Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
Experience Australian wildlife and explore a cool cave at this interactive zoo in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Australian wildlife and explore a cool cave at this interactive zoo in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Fun for all ages!
"Such a fun and interactive place! We had a great time feeding and hanging out with the kangaroos — definitely a highlight."
🎯 Rent a Golf Cart!
Highly recommended for comfort, especially in heat or with mobility issues. Makes exploring easy! :golf_cart:
💰 Bring Cash for Food
Essential for feeding the animals! Stations are affordable and add to the interactive fun. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kangaroo & Wallaby Encounters
Animal Exhibits
Feed and pet kangaroos and wallabies up close! A truly unique and memorable experience for all ages.
Mammoth Onyx Cave Tour
Cave Entrance
Explore a cool, ancient cave with fascinating rock formations and a small waterfall. A refreshing escape from the heat.
Interactive Farm Animal Feeding
Farm Animal Area
Get hands-on with goats, horses, and emus. Affordable feeding stations make for delightful family fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and the Crowds
Interactive Animal Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rent a Golf Cart!
Highly recommended for comfort, especially in heat or with mobility issues. Makes exploring easy! :golf_cart:
💰 Bring Cash for Food
Essential for feeding the animals! Stations are affordable and add to the interactive fun. :moneywithwings:
⏰ Go Early for Kangaroos
They're hungrier and more active in the morning before they lounge in the shade. :clock1:
👕 Dress for the Weather
It can get hot! Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. The cave is a cool escape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rent a Golf Cart!
Highly recommended for comfort, especially in heat or with mobility issues. Makes exploring easy! :golf_cart:
💰 Bring Cash for Food
Essential for feeding the animals! Stations are affordable and add to the interactive fun. :moneywithwings:
⏰ Go Early for Kangaroos
They're hungrier and more active in the morning before they lounge in the shade. :clock1:
👕 Dress for the Weather
It can get hot! Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes for walking. The cave is a cool escape.
🚗 Easy Access Location
Conveniently located off I-65 between Louisville and Nashville, near Love's truck stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo for its interactive animal encounters, particularly feeding the kangaroos and farm animals. The included Mammoth Onyx Cave tour is a refreshing highlight, and many recommend renting a golf cart for comfort. While some note it's not as large as expected, the overall experience is described as unique, fun, and memorable for families.
"Such a fun and interactive place! We had a great time feeding and hanging out with the kangaroos — definitely a highlight. Also got to feed goats, horses, and some very curious emus. The educational shows were well done and great for all ages. If anyone in your group has mobility issues, I highly recommend renting a golf cart — it made getting around so much easier. Be sure to bring some cash for animal food stations, and we appreciated the military discount too. A unique and memorable experience!"
Penney Lary
"Wow, what a wonderful surprise this place turned out to be. We were glad they offered golf carts, well worth it. Loved being able to feed all the different animals; kangaroos, emus, goats, baby cows, and horses. Great variety of animals to view as well. We were really impressed with the cave. It may be smaller than others in the area. However, it has some great well established features, like cave bacon. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable."
Teresa Price
"This was our first visit here from Louisiana, and my husband and I really enjoyed it. We got to see a variety of animals and birds, and we even had the chance to pet and feed kangaroos! 🦘 Additionally, we explored the Mammoth Cave, which was absolutely fantastic. It was an incredible experience, and we had a great time. We would definitely come back again if we're ever in the area."
Sylvia Walls
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is conveniently located off Interstate 65 at Exit 58, situated between Louisville, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee. It's right next to a Love's truck stop, making it easy to find.
Yes, it's a popular stop for visitors to Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Cave City, KY. Many families include it as part of their trip to the area.
From I-65, take Exit 58. The zoo is easily accessible from this major highway, making it a convenient stop for travelers.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors.
While some attractions in Kentucky may be closed on Mondays, the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is typically open. It's always best to check their official website for the most current operating hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but general admission for one person is around $27. Golf cart rentals are an additional cost. Look for potential discounts like military or family packs.
