Kentucky Down Under is committed to providing an hands-on, interactive, learning adventure for everyone that visits us but we also offer several programs that we can bring to your location or venue if you are unable to come to the park. Here are some of the programs that we offer.
| OUTREACH PROGRAMS | TEACHER & SCHOOL SERVICES | STUDY GUIDES & ACTIVITIES | SCOUT PROGRAMS
OUTREACH PROGRAMS
Fun. Educational. Reasonably priced. It's Kentucky Down Under's Outreach Programs. The knowledgeable Kentucky Down Under staff travel throughout Kentucky and surrounding states to bring educational programs to a variety of venues including (but not limited to) Schools, Churches, Corporate Meetings and more. Each program lasts approximately one hour and includes live animals, storytelling, demonstrations, and more. Programs include:
LAND DOWN UNDER - is an introduction to Australian history, and culture, and animals.
MOVIN' & GROOVIN'- explores how and why animal bodies are designed to move in certain ways.
PREDATOR or PREY - discusses food chains and webs, and the relationship between predator animals and their prey.
ANIMAL ALLIANCES - looks at our relationship with animals through the ages and our responsibilities to those that we keep as pets.
Audience size is limited to 200 or fewer people per program.
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$375 per program
$550 two programs
$700 three programs
$800 four programs
Rates are based on consecutive programs in the same location. Mileage charged at a rate of .45 per mile outside of a 50-mile radius.
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Special Outreach Programs
| DIDGERIDOO WORKSHOP |
| Kentucky Down Under is excited to offer a NEW DIDGERIDOO WORKSHOP. Your class can make and learn to play their own Didgeridoo. Workshop size is limited to 30 people and cost are - $300 for the first, $450 for two programs, $550 for three and $650 for four consecutive programs. Mileage charged at rate of .45 per mile outside of a 50-mile radius. |

