School’s out for summer. Here’s 5 fun museums around Lexington to exercise your mind
If you’re looking for summer activities that lean toward fun and education, Lexington is home to a wide variety of museums, with focuses on equestrian culture, aviation, art and science.
Some offer free admission, and there are exhibits for children and adults alike to enjoy.
Unique opportunities at some facilities include horseback rides, a planetarium, experimental art and flying a plane at onsite summer camps. Here’s some spots to explore and learn in Lexington this summer.
Kentucky Horse Park
Kentucky Horse Park is home to 60,000 square feet of permanent exhibits, as well as a campground with a pool, tennis courts and playgrounds. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday, and horseback rides are available for an additional $30. For the little ones, pony rides are offered for $6.
The four onsite museums include interactive experiences, a research library and equestrian memorabilia. In the summer season, running from May 18 to Aug. 28, you can catch live shows, including a draft horse presentation.
Price: $12 for ages 13 to 61, $10 for ages 62 and older, $6 for ages 6 to 12, free for those 5 years old and younger and $6 for active-duty military and veterans with ID.
Parking: $5
Location: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY, 40501
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Get to the Blue Grass Airport extra early? Check out this museum housed at the facility. You can see displays on aviation history, including highlights about women’s contributions to the industry.
The museum hosts summer camps where you can help fly an airplane and learn skills related to navigation and aeronautics. The 2022 season is booked at this airport, but check back next year. Most of the sessions are for those ages 10 to 17, but there was one 2022 session accepting adults.
Price: $10 for adults, $8 for those 60 years and older, $8 for active-duty military, $6 for ages 6 to 16, children ages 5 and younger are free with paid admission, $28 for a family of four (in the same household) and $7 for scheduled group tours.
Parking: Daytime parking is available for free. Overnight parking is not allowed without prior permission from the museum.
Location: 4029 Airport Road, Lexington, KY, 40510
Explorium of Lexington
This local children’s museum offers a Kentucky River-themed water play area, space exhibits, Bone Zone and much more. Little ones can play with bubbles, create art, try out different professions and learn about horses.
Price: $9 for ages 1 to 54, $8 for those older than 55, military, teachers and first responders and $6 advance purchase group rate.
Parking: Spots are available at Victorian Square Garage for $1 per half hour ($10 max) and $3 per day on weekends. Pricing may differ on special event days.
Location: 440 West Short St., Lexington, KY 40507
University of Kentucky Art Museum
This free art museum is open to everyone and displays temporary exhibits, as well as approximately 5,000 permanent artifacts.
The current exhibit is called “Acquisitions, Donations, Connections” and explores basketball culture, the female body, experimental landscapes and more.
Price: Free, but reservations required.
Parking: Free weekend parking is available behind the museum and in any university “E” lots. For weekdays, metered parking is available in the Singletary Center circle and the student center parking lot.
Location: 405 Rose St., Lexington, KY 40506
Living Arts & Science Center
There are four unique exhibits housed at the Living Arts & Science Center. There’s a display of comic books created by local artists on exhibit until June 24, an abstract expression exhibit also available until June 24, a juried art show from regional high school students until July 8 and art from classes and camps.
Art classes are offered for children starting at pre-K, as well as adults, and there are weeklong camps for pre-K and school-age artists. Planetarium shows cost $5 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and there are free shows some Saturdays.
Price: You can view the exhibits for free. The museum is funded through donations.
Parking: Free parking is available onsite.
Location: 362 North Martin Luther King Blvd., Lexington, KY 40508
Do you have a question about museums or things to do in Lexington or Kentucky? The service journalism team would like to hear from you. Fill out our Know Your Kentucky form or email ask@herald-leader.com.
