We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions like the Explorium to hidden gems like the Musikgarten, there’s something in Lex for children of all ages. You’ll have no trouble entertaining the youngsters with this list of 29 kid-friendly activities around the 859.
🎳 Indoor adventures
Malibu Jack’s, 2520 Nicholasville Rd.
This event center is every kid’s dream, where they can enjoy laser tag, mini golf, and grabbing a bite to eat in between the fun. Kids will remember racing their friends at the indoor go kart track.
Gatti Town, 2524 Nicholasville Rd.
As soon as you walk into Gatti Town, you’ll be greeted with a massive buffet and movie room for children to fuel up before a fun day. Kids will remember riding the carousel and munching down on a variety of pizzas.
Activate Games, 2312 Sir Barton Way Ste. 150
High-tech games will help kids exercise their agility, problem-solving, and accuracy. Kids will remember dodging lasers and playing a modern version of the Floor is Lava.
Foam Warriorz Indoor Foam Combat, 2551 Regency Rd.
Kids can (safely) run wild at this indoor gaming arena. Kids will remember battling their friends with Nerf guns.
LEF Climbing, 916 N. Broadway
This full-service climbing + fitness gym boasts 20,000+ sqft. of climbing. Kids can boulder, climb on auto belays, or top rope with a parent or a person 14 or older belaying.
Main Event, 240 Canary Rd.
From bowling to arcade games + even virtual reality, kids of all ages will leave with a smile on their face. Kids will remember the fun the whole family had playing laser tag.
Jacobson Park is chock-full of outdoor and sensory-friendly activities. | Photo courtesy of @lexkyparks
🌳 The great outdoors
Ecton Park, 956 Turkey Foot Rd.
Families can enjoy a serene afternoon walking the park, squeeze in a quick game of kickball, then head to nearby downtown for lunch. Kids will remember the variety of play areas, accommodating for children of all ages.
Kentucky Children’s Garden, 500 Alumni Dr.
Located in UK’s iconic Arboretum, the children’s garden offers little ones the chance to get outside and learn about their environment. Kids will remember wading in the stream and possibly running into some critters.
McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln.
This little urban oasis offers the benefits of nature in the heart of town. Kids will remember unique programming that teaches them about the animals, biology, and insects of the Bluegrass.
Raven Run Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way
Lexington’s hiking gem features seven different trails for hikers of all ages and experiences. Kids will remember overlooking the Kentucky River and vast meadows.
Red leather, yellow leather. | Photo courtesy of Esther Neel
🎨 All about the arts
ARTplay Children’s Studio, 309 N. Ashland Ave. #190
Let your kids explore their most creative endeavors at one of these art classes. Kids will remember releasing their inhibitions and getting as creatively messy as they please.
Lexington Children’s Theatre, 418 W. Short St.
With various classes and camps, the theatre provides children with a unique opportunity to work on their acting chops. Kids remember the first time they stepped onto a stage while growing their confidence as performers.
Musikgarten of Lexington, 121 Malabu Dr., Ste. 1
Has your child dreamt of being a rockstar? Or are you looking to bond with your newborn through music? Kids from newborns to 10 years old will remember getting their first true musical experience.
CREATE Studio Kids, 212 Woodland Ave.
Children 4+ can create sculptures of their favorite treats, and design their own castles at one of many classes and camps throughout the week. Kids will remember taking home their very own slime creation.
The Pottery Place, 355 Nicholasville Rd., Ste. #928
Let the little ones how off their inner Picasso as they paint the piece of their choosing. Kids will have memories that last by bringing home their colorful masterpiece.
🤝 Sensory-friendly
Lexington Public Library, All locations
Children who prefer the quiet can enjoy coming into one of Lexington’s six library branches. Kids will remember attending an Adapted Storytime event.
Chuck E. Cheese, 1555 E. New Circle Rd.
Sensory Sensitive Sundays allows kids to enjoy the fun of Chuck E. Cheese on the first Sunday of each month — without the bright lights + sounds. Kids will remember playing a variety of games in a calmer environment.
Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd.
The massive 216-acre park has countless opportunities for kids of all ages to have fun. Kids will remember kayaking on the reservoir, hiking quiet trails, and cooling off on the sprayground.
Only in Lexington can you come face-to-face with a Kentucky Derby Winner. | Photo courtesy of @kspeerphoto
🦁 Animal encounters
Shaker Village, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg
Take your kids on a scenic drive to nearby Harrodsurg and experience life like the shakers of Pleasant Hill did. Kids will remember walking through the on-site garden and running into furry friends on the farm.
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy.
Attend a live horse show or hop on a pony ride for a one-of-a-kind adventure. Kids will remember meeting + learning how horses prepare for shows.
Salato Wildlife Education Center, 1 Sportsman’s Ln., Frankfort
Take a quick drive on I-75 to learn + explore everything needed to know about Kentucky’s wildlife. Kids will remember learning how to handle seeing baby animals in the wild.
Old Friends Equine, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown
Children 10+ can get a front-row view of some of the most majestic retired horses in the surrounding area. Kids will remember getting to see 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm.
🍽️ Foodie families
Poppy + Olive, 264 Walton Ave.
Enjoy a judgment-free meal within Eppings on Eastside that kids will also enjoy. Kids will remember getting to color while snacking on a char"fruit"erie board.
Kentucky Native Cafe, 417 E. Maxwell St.
This is the ideal spot for parents and children alike looking to grab seasonal bites in a garden. Kids will remember getting to play in the sand in the play area.
Crank + Boom Ice Cream Lounge, 1210 Manchester St.
Rotating and staple flavors make Crank + Boom one of the top spots for a scoop in Lexington. Kids will remember taking Instagram-worthy photos with the iconic mural by Wylie Caudill.
🧠 Educational activities
The Explorium, 440 W. Short St.
If your child is curious and imaginative, this museum is the perfect spot for them. Kids will remember getting to fulfill their career dreams and pretend to be a doctor, newscaster + more.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 161 Lexington Green Cir. # B
This is where bookworms are born. Kids will remember getting to pick out their favorite book in the immersive children’s section.
The Bright Spot Learning Lab, 153 Patchen Dr.
It’s like school, but way more fun. Here, kids can sign up for classes that fall directly within their interests, whether that be art, engineering, or writing. Kids will remember trying + learning something new outside of the classroom.
Living Arts & Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd.
Explore space stories in the Farish Planetarium or let the little ones flex their creative muscles with arts camp. Kids will love the variety of activities available like printmaking, cooking classes, and outdoor adventures.
🧃 Be prepared
Shop some of our favorite kid-friendly essentials to keep the whole family happy, hydrated, and ready to make memories.
- Owala Kids Insulated Stainless Steel Tumbler | This tumbler has a spill-resistant straw (yes, that’s a thing) and is top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Bentgo Kids 5-Compartment Lunch Box | Pack snacks for kids in a popular Bentgo box that’s BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
- Nintendo Switch | You just can’t beat a handheld gaming device for keepings kids quiet, happy, and entertained during car rides around town.
- Hap Tim Travel Backpack | Keep everything in a backpack that’s got good padding on the straps, plenty of compartments, a wide mouth opening, and a rain-resistant exterior.
- Kids sketch pad | Kids can sketch, take notes, and feel connected to your adventures with a sketchbook meant to inspire creativity.
- Disposable cameras | Kids will have a ton of fun + stay entertained by taking their own pictures of what they see during your adventures.
- KeepGoing Travel First Aid Kit for Kids | Be prepared for minor scrapes or bruises that could slow your day down — this kit contains 60 pieces of essential first aid supplies.
- Sunscreen stick | Have a portable sunscreen stick handy for outdoor adventures.
Ready to visit these local attractions but don’t know where to start? We’ve created this handy map so you can find all of these featured activities.
There are endless kid-friendly attractions in + around Lexington. | Map created by Proxi
