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!
October 4 – 26, 2019
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.
- $5 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 is held every Saturday during the race meeting. See early morning horse workouts on the track, have breakfast ($8 for anyone age 4 and up), enjoy children’s activities, participate in Q & A with jockeys and more.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
| Morning Works | until 10 a.m. |
| Breakfast with the Works (Equestrian Room) | 7-8:30 a.m. |
| Children’s Activities | 7:30-9:30 a.m. |
| Guided Walking Tours | 7:30-10 a.m. |
| Paddock Demonstration | 9-9:20 a.m. |
| Jockey Q&A Session | 12:05 p.m. |
Sunrise Trackside is a free, family friendly event that begins at 7:00 a.m. with Breakfast with the Works (until 8:30 a.m.), where patrons can enjoy breakfast while horses train on the main track. Listen to trackside commentary about the history of Keeneland, current activities at the track and how Thoroughbreds train between races. You might even see a Breeders’ Cup hopeful or another well-known horse on the track.
Events continue with children’s activities in the Kids Club Corner (7-9 a.m.). Guided walking tours depart from the welcome stand near the Paddock (7:30-10:00 a.m.).
No reservations are needed to take part in Sunrise Trackside. Activities continue rain or shine
Special Halloween Edition 2019 – On October 26, Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes to the track. Buckles, the Keeneland Kid’s Club mascot, will award Kid’s Club prize packages to some of the best costumes. Children will enjoy special Halloween activities and have a chance to collect some candy. An appearance by the Headless Horseman will occur in the Paddock at 9:00 a.m. and on the track during the race day.
Tours
A National Historic Landmark, Keeneland features beautifully landscaped grounds that are open to the public every day. Fans and horsemen alike are welcome to enjoy its spectacular racing, attend one of its annual horse sales or simply visit the grounds and celebrate Keeneland’s timeless beauty.
You are welcome to enjoy a self-guided walking tour as well, simply click here for details.
Year-Round Tours
For guests interested in learning about the history of Keeneland and wanting an overview of operations for both racing and sales.
* Available year-round
Behind-the-Scenes Racing Tours
For guests interested in a behind-the-scenes look at race day operations, including a walk through the barns and a stop at the Jockey’s Quarters.
* Only available in April and October
Behind-the-Scenes Sales Tours
For guests interested in a behind-the-scenes look at sale operations, including a tour of the renowned Keeneland Sales Pavilion and auction ring.
* Only available in January, April, September & November
Backstretch Tours
For guests interested in racing, with an insider view of the backside. During live racing, this tour will include race day accomodations.
* Available select days
Owner’s Experience Tours
Experience a race day like the owners do with a tour through the Saddling Paddock and Winner’s Circle during Keeneland’s first race of the day.
* Only available in April & October
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. Free membership benefits include the following:
Official Keeneland Kids Club personalized membership pass
Special offers and invitations to Kids Club exclusive events
Birthday card from Buckles, the Keeneland Kids Club mascot
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.
