Family Fun in Lexington

Discover fun for the whole family in the Horse Capital of the World! Immerse yourselves in the city's awe-inspiring Horse Country, experience indoor favorites, explore the best nature has to offer in the Bluegrass region's great outdoors, and dine at the locals’ top picks. See for yourself—Lexington is the perfect spot for your family getaway. 

HORSE CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Kentucky Horse Park

This attraction is for all ages. Children especially enjoy the interactive exhibits at the museum, the parade of breeds and the wide-open spaces. The holiday light show at the park, Southern Lights, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, is a big hit with the whole family. 

See Baby Horses 

If your youngsters want to see some equine babies, take a drive through the countryside around Lexington in the spring. Foals are usually born February through June. Check out our driving tours of the Bluegrass backroads: visitlex.com/about/maps-and-directions/

Horseback Riding

Several area stables offer scenic guided or unguided horseback rides for all levels of riders.

• Big Red Stables - (859) 734-3118 - bigredstablesky.com
• Kentucky Horse Park - (859) 233-4303 - kyhorsepark.com
• Stepping Stone Ranch - (615) 268-9960 - steppingstoneranchco.com
• Whispering Woods - (502) 570-9663 - whisperingwoodstrails.com

MUSEUMS

Aviation Museum of Kentucky

Located at the Blue Grass Airport, children will enjoy plenty of interactive exhibits at this museum dedicated to Kentucky aviation. 

Lexington Children's Museum

Located in The Square, the museum is for ages 10 and under. Numerous galleries feature more than 100 hands-on activities. There’s a special play area for toddlers.

Living Arts and Science Center

Created in the 1960s to promote arts and science education, visitors may check out their “Spend a day at LASC.”

OUTDOORS

Lexington Parks 

Lexington is home to an outstanding public parks system. If you’re looking to get your family outside for a low-cost way, check out one of these: Hisle Park, Arboretum at UK, Masterson Station Park, Castlewood, Charles Young, Shilito, Veterans Park, Kirklevington, Woodland and many more. 

Thoroughbred Park

The life-size horse statues at Thoroughbred Park seem to fascinate the young visitors! These bronze statues make for the perfect photo location. The park is located on the corner of Midland and Main Street. 

Jacobson Park

Fish or paddle boat on this park’s 47-acre lake or let your kids run off some steam on their creative playground. 

Kentucky Children’s Garden at The Arboretum

This 2-acre garden is designed to share the joy and wonder of nature and plants. It is best suited for children ages 2 to 6 and their families. The garden’s features include child-sized representations of Kentucky’s landscapes as well as themed gardens including butterfly, vegetable and transportation gardens. It’s open seasonally and weather permitting. 

McConnell Springs

Where Lexington received its name. Follow in the footsteps of frontier explorers at this park hiking on their trails, taking in wildlife views and checking out their many events. 

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Hit the trails and enjoy a scenic hike in the Kentucky River Palisades area, a getaway just minutes from downtown Lexington. Many special programs are offered. 

INDOORS

Joseph-Beth Booksellers

Joseph-Beth Kids, located on the lower level, is a store within a store. There’s a large selection of books and education materials, with a seating area for those who want to read on the spot. 

LEF Climbing

This climbing and fitness gym is full service with more than 20,000 sq ft of climbing. Kids can boulder, climb on auto belays, or top rope with a parent or a person 14 or older belaying. 

Lexington Children’s Theater 

Visit fall through spring to catch a performance! Thirteen plays are presented throughout the season. 

Lexington Ice Center

Fall through Spring you can take to the ice! Call ahead for open skate times.

Lexington Public Library

With six branches, there will be a library close by and they offer an astonishing number of activities designed for even the youngest amongst us. 

Sky Zone

Don’t forget socks! Let your children bounce off the walls at this large facility filled with giant trampolines. Call ahead to reserve a spot. 

Southland Lanes

Let the entire fam try their skills at bowling and enjoy the arcade. Make it a night and order food. Located in the hip Southland neighborhood. 

FAMILY FRIENDLY LOCAL LEXINGTON RESTAURANTS

Joe Bologna’s

An Italian pizzeria and restaurant established in 1973. This Lexington favorite and longtime pizza parlor has a casual vibe and is housed in a former synagogue with stained-glass windows.

Josie’s

The perfect family-friendly spot that's famous for serving breakfast all day. Don't worry! They have a wide variety of delicious lunch and dinner options too.

Poppy & Olive 

This restaurant was created to give parents and little ones a relaxed, judgment-free environment where everyone can enjoy a delicious meal without the usual stress of dining out. 

Ramsey’s 

It’s the home-style comfort food, the Southern appeal and the genuine hospitality that make this diner feel like home—no matter where you’re from, or which location you visit.