The Explorium of Lexington, Lexington

If you're heading to Lexington, be sure to visit the Explorium of Lexington, better known today as the Lexington Children’s Museum. The museum invites children (and adults!) to ignite their curiosity through hands‑on, educational play. Since opening in 1990 through a public‑private effort, this popular destination has attracted over a million guests and currently hosts more than 50,000 annually in its vibrant learning zones.

Inside, discovery awaits in ten themed galleries. Little engineers can design paper airplanes and build structures in the Engineering Gallery, while budding geologists and nature-lovers explore caves and Kentucky River connections in the Around Kentucky zone. Young adventurers can practice banking or milk a cow in Kiddie City, climb into an F‑16 or stroll across “the Moon” in the Physics & Space exhibit, and enjoy the simple joy of giant light‑up tiles. There’s also a place for toddlers in Wonder Woods, where they can play quietly among soft toys and fountains, and a Bubble Zone that both mesmerizes and entertains.

The museum prides itself on being welcoming and accessible. It provides sensory‑friendly “quiet hours” for visitors with autism or other cognitive needs and features step‑free entry, seating, and accessible restrooms for mobility‑impaired guests. Whether you’re planning a family outing, birthday celebration, or a school group trip, the Explorium offers 1.5–2 hours of self‑guided exploration in a fun, inclusive setting. Don’t miss this gem of interactive learning in the heart of Lexington, where play and discovery truly go hand in hand!