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| TALES & TAILS PROGRAM |
| Kentucky Down Under will travel to your location with a wonderful Australian story and animal for your audience. All programs last about an hour and audience size should be limited to 50 for ideal interaction. Programs are $225.00 (plus mileage for facilities outside a 50-mile radius). Discount for multiple programs available. |
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TEACHER AND SCHOOL SERVICES -
| KENTUCKY DOWN UNDER CORE CONTENT ASSESSMENT | EDUCATIONAL RATES | POLICIES | PLANNING YOUR DAY | STUDY GUIDES & ACTIVITIES
A trip to Kentucky Down Under takes students on a unique journey through the wonders of Australia. Children have unforgettable encounters with the continents unusual creatures, as they learn about the culture and wildlife of the "Land Down Under."
The staff at Kentucky Down Under will work closely with you to organize a field trip that specifically targets your groups particular interests and helps you meet Core Content for Assessment Goals. You can download a full copy of our revised Core Content here. We also strive to eliminate some of the "hassle" of organizing a field trip by creating a customized itinerary based on what you want to see and how much time you have, we pick up and deliver your lunches directly from your school bus to our picnic areas and we can even provide lunch for you through our catering services.
Educational Rates -
Educational Rates apply to certified school or educational groups of 15 or more. You will receive one complimentary ticket for each 10 paid child admissions. Bus and Motor Coach Drivers are admitted free.
| Category |
Grade |
Rate |
| Adults |
Out of School |
$12.50 |
| High School/College Students |
Grades 9-College |
$8.50 |
| Students |
Preschool-8th Grade |
$7.00 |
| Infant |
2 and Under |
FREE |
Group/EducationalPolicies -
- PAYMENT: A 50% deposit is required at least three weeks prior to the date of your trip. The balance is due on the day of your visit. To be eligible for group rates, all party members must be included in a single payment made at the ticket office. You may be billed by prior arrangement. Please have an accurate count of ALL adults and children ready when you arrive at the ticket office. Tax will be added unless a copy of your tax-exempt certificate is provided or is on file with in a ticket office.
- RESERVATIONS: Please call our Group Coordinator at groups@kdu.com or call 800-762-2869. If your requested day is not available we will contact you with alternative dates – reservations are NOT confirmed until you form is returned.
- CANCELLATIONS/ CHANGES: If you need to cancel for any reason, we must be notified in writing at least two weeks prior to your scheduled visit. If we are not notified, you will be billed for the number on your reservation. Please notify us of any changes in arrival/departure times or significant changes in the size of your group (15 or more).
- DRESS: Most of the activities at Kentucky Down Under are out-of-doors. Visitors should dress for the days weather, including rain. Cave temperatures remain 58-60º year-round.
- LUNCHES: A sheltered picnic area is available for picnic lunches. Upon arrival, please have them boxed (or in coolers), labeled with the group name and bus number if applicable, and unloaded next to the bus. Kentucky Down Under staff will transport coolers and boxed lunches to your picnic site. Catered meals are available from the Outback Café by prior arrangement.
- GIFT SHOP: Souvenirs are priced at $.25 and up. Kentucky sales tax is 6%.
- PARK ACTIVITIES: Teacher and Chaperons will be responsible for guiding the groups between areas of the park. Helpful and knowledgeable Kentucky Down Under staff will be stationed in most areas to interpret the animals and the cave. Park maps and itineraries will be ready for you upon arrival. It takes approximately 4½ to 5 hours for a complete viewing of the animal exhibits and the tour of Kentucky Caverns (including a ½ hour lunch break). If your time is limited, we will be pleased to work out a schedule that best suits your needs but we must know your preferred areas in order of importance at least one week prior to visit. When planning your trip, remember to include ½ hour for unloading motor coaches, rest room needs, and travel to your first areas upon arrival.
- MANNERS: Kentucky Down Under staff reserves the right to remove members temporarily from the group if that person poses a threat to an animal or the cave or causes disruptions to the group as a whole.
Planning Your Day -
Groups will be divided in smaller groups comprised of approximately 25-30 people. Itineraries based on the amount of time you have available and the activities that you pre-select with the Group Coordinator will be created for each group. The groups will have the opportunity to enjoy the same activities, but times may be staggered to avoid large crowds in any one area. The teacher or group leader will be responsible for guiding the group throughout the park. Kentucky Down Under staff will greet the group at each park exhibit to present that particular area or program.
The following list will provide you with information about each area and activity offered at Kentucky Down Under - you may use this as a guide when making your reservations. When planning your day, remember to include at least 30 minutes upon arrival for unloading, bathrooms, and travel to your first areas. If you will need additional time for snacks or transporting special students, please include it in your planning and notify us in advance so that we may incorporate it into your itineraries. KENTUCKY DOWN UNDER IS LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL TIME ZONE!! (This is the same time as Nashville, TN and one hour BEHIND Louisville, KY).
- Tour of Kentucky Caverns – An active cave where guides interpret the geology of karst areas and the importance of protecting caves and ground water. Cave temperatures remain about 60º year round. Suitable for all ages. Time required: 30- 45 minutes
- Woolshed Program – Introduces the lifestyle of an Australian sheep station. The audience is invited to participate in daily chores. A display of various breeds of rams is included. Time required: 30-45 minutes
- Outback Walkabout – Visitors stroll through an open field where kangaroos, wallabies, emus, and other Australian animals roam freely. Interpreters discuss the animals’ habits and habitats. Time required: 30 minutes
- Scales and Tales Learn about the importance of reptiles to the cirlce of life. Time required: 30minutes
- Walk-In Aviaries – You are provided a cup of nectar to feed colorful Lorikeets in Land of Lories OR you are provided a cup of seed to feed Australian Budgies in Terra Rosella. Both aviaries maybe offered if your time permits or they maybe be interchanged depending on overall group size and park demand. Please let the Group Coordinator know if you have a preference and we will make every effort to accommodate. Time required: 15 minutes
- Dog Herding Demonstration - An introduction to sheep dogs as they use their natural instincts to herd the sheep. You will see the dogs demonstrate basic herding excersizes as used in trials and practical application. Program length: 30 minutes.
- Camp Corroboree – This presentation introduces the culture, tools, and musical instruments of the Australian Aborigines. Audience participation in storytelling and dancing is encouraged. Time required: 45 minutes
- Nature Trail – Take a hike through a natural hardwood forest. Time required: 15-30 minutes
- Gift Shop – Educational items, toys and gifts are available at $.25 and up. Math skills can be practiced by totaling purchases and calculating tax (6%). This time can also be used as a rest room break. Student purchases will be labeled, bagged and taken to the bus for later distribution by their teachers the ONLY exceptions are hats, drinks, and cameras. Time required: 30 minutes
- Gem Mining -- Students discover genuine gemstones as they sift their bag of sand in our water sluice. Available by prior arrangement at a cost of $3.00 per student. Makes a great gift shop alternative for younger students unused to handling money yet! Time required: 15-30 minutes
- Lunch-- Coolers and boxed lunches will be transported by KDU’s staff from the parking lot to your picnic area and returned to the parking lot with your souvenirs at the end of the day. Catered sack lunches are available by prior arrangement. Time required: 30-45 minute.

