Let your children’s creative minds run wild. | Photo courtesy of @artplay.kids
We’re not kiddin’ around. From major attractions to hidden gems, there are plenty of ways to keep kids of all ages cool this summer.
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.
LEF Climbing, 916 N. Broadway
This full-service climbing + fitness gym boasts 20,000+ sqft. of climbing.
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 Public Library, All locations
Children who prefer the quiet can enjoy coming into one of Lexington’s six library branches.
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.
Lost Palm Trivia Night | Thursday, July 10-Thursday, July 31 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Lost Palm | Free | Venture up to The Manchester’s rooftop bar + sip on a creative cocktail while you show off those trivia skills for a chance to win a $30 gift certificate.
Friday, July 11
Sound Healing Meditation with Adam Sutherland | Friday, July 11-Friday, Sept. 26 | 7-8:30 p.m. | The Sound Healing Center of Lexington | $25 | Ground yourself in the present moment + deepen your sense of calm at this communal meditation class.
Brunch at Granddam with Free Valet Parking on Fridays | Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 27 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Granddam at The Manchester | $15+ | Indulge in craft coffee, cocktails, brunch favorites like jalapeño chicken and waffles + free valet parking.
Saturday, July 12
Community Yoga at Greyline Station | 10-11 a.m. | Greyline Station | Free | All levels are welcome at this donation-based community yoga class — bring your own mat if possible.
Granddam Bourbon Tasting | Saturday, July 12-Tuesday, July 29 | Times vary | Granddam at The Manchester | $40 | Find your favorite bourbon as you explore the process, quality + taste profiles of Kentucky’s smoothest spirit.
Monday, July 14
Music Open Mic Night | Monday, July 14-Monday, Aug. 4 | 5 p.m. | Kenwick Table | Free | Bring your (tuned) instrument to this musically inclined performance opportunity with an all ages audience. Sign ups start at 5 p.m.
Saturday, July 19
Roller Derby of Central Kentucky Home Game | Saturday, July 19, Saturday, Aug. 23 | 5-8 p.m. | Central Bank Center | $15+ | Expect high-energy action + hard-hitting fun — on skates.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Craft Fair | Saturday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg | $5+ | Shop for pottery, glassware, jewelry, paintings, Shaker reproductions, and more from 90+ vendors — don’t miss out on food trucks + live music.*
Lexington Parks & Recreation is seeking feedback on concept designs for Lexington’s first bike park. The project, a joint effort involving KYMBA Bluegrass and the American Ramp Company, could include jump tracks, a bicycle playground, and more. Review designs and submit the survey through Sunday, July 13.
Civic
Garage clearing time. On Saturday, July 12, Lexington residents can bring up to one pickup truck load of household waste (mattresses, small furniture pieces, etc.) to the Bluegrass Regional Transfer Station for free from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dump appliances, electronics, and outdoor waste for a fee.
Edu
University of Kentucky ROTC will have a new practice location in 2026, following a recent vote by Lexington Fayette Urban County Council. The organization previously held tactical training in Hisle Farm Park. Moving forward, land navigation training may move to Bluegrass Station, a military-industrial-business park between Lexington and Winchester. (Lexington Herald-Leader)
Cause
Tickets are on sale now for the 2025 Keeneland Bluegrass International Cup — a polo match benefiting cancer research via the Fayette Alliance Foundation and the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation. Don your best cocktail casual and saddle up for food, live music, and dancing for a cause.
Community
The Lexington Police Activities League (PAL) is celebrating its 40th birthday on Saturday, July 26 at Charles Young Park, 12-5 p.m., with games, music, and food. Have any meaningful PAL memories? Send them our way.
Job
Your dream employee is probably reading our newsletter right now — want them to see your job first? Add your job listing to our LEXtoday Job Board, at no cost.
Asked
What’s hard, shiny, pretty, and projected to be valued at $4,000 per ounce in 2026? See the answer.†*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
This one might not include AC, but Lexington Parks & Recreation has another great activity for families this summer: Nature In Your Neighborhood activities. These free events are great for kids K-12th grade and run until August 9.
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