Lazy River near Louisville

Summer is the best time to find the water and enjoy some time relaxing with the family and enjoying a lazy river float. 

lazy river

Kentucky has lots of water to enjoy and what better way than floating down a river with the family or in the pool?


Looking for a lazy river experience near Louisville? Kentucky has lots of great open water to cool off in this summer and we have a list of some of the best spots. 

My kids and I got to experience the Awesome Lazy River in Shepherdsville, KY on the Salt River. When you arrive at the Awesome Lazy River, park in the grass, spray on your sunblock, put any valuables and things you don’t want wet in your trunk, and then walk up to the little shed by the tube area. When we arrived mid-day, we had about half an hour wait on the tub rental line. Luckily, we were able to cut our wait time short by filling out the waivers online first. But you still need to check in on the waiver line for a wrist band saying your waiver is complete before heading to the tube rental line. You can pay to rent a single tube ($15), double tune ($28), or other tube options (like a large Typhoon float or a cooler float). The price depends on the day. You can also bring your own float and pay $10 for the access to the float ramp and bus ride back to the parking lot. You will also want to grab a paddle (included in your tube rental). You walk down a short hill from the tube area where there is another Awesome Lazy River employee helping to load you into your tube and into the water. Once you’re on the river, you will see how fast you’re moving down the Salt River and decide whether to paddle or just relax and float. We saw experienced tubers with umbrellas, Bluetooth speakers, picnic foods, books, and just relaxing on their phones. It takes about two hours to make it down the river to the exit point. If we didn’t paddle, I feel like we might still be on the river now. LOL. It is a very smooth, slow current. You really can lay there and read a book without worry. We saw ducks, turtles, and some murky water, but no snakes, tires, or other garbage in our stretch of river. There is an Amazing Lazy River patrol boat with a trolling motor that went by us several times keeping an eye on all the tubers. It was very sunny with little shade, but it was very enjoyable. Sunblock and sunglasses are a must. At the end of the tubing portion of the river, the exit is clearly marked, and the water is shallow. Most tubers get out and walk to the exit, pulling their tub behind them. There are a couple Awesome Lazy River employees to help you exit the river. You walk up a short hill to where the bus picks you and your tube up to take you back to the tubing parking area.

It was a very enjoyable tubing. If we return, I’ll definitely grab a bigger group to go down the river with, and do a better job spraying sunblock.


Below is information on the Awesome Lazy River that is close to Louisville. Grab the family and enjoy some float time. 

Awesome Lazy River   

Hours of operation: 10am-4:00pm every Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend weather and water level permitting!

Check their Facebook page for daily open/close announcements. 

Address: 165 Dawson Dr, Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Drive time to Awesome Lazy River from Downtown Louisville: 21 minutes Float time: About 2 hours 

Group Rate Offered: Yes, parties of 10 or more can get a group rate discount

Are lifejackets required: ALL participants are REQUIRED to wear a life jacket. We provide life jackets.

Age restrictions: Must be 5 years of age or older. No exceptions 

Refunds are not given for inclement weather. Alcohol is not allowed but you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are in non-glass receptacles. They sell water, ice, and you can rent cooler floats.

Contact information: 502-543-7899          

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