Things to Do in Lexington with the Whole Family
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 $4 per person. The Arboretum is located at 500 Alumni Drive. If you have any questions, you can call them at (859) 257-6955.
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 the United States Navy. Admission for adults (17-59) is $18, seniors (60+) is $16, youth (4-17) is $12. They also have discounts for Veterans, Active Military, First responders, and more!
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 with plenty of activities that the whole family will enjoy!
Evan’s Orchard and Cider Mill – Open May through mid-December, this fifth-generation family farm offers a farmer’s market experience and grows more than 20 different gourmet apples, pears, and blueberries. You can browse the fresh produce, baked goods, and local items at their market or enjoy treats like apple cider, donuts, and more from their café. There is no shortage of activities for the kids. From the Jumbo Jumper, the Apple Cider Slider, corn maze, and more, there is plenty for the kids to do!
The Lexington Children’s Museum – The Lexington Children’s Museum 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 $10 per person for guests over the age of 1. With exhibits like Physics & Space, Art Room, Engineering, and more, your kids will be entertained for hours.
Kentucky Historical Society – Take the family and step 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 are Tuesday – Saturday 10 am through 5 pm.
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. The Horse Park is open daily 9am – 5pm, and is closed on Tuesdays.
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.
Institute 193 – Lexington’s contemporary art gallery is open to the public Wednesdays through Saturdays 11am – 6pm, 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. Hours and dates vary, check their website to learn more!