STUDY GUIDES AND ACTIVITIES
Here are some activites to try with your classes before or after you visit Kentucky Down Under. Please check back soon for our new Teacher's Guide to Kentucky Down Under.
| THE PERFECT ANIMAL | GROWING CORAL | BUIDLING A BAT HOUSE | FINGER BOOMERANGS | COLORING PAGES
THE PERFECT ANIMAL
Use your imagination - what would the perfect animal look like? Design an animal that would be the best designed to live in the Australian Outback. Remember to ask yourself questions like the ones below:
- What is its habitat like?
- What does it eat?
- What features will it have - legs, wings, a beak, claws, a tail, etc.?
- How are you going to put these features together?
- What body covering will it have?
Use a variety of things to produce your animal- Draw a picture, use clay, collage with magazine clippings, wallpaper scraps, feathers, etc. Be creative!
When you're done, you'll have something to vote as "most Beautiful in the Bush"!
GROWING CORAL
Materials:
- Plastic Bowl
- Pieces of charcoal, brick, tile, cement, sponge, etc. (just something porous)
- Water
- Salt
- Liquid bluing (at the grocery store in the laundry section)
- Food coloring
- Measuring spoons
Directions
- Place pieces of porous material in the bowl.
- Pour 2 Tablespoons water, 2 Tablespoons salt, and 2 Tablespoons of bluing over the base material. Set somewhere where air can circulate around your project.
- The next day, add 2 more Tablespoons of salt.
- On the 3rd day, pour into the bowl (NOT on top of the base), 2 more Tablespoons each salt, water, and bluing. Add a few drops of food coloring to each piece of base material.
- Crystals should form by day three. If not, you may add 2 Tablespoons of ammonia (Adults only!) to help the growth. To keep your formation growing, simply add water, salt and bluing from time to time.
Coral polyps in the Great Barrier Reef use calcium carbonate to form the crystals that create the stoney cup that protects their bodies and forms the reef just like your water, salt and bluing formed crystals!
BUIDLING A BAT HOUSE
Bats are a lot of help in keeping insect populations down. Build your bat friends a house of their own, hang it up in a safe place in your back yard and watch them come out at night to eat up all those mosquitoes!
Supplies:
- Wood- Rough, untreated, and unpainted (old barn wood, cedar, etc.) Bats need to have rough wood to hold on to!
- 10 ft. of 1" x 8" and 11 in. of 1" x 10" for the roof
- Nails- About 30 six-penny galvanized nails
Cut Pieces:
- Roof- 11" x 10"
- Back- 8" x 22"
- Front- 8" x 17 ¼"
- 2 Sides-8" wide x 22" long at back edge, 17 ¼" long at front edge
- 3 Inside Partitions-- 8" x 11" ; 8" x 12" ; 8" x 13"
Assemble:
- Build an open box using the back, front and 2 side pieces. Nail the side pieces, angled edge up, to the outside edges of the front and back pieces.
- Nail the inside partitions to the roof. 2 ¾" from the front edge of the roof, center the 11" long partition and nail to the roof. The 12" partition is nailed next, ¾" from the first partition and centered on the roof. The 13" partition is next, 1" away from the second. Turn entire assembly so partitions point down and insert into box. Nail roof to edges of the box. Bats fly in from the bottom and roost between the partitions.


FINGER BOOMERANGS
Materials:
- Index Cards
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Pattern
Directions:
- Cut out boomerang patterns and trace onto index cards
- Cut out boomerangs. Bend tips gently upward.
- To Fly: Lay on the edge of a book and tip the book slightly upward. The book is the launching platform. Flick with your finger to make the boomerrang spin and fly. It should return to you. If not, bend blades upward a bit more.
Patterns


COLORING PAGES
Click here to download the KDU Coloring Book

SCOUT PROGRAMS
Check back soon for our complete guide to Scouting at Kentucky Down Under