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Keeneland
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Horseback Riding
Boutique
Keeneland Description
Even when it's not a race day at Keeneland (meetings are held in April and October), there's always something going on. Catch the morning gallops (held every day just before sunrise), then head over to the track kitchen for a simple yet hearty breakfast among the trainers, owners, and jockeys (noticable because they barely nibble the tasty fare). During the sales, held in September and November, feel free to wander through the stables and soak up the atmosphere; a stop at the course's well-stocked giftshop is a must.
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: Get kids close to the action by staking out a spot and leaning right on the rails during morning workouts; they'll be amazed at the lightening speed of the thoroughbreds.
Planning Notes
- Saturday morning specials. During race meetings, pop in for breakfast with the works -- watch the morning runs, have breakfast (just $5) at the track kitchen, try on kid-sized jockey silks, and watch the demonstrations from the vets, blacksmiths, and trainers who stop by. No reservations needed; simply show up at sunrise.
- Kid-friendly. Children are welcome at Keeneland at all times; at race meetings, general admission is $3 but children younger than 12 are admitted free. There's even special buffet pricing for the kids. Plan to stay for one or two hours if visiting during the off-racing months; a half-day or longer for race days.
- Oh, behave! Racing at Keeneland is quite the social event. While jeans are allowed in the general admission section, it's best to dress up (khakis and even a jacket for boys 11 and older, season-appropriate skirts for girls and women of all ages). Mom, show your sense of style with a race day hat. Good manners are always in fashion.
- Horse sense. Prep kids before attending the sales, workouts, or races: Thoroughbreds are a skittish bunch, and it's never OK to pet or scare the racehorses.
Just the Facts
Hours: Workouts: Daily 6-10 a.m. The grandstand is open for self-guided tours daily until 5 p.m. During racing meets, the grandstand opens at 11 a.m.
Fees: Free-$10
Recommended Time: 1 - 2 hours
What's Nearby?
- Aviation Museum of Kentucky 4316 Hanger Drive
Lexington, KY 40510
859-231-1219 38.03245777777778 -84.60058388888889 - Explorium of Lexington 440 W. Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-258-3253 38.049887777777776 -84.4996 - Kentucky Horse Park 4089 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
859 -233-4303 38.14908888888889 -84.51525277777777
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