Just an hour drive from Louisville, beautiful Lexington, Kentucky is an ideal location when looking for fun family friendly activities for families with kids of all ages!
It reminds a little bit of Knoxville, Tennessee with amazing outdoor activities, fun educational trips, a relaxing night at the movies, or an active night at the local trampoline park, Lexington has it all!
Public parking is offered at almost all locations, but other options include public transportation on buses, or even renting bikes or scooters to ride around town to get to your destinations!
Below are 20 fun things to do in Lexington with kids, that are sure to bring lots of enjoyment to you and your family!
Our List of Things to Do in Lexington with Kids
As a mom of six, I can attest that there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in Lexington, KY. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or historical tours, there’s something for everyone. Here are some must-see destinations to add to your itinerary.
Explorium of Lexington
Looking for a fun, yet educational activity for your kids? The Explorium of Lexington is the place to go! The Explorium offers a wide variety of hands-on activities that are sure to keep both the kids and parents entertained.
Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
The Arboretum is a beautiful place to explore with the whole family. You can take a stroll through the various gardens and admire the diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and plants. There’s even a children’s garden with interactive exhibits and a play area.
Jacobson Park
Jacobson Park is the perfect spot for a nice warm family day! The park has three different playground sections to offer fun playground equipment for kids of all ages! After playing on the playground, there is a nice splash pad right beside it to cool the kids off. When the kids finish playing, the whole family can walk across the bride for a paddle boat or kayak ride on the lake!
Gattitown
Looking for a fun place to go for dinner? Gattitown is a great option! Enjoy delicious pizza and salad from the buffet, then the whole family can go have fun in the arcade room with over 150 games, a carousel, and bumper cars!
Lexington Ice Center
Bundle up and get ready for a night of cool fun! The Lexington Ice Center has two indoor ice rinks, three gymnasiums, and biblical miniature golf. The Ice Center has a mission to have an atmosphere that is safe, clean, and fun!
Henry Clay Estate
If you’re interested in history, the Henry Clay Estate is a must-visit. The estate was once home to Henry Clay, a prominent politician and statesman who played a key role in shaping American history. You can take a tour of the mansion and learn about Clay’s life and legacy.
The Henry Clay Estate is an amazing historical site to take your kids to for a little education on vacation.
Malibu Jack’s
Malibu Jack’s is a fantastic option when looking for a fun center geared toward people of all ages! It has rides for small kids to rides that are sure to keep even adults entertained. The facility also has mini golf, go carts, laser tag, bowling, a 4D theater, lots of games, and so much more! There is also a concession stand with tasty food if you decide to have lunch!
McConnell Springs Park
This 26-acre park is an ideal location for those who love nature, love to be outdoors, and love to learn about history! The park has a scenic trail throughout it if you’re interested in going for a walk and being surrounded by beautiful nature. While visiting be sure to see the natural springs, the farm site, and the Bur Oak. Tours are offered so you can learn more about all the natural and cultural history of the area.
Hunt Morgan House
Lexington is steeped in history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. The Hunt Morgan House is a prime example, as it was once home to John Hunt Morgan, a Confederate general during the Civil War. You can take a guided tour of the house and learn about its rich history.
Lexington Legends at Whitaker Bank Ballpark
If you’re family enjoys sports, a visit to the Whitaker Bank Ballpark to watch the Lexington Legends play is a must! Grab a seat at the popular family area along the 3rd base line that has a playground, bouncer, and obstacle course in case the kids decide they want to get up and play during the game!
Horse Farm Tours
Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World, so it’s no surprise that horse farm tours are a popular attraction. You can visit some of the area’s top horse farms and see these majestic animals up close. You may even get to meet some of the foals!
Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park offers fun activities for your family year-round! Year round, the park allows guests to do barn tours, visit and take pictures with the horses, and visit the International Museum of the Horse and the American Saddlebred Museum. In the summer, you can stay at the campground that has a pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, as well as trails you can take your bikes on.
