Register for the FREE Keeneland Kids Club! The Keeneland Kids Club is the official club for Keeneland fans 12 and under.
The Keeneland Kids Club in partnership with Golisano Children’s at UK, is the free official club for Keeneland fans 12 and under. The Keeneland Kids Club is a program that was formed to support Keeneland’s mission to educate and give back to both the equine industry and the Kentucky community. Through the Kids Club, children are able to experience Keeneland through exclusive events, educational opportunities and communications to grow their love of horses and racing.
New members will receive a personalized membership packet and special emails each month from Buckles with highlights from other members of the thoroughbred community. Kids Club members will receive a birthday card and exclusive invitations to gather for annual events. Register now for your FREE Keeneland Kids Club Membership.
If you have any questions, please email our team at kidsclub@keeneland.com.
Register Online click here
Special Events 2026
Sunrise Trackside – Bring the whole family out to Keeneland for Sunrise Trackside to experience the morning sights and sounds of morning works. The Starting Gate concession stand will offer coffee and donuts to enjoy while watching morning works. From 8:00 – 10:00 a.m., children can take part in exciting activities under the grandstand including a meet and greet with Buckles, get their face painted, play fun games, get a jockey silk photo and more! Kids can also meet a horse from 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. in the Walking Ring. During this time, mini tours with one of our tour guides will be available starting from the welcome stand in the Paddock.
Spring Meet: April 4, 11, 18
Fall Meet: October 3, 10, 17, 24
Kids Club Family Day – During the fall and spring race meets, Kids Club members and their families are invited to enjoy a special day at the races by receiving free general admission and access to reserved grandstand seating. Children’s activities will take place in the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Spring Meet: Sunday, April 19
Fall Meet: TBA
Starting Gate Storytime – Join us for Starting Gate Storytime at Keeneland Library, where the horse is front and center in live readings of select children’s stories. Each book is paired with a literacy, art, history, industry awareness, or STEM activity, and Keeneland Kids Club’s favorite mascot Buckles will be on hand to brush up on his reading and spend time with young racing fans and horse lovers.
This series is ideal for learners ages 3 through 7. Starting Gate Storytime programs are free but book your spot soon, because these tickets are sure to move fast out of the starting gate.
March 21 at 10:30 a.m.: Pasture Bedtime by Jenny H. Lyman
May 16 at 10:30 a.m.: Be Like Hank by Tammi Jo Regan with a special visit by Hank the Horse
June 27 at 10:30 a.m.: Seabiscuit by Megan McCarthy
July 11 at 10:30 a.m.: The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t by Artie Bennett
August 22 at 10:30 a.m.: Upset: The Original Dark Horse by Maddy Zanetti
September 19 at 10:30 a.m.: A Horse Called Now by Ruth Doyle
November 14 at 10:30 a.m.: Brave Old Blue by Colleen Muske
December 19 at 10:30 a.m.: Snow Horses: A First Night Story by Patricia MacLachlan
Derby Day Kids Zone – Celebrate Derby Day at Keeneland for a day full of fun for the whole family. Kids Club members can enjoy free activities, including pony rides, crafts, sweet treats and exciting games in the lower Club and lawn area from 2 – 6 p.m. May 2, 2026
Christmas – Keeneland Kids Club will host its annual Brunch with Buckles & Photos with Santa events in December, exclusive to Kids Club members. Members will receive more information about the event and the link to purchase tickets via email. Members will receive an email with the link to purchase tickets. Be sure to add newsletters@reply.keeneland.com to your contact list to help keep the email from going to spam.
December 5 & 6 2026
Click HERE for the Lex Fun 4 Kids Family Fun Review of Keeneland!
