LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky Kingdom is in full swing despite the COVID-19 outbreak and scorching temps outside.

"We are stuck at home for since March and it’s time to start living life and there are only so many precautions you can before you just have to get out the house," Rebecca Glass said.

That seemed to be the mood as folks basked in the sun at Kentucky Kingdom which opened Monday.

Enjoying life during the pandemic hasn’t been easy, but employees take the virus extremely seriously.

"Our team has worked for more than a month since getting the go-ahead from Governor Beshear to open. We have worked very closely with Governor Beshear’s team on a 200-page plan and we feel ready," VP of Guest Experiences Jessi O'Daniel said. 

Being ready starts before you even enter the gates of the park with a temperature check, reminders to social distance, and employees wearing masks but the changes run much deeper than that.

"All of our indoor restaurants and retail shops have a posted maximum occupancy that will be at all locations throughout the park and currently all occupancy for our restaurants is at 50 percent in compliance with state guidelines," O'Daniel said 

She explained that their games are wiped down after each use, there are 150 hand sanitizers throughout the park, and self serve options for visitors are a thing of the past. 

Roller coaster riders might find longer lines because rows of seats will be left open to follow social distancing guidelines. 

It’s the new normal, but people we talked to say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

"Clearly the coronavirus is a serious thing but brought the family out and so far everyone is having a great time so you feel comfortable that’s the important thing, Kevin Allison said.

Beech Bend Park in Bowling Green is following similar guidelines as well with Somersplash Water Park in Somerset.