During the winter, you can visit with the horses via a stall-side chat. If you happen to be visiting near Christmas time, you are in for a treat as you will be able to see the Southern Lights! During the Southern lights, you will drive through their large light display, then park your car and get out to visit with Santa, go through the petting zoo, ride the train, and ride on a pony and camel! This is a place that is sure to bring lots of joy to the entire family!
Movie Tavern
The Movie Tavern is a unique cinema that the whole family is sure to enjoy! First you can go online to see all the current movies that are showing. Then head on over to the cinema for dinner and a movie all in one place! The Tavern has comfortable seats with tables in front of each seat for your food to go. Simply order your food and it will be brought right to your seat for you to enjoy while watching your movie!
Keeneland
When visiting the Horse Capital of the World, you can’t miss the opportunity to visit Keenland Race Course! Keenland is an international racecourse and is the Thoroughbred industry’s leading auction house.
People from all over the world travel to Keenland to watch class racing that occurs twice a year! They offer both guided and self-guided tours, so checkout their website to choose a tour that interests your family!
Old Kentucky Chocolates
If you visit Kentucky, you’re sure to hear about Old Kentucky Chocolate! Founded in 1964, Old Kentucky Chocolates has become one of the most well-known chocolates in the state and is made right in Lexington Kentucky!
Go online to schedule a tour of the facility and to get a taste of this delicious chocolate! Don’t forget to get some to take back for souvenirs!
Kentucky River
The Kentucky River is a beautiful natural wonder that’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go kayaking, canoeing, or fishing on the river, or simply take a scenic hike along its banks.
Sky Zone
This large trampoline park offers loads of fun activities for people of all ages! With wall-to-wall trampolines, SkySlam basketball, ultimate dodgeball, a foam zone, skyjoust, volleyball, a rock-climbing wall, and a ninja course, your family is bound to have a blast!
Lexington Children’s Theatre
This is a professional theatre geared toward children. It strives to bring imaginative and compelling theatre experiences to children and their families. The theatre offers Pay What You Will shows where you pay any amount you choose for tickets. This enables all families to be able to afford to go enjoy and experience a show together! Check out their website for a list of upcoming shows!
Champs Entertainment Complex
This indoor facility has all you need for a great day/night of fun with your family! Champs has roller skating, laser tag, glow in the dark miniature golf, a laser maze, an arcade, and a restaurant all in one facility!
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
The Shaker Village is a fascinating historical site that’s fun for the whole family. You can explore the village and learn about the unique Shaker lifestyle and culture. There are also plenty of hands-on activities for kids, such as woodworking and pottery.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky
If your family has an interest in aircraft, this museum is for you! This museum has various aircraft on display, allowing people to get up close looks and see just how big the aircraft are in person! Children are always so amazed and awestruck when getting to be so up close to the planes.
The museum also has simulators and interactive displays that kids always love! End your visit in the gift shop with lots of cool options for souvenirs!
Overall
Enjoy your time in Lexington, Kentucky making memories that will last a lifetime for you and your family! This is only a small list of all the wonderful attractions this city has to offer!
Your family will have the opportunity to enjoy awesome horse parks, amazing museums, spectacular arcades, and so many more fun activities you don’t want to miss out on during your stay in Lexington, Kentucky!
Map of Things to Do in Lexington with Kids
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to do in Lexington with Kids
What is there to do in Lexington for free?
Keeneland Thoroughbred Racing
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Books with a View
Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky
Hit the Park
Farmers Markets
Camp Nelson National Cemetery and Civil War Site
Hike through the Arboretum
What food is Kentucky known for?
Hot Brown
Spoonbread
Benedictine
Burgoo
Barbeque.
Derby-Pie®
Rolled Oysters
Beer Cheese
When is the best time of the year to visit Lexington?
Early to mid fall is the best time to visit, after the humidity of Summer time and before the cold front of Winter comes.
If you enjoyed reading our list of things to do in Lexington with kids, you might also like:
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