Keeneland Race Course opened in 1936 and has been helping create memories ever since. It’s a wonderful place for families and kids of all ages will enjoy a visit. You can visit during race meets (held each April and October) or stop by other times during the year just to explore and take some photos. The Keeneland Kids Club offers special events for members throughout the year and it’s FREE!
Fall 2021 Meet is set for October 8 – 30, 2021 with racing Wednesdays – Sundays.
I have many memories of Keeneland racing as a child. My father was in the horse business and we would visit during every meet. We would perch on the rail to watch the horses thunder past, enjoy a close up view from the paddock, taste fresh burgoo, and so much more. It’s been wonderful to take my kids and I enjoy making memories with them now. We’ve especially enjoyed the Kids Club events like Breakfast with Santa and Buckles!
Racing
Keeneland Race Meets held each April and October are open to the public. You can go on the cheap and grab general admission tickets.
- $7 per person
- Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
- General admission does not include seating. Park benches are available trackside at a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Post time for the first race is 1:05 pm. Races begin approximately every half an hour.
Other ticket options include dining reservations or clubhouse tickets (only available for purchase by a Keeneland Club Member).
Sunrise Trackside
Sunrise Trackside is held every Saturday during the race meeting. See early morning horse workouts on the track, enjoy children’s activities, participate in Q & A with jockeys and more.
Children’s Activities will be located under the grandstand beginning at 8 am and concluding by 10 am. Following Children’s Activities, and Paddock Demonstration will take place at 10 am.
No reservations are needed to take part in Sunrise Trackside. Activities continue rain or shine
Tours
Because of concerns surrounding COVID-19, Keeneland will continue to limit the number of guests in each tour. Guests are encouraged to book tours in advance, as tickets will sell out.
Health and Safety
The safety of our guests, horsemen and employees is of the utmost priority for Keeneland. Keeneland follows the health and safety guidance of the CDC and state government to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sanitation measures throughout the grounds have been increased. Guests, horsemen and employees who are not feeling well are expected to stay home.
View Ticket & Admissions Policy
Tour The Keeneland Grounds
Learn about the history of Keeneland, go behind-the-scenes of our racing and sales operations, enjoy a trackside view of morning workouts, get an exclusive look at the Jockeys Quarters and much more on one of our must-see Keeneland tours.
Oaks and Derby Weekend
You can visit for Oaks Day or Derby Day and enjoy an amazing atmosphere of fun and excitement! For those wanting a casual, outdoor experience come early and watch live coverage from Churchill Downs while enjoying a picnic or food from the open air grills in the Keeneland paddock and grandstand area. General admission on Derby Day is just $5; free on Oaks Day.
Kids Club
The Keeneland Kids Club is a FREE club for kids ages 12 and under.
New members will receive a personalized membership packet, special emails each month from Buckles with highlights from other members of the thoroughbred community. Beginning this February, join us as we meet a few special foals and follow them as they grow. And when appropriate, Kids Club members will receive exclusive invitations to gather for annual events.
If you have any questions, please email their team at kidsclub@keeneland.com.
We have loved the Kids Club events and have fun being at Keeneland for fun outside of racing. Kids can enjoy Breakfast with Buckles and Santa, an Easter Egg Hunt, as well as events within the community and during race meets.
