15 Fun Things to Do in Lexington with Kids — Family-Friendly Activities!
Lexington, Kentucky, is home to many historic sites, including the Bluegrass Museum, the University of Kentucky, and the Frankfort Cemetery.
Its attractions include the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky International Raceway, the Kentucky Science Center, and the Scott & White Hospital. There are plenty of places where you can go out into nature, too.
You’ll find some great hiking trails, like the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Mammoth Cave National Park.
If you’re looking for something a little different, try the Kentucky Speedway.
We’ve gone ahead and listed some of the best and undoubtedly the funniest activities for kids in Lexington so that you can help them enjoy their time there.
- Kentucky Horse Park — North Fayette
The Kentucky Horse Park is a great destination for families looking to spend some quality time together.
This park features rides that are suitable for all ages. There are many opportunities for kids to learn about horses while having fun at the same time.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The facility features over 40 different types of horses, including American Saddlebreds, Arabians, Quarter Horses, Paints, Andalusians, Shetland ponies, and many others.
Each type of horse has been carefully selected based on temperament, size, color, height, and age. Guests are able to take part in five different kinds of experiences, including a guided tour, trail ride, Pony Club lesson, open riding lessons, and a petting zoo.
Recommended Ages
This horse park is highly recommended for kids ages three and up.
- Living Arts & Science Center — Ohio / Chestnut Street
The Living Arts & Science Center is located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
Why We Recommend This Activity
With its rich artistic heritage, the museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the culture of the United States.
Children are sure to love the many interactive, brain-twisting, and hands-on exhibits and activities. They will learn about the history of the city while having fun.
Recommended Ages
The Living Arts & Science Center offers a variety of programs for children ages 3–12.
- Lexington Opera House — Downtown Lexington
The Lexington Opera House is a historic theater located at 400 West Short Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky.
Opened in 1886, it is one of the oldest theaters still standing in the United States.
In addition to being used for live performances since its opening, the building has been used for movies and television productions.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Lexington Opera House offers family-friendly performances throughout the year.
From classical music concerts to Broadway musicals to holiday parades, you’ll find something fun for everyone.
Kids are welcome to bring along toys and snacks during intermission.
Recommended Ages
The Lexington Opera House offers three levels of performances for kids aged 7 or older.
For younger children, there are puppet shows and storytelling.
Older kids can enjoy the musical theater productions while parents relax in the lobby or enjoy dinner in one of the restaurants.
- University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky is located in Lexington, Kentucky. It is the flagship institution of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Its current president is Eli Capilouto.
Why We Recommend This Activity
You can see the picturesque views of the campus while taking a walk around the area.
You can explore the history of the place while learning about the rich heritage of the university.
There are many places where you can find peace and tranquility.
You can even go for a bike ride along the trails and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Recommended Ages
The university offers many different programs for children of all ages. They offer classes for kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Jacobson Park — East Lexington
Jacobson Park is one of the largest parks in Lexington. If you want to enjoy some great outdoor recreation, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Why We Recommend This Activity
Jacobson Park is one of our favorite parks in Minneapolis because it offers something for everyone. From picnicking to fishing, boating to biking, there are plenty of activities here to keep kids entertained during summertime.
Unlike some of the more popular parks like Minnehaha Creek, Jacobson Lake is very close to downtown Minneapolis.
There are many great trails around the lake where families can take walks together.
Recommended Ages
The Jacobson Park welcomes kids of all ages.
- Whitaker Bank Ballpark — Northeast Lexington
The Whitaker Bank Ballpark opened in 2009 and is located northeast of downtown Lexington. This stadium features a huge capacity of 6,994 seats, making it one of the largest ballparks in Kentucky.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The stadium is lined with different restaurants and food stalls, offering everything from pizza and burgers to sushi and Thai dishes.
There are also several bars and lounges where fans can sip on drinks, including Miller Lite, Bud Light, and Coors Light.
During games, you’ll find lots of signs posted throughout the stadium telling guests what items are sold inside the venue.
Recommended Ages
The Whitaker Bank Ballpark offers free admission to kids ages three and older.
- Waveland State Historic Site — South Lexington
Waveland, located about 10 miles south of downtown Lexington, was founded in 1793 by James E. Waveland (1765–1832), a native of Virginia who moved to Kentucky in 1787.
Why We Recommend This Activity
You’ll explore the grounds of the mansion, including the gardens, slave cabins, outbuildings, and courtyards, and discover what makes this place special.
You’ll even walk in the footsteps of some of the great artists who’ve worked here over the years, like Andy Warhol and Frank Stella.
Recommended Ages
The Waveland State Historic Site has something special for all children above the age of three.
- Headley Whitney Museum — Northwest Lexington
The Headley Whitney Museum is one of the unique museums in Kentucky.
This museum features art exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops, classes, and other educational programs.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Kentucky Museum of Natural History is home to some amazing exhibits.
One such exhibit is the “Chrysalis Project,” which showcases the incredible journey of the Eastern Monarch Butterfly Migration.
The project documents the lifecycle of the butterfly, including its metamorphosis into a beautiful adult insect.
Recommended Ages
The Headley Whitney Museum is a unique experience designed to educate children above eight years old about art history, architecture, design, and creative processes.
- Legacy Trail — North Lexington
The Legacy Trail is one of the most popular trails in Lexington.
This trail spans an area of over twelve miles, making it one of the largest urban parks in Kentucky.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including white-naped cranes, hornbills, pheasants, peacocks, and ducks.
There are also many mammals, such as squirrels, bats, monkeys, deer, porcupines, rabbits, and snakes.
Other wildlife includes monitor lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and frogs. A variety of insects and plants can be found here too.
Recommended Ages
We recommend hiking the Legacy Trail with children between the ages of five and nine years old.
- Joseph Beth Booksellers — Lexington Green
Joseph Beth Booksellers is a wonderful place to spend a day reading, browsing books, and socializing with friends.
Located at 161 Lexington Green Circle, it is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
Why We Recommend This Activity
We recommend this activity because it offers something for everyone: books, food, family fun, and shopping.
You can find everything here, including children’s books, picture books, fiction, nonfiction, young adult books, middle-grade books, science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, thrillers, history, biography, cookbooks, craft books, self-help, humor, art, poetry, music, comics, and many others.
Recommended Ages
Visit Joseph-Beth Booksellers if you’re looking for books for kids ages three and up.
- The Arboretum — University of Kentucky
The Arboretum is home to over 10,000 trees, shrubs, and plants, representing nearly 400 species. The Arboretum features walking trails, gardens, picnic areas, and education programs.
Why We Recommend This Activity
This activity is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for some peace and quiet.
There are many beautiful parks throughout the world, but few offer such a unique experience as this one does.
With a variety of different attractions and places to see, it’s no wonder why people come here every single day.
Recommended Ages
The Arboretum is now open for visitors of all ages.
- McConnell Springs
McConnell Springs is a Kentucky state park located near Lexington.
This place is perfect for families looking for a fun day out in the woods.
Why We Recommend This Activity
McConnell Springs offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying the outdoors.
From hiking to horseback riding, there are endless opportunities here for nature lovers to enjoy.
For those looking to learn about the history of the area, McConnell Springs provides educational and historical markers along the trail.
There are also plenty of places to stop and take pictures of the wildlife that calls the area home.
Recommended Ages
We highly suggest McConnell Springs for families looking for an adventurous day out with their kids.
- Lexington’s Children’s Theater — The Square
The Lexington’s Children’s Theater opened its doors in September 2017 and has been delighting children ever since.
Why We Recommend This Activity
The Lexington’s Children’s Theatre offers children a chance to explore theatre through storytelling, movement, and music.
Their productions are designed to encourage creativity, imagination, and self-expression.
They offer three different programs each week. For $10 per child, families can attend Story Time, where storytellers read stories and sing songs while encouraging creative play.
Recommended Ages
We highly recommend Lexington’s Children Centre for tribes with kids ages five and up.
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and serenity of nature without leaving home.
Located just outside Lexington, Kentucky, this unique retreat features seven acres of lush woods and meadows, a pond, walking trails, and plenty of wildlife.
Come see why we are called “The Best Kept Secret In America.”
Why We Recommend This Activity
The sanctuary offers many great activities for families looking for a fun day trip.
From scenic hikes to relaxing swims, there are endless possibilities here.
And don’t forget to bring your camera along – it’s guaranteed to capture some incredible photos!
Recommended Ages
We highly recommend this nature reserve for slightly older children aged seven and up.
- The Kentucky Theater — Downtown Lexington
The Kentucky Theater is located downtown, just off East Main Street.
This theater is easily accessible to families and offers plenty of fun things to do while you are there.
Why We Recommend This Activity
There are tons of places to eat around the area, offering everything from fast food to fine dining.
From casual eateries to upscale cafes, you won’t go hungry here.
And don’t forget about the local breweries; there are several within walking distance.
Recommended Ages
The Kentucky Theater is an excellent place to take kids aged five and up.
