Outdoors
Jack-o-lantern Trail
$6; ages 12 and under freeRecommended for all ages. The city calls it perfect for all ages; children 12 and under get in free (from lexingtonky.gov, checked October 27, 2026).
A little less planning. A little more play.
Things to do with kids in Lexington
Choose a dated outing, then check ages, cost and sign-up.
Coming up for families
Find your family's next outing
Filter by posted ages, setting, admission or sign-up. Events without posted ages stay out of the age filters.
Ages under 5: 8 events in the next 60 days
Family
Boo Bash at Beaumont Branch
Confirm admission with the libraryRecommended for ages 5 and under. For ages 5 and younger with a caregiver (from events.lexpublib.org, checked October 27, 2026).
Family
Autumn Play Day at the Library
Price not listedAll ages. For children of all ages, accompanied by an adult (from pspl.org, checked October 27, 2026).
Outdoors
Composting 101 at McConnell Springs
Free; registration requiredRegister first. Check registration details and availability with the organizer. Registration details
All ages. All ages are welcome; adult chaperones are required (from lexingtonky.gov, checked October 27, 2026). Outdoors: the page says “Outdoor events” (from lexingtonky.gov, checked October 27, 2026).
Family
Evening Storytime at Central Library
Confirm admission with the libraryRecommended for ages 0 to 5 (from events.lexpublib.org, checked October 27, 2026).
Live music
Live at the Library: Alicia New
Price not listedAll ages. The library calls it an afternoon of music for all ages (from pspl.org, checked October 27, 2026).
Family
Movie Day: Hoppers
Price not listedAll ages. For children of all ages, accompanied by an adult (from pspl.org, checked October 27, 2026).
Outdoors
Holiday Nature Ornaments at Raven Run
$8Register first. Check registration details and availability with the organizer. Registration details
All ages. The city says there will be options for multiple ages and ability levels (from lexingtonky.gov, checked October 27, 2026). Outdoors: the page says “Outdoor events” (from lexingtonky.gov, checked October 27, 2026).
School’s out? FCPS no-school days and what to do lists every student day off left this school year, each with family events checked for that day.
Follow family events in your calendar. Only events categorized Family, for the next 60 days. This calendar does not include every with-kids recommendation above. Changes reach you on their own. No account needed.
Apple Calendar or Outlook: follow family events · Google Calendar: follow family events · Feed address for family events
Indoor and outdoor places to try
Two downtown indoor stops and a garden wander. Check each place's hours and admission before heading out.
Indoors · Downtown
Lexington Children’s Museum
Hands-on play for younger children
The museum describes its focus as children up to age 10. Wonder Woods is a dedicated area for ages 3 and under.
Visitor details checked .
How much does a visit cost?
$10 per guest aged 2 and older. One adult and one child aged 2+ would pay $20 in standard admission, before parking or other spending. The admission page lists $8 tickets for guests 65+, teachers and military. Its Museums for All offer is $3 per family member for up to four people with a SNAP or WIC card; the FAQ also names EBT. Confirm eligibility with the museum before relying on a discount.
When is it open?
Published hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm; closed Monday. The museum says most families spend 1–2 hours. Check holiday and special closure notices.
Useful before leaving
There is no museum parking lot. The Victorian Square Garage’s third-floor pedway connects to Victorian Square; go down to the second floor and follow the museum signs. Strollers are permitted; ask the front desk for elevator directions. Food and drinks other than water are not permitted inside.
Our planning tip: For a rainy day, choose this as the main stop and check the garage route before leaving. The museum publishes a field-trip forecast if you want to plan around larger groups.
Indoors · Downtown
Central Library
Books, a short browse or a scheduled creative activity
Start with a book browse and the lobby’s Foucault pendulum. For a hands-on visit, the fourth-floor Kloiber Foundation STEAM Lab offers youth and family programming during scheduled events.
Visitor details checked .
How much does a visit cost?
Choose a library browse for a low-spend stop. Two hours of garage parking are free with a ticket validated inside Central Library; longer or unvalidated parking can cost extra. Check any chosen program’s terms.
When is it open?
Published hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:30 am–7 pm; Friday, 9:30 am–6 pm; Saturday, 9:30 am–5 pm; Sunday, 1–5 pm. STEAM Lab sessions have their own schedule.
Useful before leaving
The STEAM Lab requires a responsible caregiver to accompany children aged 7 and under. A library being open does not mean the lab is open. Check the specific session for registration, ages and materials costs.
Our planning tip: For an easy downtown option, pick either a simple browse or a confirmed session before setting out. Keep the parking ticket with you so you can have it validated.
Outdoors · University
The Arboretum
A garden wander at your family’s pace
The public grounds offer a self-guided garden visit. The Kentucky Children’s Garden is a separate seasonal area, described by the Arboretum as best suited to ages 2–6 and their families.
Visitor details checked .
These visitor details are due for review. Confirm current hours, seasonal access and admission using the official links below.
How much does a visit cost?
General grounds and visitor center admission are free. The separate Kentucky Children’s Garden lists $4 admission; children under 2 are free. Travel and optional purchases are separate.
When is it open?
Published hours: grounds daily, dawn to dusk. The separate Children’s Garden lists April 1–October 31, Wednesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; summer hours are 9 am–4 pm. Check current notices before planning around the garden.
Useful before leaving
Do not assume the Children’s Garden is included in a free grounds visit or open whenever the grounds are. Check current notices and weather before choosing an outdoor outing.
Our planning tip: Choose the free grounds for a flexible wander, or plan specifically around the Children’s Garden’s current opening schedule. Keep an indoor alternative in mind if the weather changes.
Make the plan fit your family
Start with one main stop
Choose the event or place your child is most interested in, then leave room for a shorter visit.
Count the whole outing
Admission is only part of the budget. Include each adult and child, parking, food and any optional activities. A free-admission label does not mean the whole trip is free.
Check what matters to you
Use the venue’s official information for current hours, registration and specific access needs. A family tag does not establish stroller access, sensory conditions or an age recommendation.