Whether you’re bringing your young ones to learn more about American history or to inspire and educate them, there are plenty of exciting things to do with kids in Lexington, KY.
We’ve put together some of the most popular attractions and activities to help plan your itinerary with kids.
The Arboretum – Since 1991, the Arboretum has offered visitors one hundred acres of beautiful plants and gardens. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, the arboretum is free, unless you wish to visit the Kentucky Children’s Garden, in which case admission starts at $3 per person. The Arboretum is located at 500 Alumni Drive.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky – Located at the Blue Grass Airport, the museum hosts aviation restoration projects and has a 20,000 sq. ft. display area that also extends to exhibits outside the museum. Learn more about the aviation industry in Kentucky and see the engines and jets used by the Blue Angels and United States Navy.
Champ’s – If your kids have a burst of energy and want to skate, play laser tag, or test their spy skills in the laser maze, you’ve got to visit Champ’s. The indoor entertainment complex also includes an arcade and restaurant in its 50,000 sq. ft. facility.
Evan’s Orchard and Cider Mill – Open May through mid-December, the orchard offers a farmer’s market experience and grows more than 20 different gourmet apples, pears, and blueberries. Kids can also play around in the barnyard on the Jumbo Jumper, and the Apple Cider Slider, get lost in the corn maze, or hang out in the Hay Castle!
Explorium – The Lexington Explorium is open Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 per person for guests over the age of 1. With exhibits like Hold Your Horses, Science Station X, Brain Bike, Passport to the World, and much more, your kids will be entertained for hours.
Kentucky Historical Society – Take the kids into the past with a variety of tours through the Kentucky Historical Society. Learn more about our military history, the general history of our state, and the Old State Capitol. Hours vary by season.
Kentucky Horse Park – Lexington is the “Horse Capital of the World,” so you can’t visit our city without visiting the Horse Park and International Museum of the Horse! Visit the Kentucky Horse Park to see daily shows and demonstrations, watch a film about the history of the horse, or in the summer season, catch a trolley tour or go horseback riding.
Lexington Ice Center – It’s not just winter activities at the Ice Center, while there is ice skating, your family will also enjoy mini golf and the basketball courts. On Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m., the gym is included with your skating admission.
Lexington Opera House – Not only is the Opera House a great historical site to take your children to during the day, but it often has children’s theater productions in rotation. Many of its performances are on the schedule five months out, so you can plan an artful night out for the whole family. View the schedule online. You may also visit the Lexington Children’s Theatre for age-appropriate shows.
McConnell Springs – See Lexington’s birthplace at this 26-acre park! Stop at the visitor’s center for information about the park and then enjoy walking along the historic trails. Lexington has a variety of parks and recreation facilities for families to enjoy, view our list of other parks online.
Institute 193 – Lexington’s contemporary art gallery is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays and concentrates on art innovatively depicting the American South landscape. The gallery often hosts musical performances, art lectures, film screenings, and more!
Headley-Whitney Museum – An array of jewelry, dollhouses, miniatures, and other handmade artifacts can be admired at this museum. After viewing the displays, take a stroll through the rose garden, browse their library, or buy a souvenir from the gift shop.
See other Lexington activities near our extended stay hotel to create your travel itinerary.
