, including cabins, teepees, wagons, and treehouses.
Many of these hotels are also just a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park, making them ideal base camps for exploring the wider region. For more options throughout the state, check out our guide to the Best places in Kentucky.
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
To make the most of your trip to the area, we've crafted a sample 2-day itinerary:
Day 1: Immersion at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrive at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo right at opening. Rent a golf cart if desired. Head straight to the Outback Walkabout for prime kangaroo and emu feeding opportunities. Next, immerse yourself in the Land of Lorries for colorful bird encounters. Attend an early Animal Show or Woolshed Program.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Enjoy a picnic lunch (families are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages) or grab a bite from the park's cafe.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore Mammoth Onyx Cave on a guided tour, enjoying the cool temperatures and unique formations. Afterward, visit the Petting Zoo and try your luck at Gem Mining. Before leaving, browse the gift shop for souvenirs and their famous fudge.
- Evening: Check into your chosen Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo lodging in Horse Cave or Cave City. For dinner, consider local options like Pa-Daddy's Backyard Bar-B-Q in Horse Cave for authentic Southern barbecue, or El Mazatlan Bar and Grill in Cave City for Mexican cuisine.
Day 2: Explore Horse Cave & Mammoth Cave National Park
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Start your day exploring the charming town of Horse Cave. Visit Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum for another unique cave experience, potentially including a zip-line or rappel adventure. Take the Horse Cave Stories Cell Phone Tour to learn about the town's history.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Grab a sandwich or pastry from Farmwald Dutch Bakery & Deli, located conveniently near I-65 Exit 58.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Head to Mammoth Cave National Park, the world's longest known cave system. Take a ranger-led tour (reservations highly recommended in advance). Explore some of the surface hiking trails if time allows.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near Mammoth Cave or return to your lodging. Consider options in Cave City or even a short drive to Glasgow for more variety.
Top Things to Do in Horse Cave
While Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is a primary draw, there are plenty of other things to do in Horse Cave and the immediate vicinity that our team recommends exploring:
- Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum: Located in downtown Horse Cave, this is a must-see. You can take a guided tour to see two subterranean rivers and walk across the world's longest underground swinging bridge. For the more adventurous, they offer off-trail cave adventure tours, zip-lining, and rappelling. The American Cave Museum itself is interactive and free.
- Horse Cave Stories Cell Phone Tour: Discover the rich history and culture of this unique town built atop a cave. This award-winning walking tour, accessible via cell phone, guides you through 20 stops detailing local lore, from tobacco farming to the Kentucky Repertory Theatre.
- Kentucky Repertory Theatre: Catch a performance at this local theatre, offering a taste of regional arts and culture.
- Farmwald Dutch Bakery & Deli: A delightful stop for fresh-baked goods, sandwiches, and hearty meals, located right by the I-65 exit. It's a great spot for breakfast or lunch.
- Maple Avenue Park: Enjoy this beautiful green space in downtown Horse Cave, featuring a 1/3-mile walking trail that traces the path of Hidden River Cave below ground.
These things to do in Horse Cave provide a well-rounded experience complementing your zoo visit. For those looking to extend their Kentucky adventure, consider exploring other iconic destinations like Churchill Downs or Kentucky Horse Park, both offering deep dives into the state's equestrian heritage. For broader trip planning, consult our Plan Your US Trip guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo with kids
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is exceptionally kid-friendly! We find that the interactive animal encounters, especially feeding the kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets, are huge hits with children. The Mammoth Onyx Cave tour is suitable for all ages, though it does involve 144 stairs. Golf cart rentals are available and highly recommended for families with young children to navigate the park easily. Many families also enjoy the petting zoo, animal shows, and gem mining.
Best hotels near Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
For the best hotels near Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, we recommend looking in Horse Cave and nearby Cave City. Top choices include the Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave by IHG, which is very close to the zoo and offers amenities like an indoor pool and free breakfast. Other highly-rated options in Cave City include the Red Roof Inn & Suites Cave City, Baymont by Wyndham Cave City, and Hampton Inn Cave City, KY. For a unique stay, consider the Horse Cave KOA Holiday, which offers cabins and other glamping options.
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo tips
Our top Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo tips include arriving early, especially if you want the best interactive experience with the kangaroos, as they are most active in the morning. Rent a golf cart to save time and energy, particularly if you have young children or mobility considerations. Bring cash for animal feed ($1 per cup) to enhance your interactions. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the cave, and consider a light jacket for the cave, which stays at a cool 58°F. Families are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages for a picnic.
Where to stay near Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
When deciding where to stay near Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, your best options are in Horse Cave itself or the neighboring town of Cave City. Both offer a range of hotels, from budget-friendly to those with more amenities. Popular choices include Holiday Inn Express Horse Cave by IHG, Horse Cave Motel, Red Roof Inn & Suites Cave City, and Sleep Inn & Suites Cave City. These locations provide convenient access to the zoo and other local attractions like Mammoth Cave National Park.
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo parking
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo offers ample parking on-site for visitors. Parking is generally free. If you opt for a golf cart rental, you should park it on grass, gravel, or against curbs, avoiding roadways or pedestrian paths.
Best time to visit Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
The best time to visit Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is during the spring or fall months for pleasant weather. The zoo is open year-round, typically from 9 AM to 5 PM CST. We recommend arriving in the morning for the most active animal encounters, especially with the kangaroos. Weekdays generally offer a less crowded experience than weekends. Always verify current operating hours on their official website before your trip.
Our Expert Verdict
The Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo Kentucky is a standout destination that truly delivers on its promise of unique encounters. Our team found the blend of Australian wildlife and natural cave exploration to be genuinely captivating, offering something for every member of the family. The opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and lorikeets is a rare treat, creating lasting memories and fantastic photo opportunities. Coupled with the cool, geological wonders of Mammoth Onyx Cave, it’s an adventure that feels both exotic and quintessentially Kentucky. We confidently recommend this attraction as a must-visit for anyone traveling through the region, especially those exploring the nearby Mammoth Cave National Park. It's a confident, specific, and never generic experience that will enrich your understanding of both wildlife and the natural world.
Last updated: 2026-07-06 by the Roam States team.