Yes, discounts such as military discounts and family pack deals (sometimes found on sites like Groupon) are available. It's worth checking for deals before your visit.
Yes, the tour of the Mammoth Onyx Cave is typically included in the general admission price.
It's recommended to check their official website for online ticket purchasing options to save time and potentially secure better rates.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of animals including kangaroos, wallabies, goats, horses, emus, peacocks, and more. The zoo offers many opportunities for interaction. +1
Absolutely! It's a very family-friendly attraction with interactive animal feeding, educational talks, and the cave tour, making it a hit with children.
Yes, feeding the animals is a major highlight! You can feed kangaroos, wallabies, goats, horses, and parakeets. Bring cash for the food stations.
Yes, the attraction includes a tour of the Mammoth Onyx Cave, which is a cool and interesting experience with unique rock formations. +1
While some TikTok videos mention dogs being allowed in caves, it's best to confirm the specific pet policy for the zoo and cave tours directly with Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, as policies can change.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo typically offers food options for purchase. However, for a wider variety or specific local tastes, consider nearby Horse Cave, KY, which has local restaurants.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's common for zoos to allow guests to bring their own snacks and drinks. Check their policy if this is important to your visit.
Horse Cave, Kentucky, offers local dining. One reviewer mentioned supporting a local Mexican restaurant called Terrace.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and mementos from your visit.
Discounts are typically for admission. Food prices are generally standard for attractions. It's always good to check for any special promotions.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo ops include feeding the kangaroos, interacting with farm animals, and the unique formations within the Mammoth Onyx Cave.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the cave, but be mindful of lighting conditions and other visitors.
Typically, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography may require special permits. Always check with management if you have specific needs.
Early morning offers softer light and more active animals, leading to better photo opportunities.
Absolutely! Most visitors use their smartphones for capturing memories. The zoo's interactive nature provides plenty of candid moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Renting a golf cart is a game-changer for navigating the zoo with little ones, especially on warm days. +1 Don't forget to bring cash for animal food to maximize the fun!Consider visiting first thing in the morning when the animals are most active and the crowds are thinner.
🚶♀️ Visitors with Mobility Concerns
The cave tour itself is generally accessible, offering a cool and relatively flat environment once inside.
Staff are typically helpful and can provide assistance or information regarding the best routes and access points. Checking with the zoo directly about specific accessibility features before your visit is always a good practice. 💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
Look for potential discounts, such as military rates or family packages that might be available through their website or third-party sites like Groupon.
Visiting during off-peak times or weekdays might also offer a slightly less crowded experience without necessarily impacting the price. The affordability of feeding the animals adds to the value, providing memorable interactions without breaking the bank. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Zoo: Golf Carts and Accessibility
Beyond golf carts, the zoo aims to be accessible. While specific accessibility details should always be confirmed directly with the venue, the interactive nature of the exhibits and the inclusion of the cave tour suggest a thoughtful layout. The cave itself offers a cool respite from the outdoor temperatures, making it a pleasant experience regardless of the weather.
Visitors have noted that the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, contributing to a positive overall experience for all guests. Animal Encounters: Feeding and Interaction
+1 Visitors can purchase food to feed a variety of animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, goats, horses, and even parakeets. To make the most of these interactions, visiting early in the day is key.
The Mammoth Onyx Cave Experience
+1 Visitors descend into the cool depths of the cave, escaping the outdoor heat and discovering fascinating geological formations. While described as smaller than some other caves in the region, it boasts impressive features like 'cave bacon' and a small waterfall, making it a worthwhile exploration. The cave tour is a refreshing contrast to the outdoor zoo exhibits. The consistent, cool temperature inside the cave (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit) provides a welcome break on a hot day.
The natural beauty and the geological history of the cave are captivating for all ages, adding significant value to the overall visit. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit