The three major milestones signifying the start of summer have come and gone — Memorial Day, the summer solstice + temperatures topping out in the 90s.
And while Lexington does have plenty of swimming options to help citizens beat the heat, sometimes you need to escape the sun + chill out in the A/C. That’s why we’ve compiled 7 different indoor activities to enjoy this summer.
The Kentucky Room , 140 E. Main Street | Free
This room is located inside the Central Branch of the Lexington Public Library + is designed to help citizens learn more about Fayette County’s rich history. Browse old newspaper articles, search through digital archives, or flip through historical literature about the city.
Pro tip: Use this website to spark your curiosity — search by subject, area, or decade.
Battle Axes , 164 Turner Commons Way | Prices vary
This entertainment venue has recently relocated from the Distillery District to its new location near the Meadowthorpe neighborhood. The new spot is bigger + features different attractions added to its iconic axe-throwing — bowling, go-karts, zip lines, inflatable bounce houses, an arcade + a fully stocked bar.
Lexington Ice Center and Sports Complex , 560 Eureka Springs | $11.50
Lexington’s ice skating rink is open for the summer until Sun., July 31. The facility also offers gymnasiums for basketball + volleyball, as well as a 54-hole miniature golf course.
Pro tip: Be sure to check the calendar for open skating times as they vary from day to day.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers , 161 Lexington Green Cir. | Price of purchase
This Lexington bookstore is a bookworm’s oasis. Browse for your new summer read + order a snack from its indoor Bronte Bistro. There’s a promenade behind the store with a large fountain and opportunities to feed the ducks.
Pro tip: Cattywampus Station Milkshakes is right next door + will certainly help you chill out while walking the fountain area.
Activate Games , 2312 Sir Barton Way, Ste. 150 | $25
This new interactive gaming experience recently set up shop in the Hamburg neighborhood with high-tech games that will challenge you both mentally + physically. Electronic wristbands track your score as you compete against friends and family.
Pro tip: Sessions are 75 minutes and the recommended age to participate is 10+.
The Mad Potter , 3385 Tates Creek Rd. | Prices vary
This paint-your-own-pottery studio offers walk-ins with no studio fees. Try your hand at something new then leave with a piece to showcase in your home — mugs, plates, teapots + more.
Kentucky Theatre , 214 E. Main St. | $7.75
Lexington’s historic and independently-owned theatre shows screenings of both modern + classic films. The “Summer Classics ” series is a local favorite — screening a well-known film every Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. throughout the summer.
LexLive , 301 S. Broadway | Prices vary
This downtown entertainment venue offers something for everyone — a movie theatre, a decked-out arcade, bowling lanes + a bar and restaurant.
Fun fact: LexLive’s LFX screen is over 80 feet wide — making it the biggest screen in Kentucky.