There are some great things you can enjoy with kids for FREE indoors in Lexington and Central KY! Check out these great ideas for ways to have some family fun indoors!
- Explore the UK Art Museum or the 21c Museum Hotel‘s art exhibit
- Check out Lowe’s or Home Depot – they offer free kids’ workshops each month plus my kids always loved to hop on the riding mowers, play in the showers, and even put on a cooking demo in the display kitchens.
- Go visit the pet store.
- Enjoy an event at a local bookstore or library
- Tour Toyota in Georgetown, Boone Creek Creamery in Lexington, or Ale 8 One in Winchester (Plus many more!)
- Check out a UK Swimming and Diving meet or STUNT meet
- Attend a Family Fun and Learning Night at the Carnegie Center
- Tour the Kentucky State Capitol building in Frankfort
- Hop in the car and cross the Kentucky River on the Valley View Ferry or stop by an area construction site to watch.
- Go volunteer! Many places in town offer ways to give back with kids.
- Enjoy the nature center at McConnell Springs, Raven Run or the Arboretum
- Fayette Mall has a small indoor play area for kids
- Make a craft at Michael’s Craft Stores – many of their workshops are free
- Check out the FCPS Classroom on Wheels
- Check out a program with UK 4-H
- Enjoy exploring at Cabela’s. It’s an outdoor (fishing/hunting/etc) store. There is a cool display in the back with taxidermized animals. You can also enjoy learning about all the animals through narrated videos and hear their calls using the interactive screen at the display.
Special Events!
Hats off Day (Explore the indoor KY Horse Park museums and exhibits! Held each summer.)
For $15 or less
Make plans to attend the Kentucky Sport Boat and Recreation Show at Lexington Center – Go fishing, ride a pony, and hop on all the boats, rvs, 4 wheelers and more! Kids 12 and under are FREE, adults $12. Held each February.
Enjoy the Kids Movie Magic Winter Film Series at Movie Tavern Brannon Crossing. 2026 dates are January 9 – March 1 with shows each Friday – Sunday plus Monday holidays. Tickets $3 or get a passport for all 8 films for $12
Stop by all the animals and indoor exhibits at Salato Wildlife Center. The bird blind is a wonderful spot to relax! You can head outside for a few then back inside to their nature center. Outdoor exhibits are a short walk from the nature center so if there’s a break in the rain, you get too hot or cold you can head back inside! (Open March – November) Adults $5, Ages 5 – 17 $3, Kids 4 and under FREE
Check out a UK Gymnastics Meet, Women’s Basketball Game, or Volleyball Match – general admission tickets run around $15 or less.
Malibu Jack’s indoor ‘beach’ play area is $10 for all day play!
Monkey Joe’s is $12.99 for admission and just $6.99 for kids 2 and under
Check out the Learn to Skate program at Champ’s! $9.99 for kids and just $5 for each additional adult.
Tiny Tots Playhouse is $15 for 2 hours of play, siblings are $12
Sunshine Play Cafe all day play is $12/child
Enjoy a movie deal – many have freebies or special prices for certain shows
Check out the Lex Fun 4 Kids list of Indoor Fun!
