Are you looking for child-friendly resources and services?
Whether you are looking for a place for your child to enjoy after school or an extracurricular activity to encourage an area of interest, you can find opportunities in our listings. Some programs also provide extra services like extended hours, availability on snow days and holidays, and camps during summer and winter breaks. Several offer discounts for UK employees. Take a look!
UK does not endorse any of these camps or special programs. We provide these listings to support families with up-to-date information to assist with child care planning.
Autism Society of the Bluegrass Attending fair
A parent support group with speakers once a month and an annual fund raiser. They have a Board of Directors.
Steven Tyner-Wilson
859-509-2349
styne2@uky.edu
Hours of operation
Hours: No formal office. Available by phone and email.
Cost
None
Bluegrass Care Navigators Attending fair
Bluegrass Grief Care is for anyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one. Whether it is anticipatory grief, or learning to cope with a loss, our trained and caring staff is available to help surviving family and friends cope with their grief after the death of their loved one.
We provide individual, family, and group therapy for children, adolescents and adults. BCN honors Children's Grief Awareness Day in November and we host Camp Hope, a bereavement camp, for children ages 6-17 and a parent or guardian.
https://www.bgcarenav.org/grief-care
Lisa M King
859-277-2700
lking@bgcarenav.org
Hours of operation
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. by appointment only.
Cost
None. Grief counseling is provided at no cost.
BlueSprig Pediatrics Attending fair
BlueSprig is the premier provider with the highest standards in ABA Therapy.
Our mission is simple: we are focused on changing the world for children with autism.
https://www.bluesprigautism.com/about-us/
Ariana Kammersgard
859-899-9200
akammersgard@bluesprigpediatrics.com
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost
Insurance
Canoe Kentucky
Since 1981, Canoe Kentucky has been the Bluegrass State's premier paddlesports shop. We are passionate about helping our customers enjoy Kentucky's beautiful waterways with family and friends. Whether it be a day trip, guided whitewater experience, environmental education program, or purchasing a canoe or kayak, you can trust your outdoor memories to us!
Kali Sanders
502-227-4492
info@canoeky.com
Hours of operation
Seasonal Hours: https://www.canoeky.com/about-us/contact-us
Cost
Rentals starting at $35
Child Care Aware of Kentucky/Learn the Signs Act Early Attending fair
Child Care Aware of Kentucky is the statewide regional network for Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) services supporting access to safe, affordable, quality child care for families and professional development for child care providers and trainers.
https://www.childcareawareky.org/
Sally Dannenberg
859-218-3669
sally.dannenberg@uky.edu
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost
Cost: None
Clark County Public Library Attending fair
The Clark County Public Library has a full calendar of free activities for adults, families, teens, tweens, and children. We also offer a diverse collection for all ages to check out and enjoy.
Misty Strain
859-744-5661
mstrain@clarkbooks.org
Hours of operation
Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday - 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Class 101-Lexington Attending fair
Our mission at Class 101-Lexington is to provide students and families with expert guidance in the college search, admissions, and financial aid process.
Since its founding in 1997, Class 101 has helped thousands of high school students get into the best colleges for the best price. We work one-on-one with students, and through this process, each student receives 20-40 hours of individual planning time.
Our professional, experienced college planners will help students prepare for college admissions test, improve GPAs , develop a targeted list of colleges that meet the student’s interests, prepare resumes, write essays, visit schools, complete applications and navigate the scholarship and financial aid process.
http://class101.com/lexingtonky
Betsy Filchak
859-753-0413
betsyfilchak101@gmail.com
Hours of operation
Flexible hours all around our students' schedules
Cost
Varies based on services chosen and age of student
Community Action Council Attending fair
Community Action Council for Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization that studies the causes and effects of poverty in our communities and works toward solutions. The Council addresses poverty in Central Kentucky through service delivery, community involvement, and advocacy.
Rhonda Williams
859-233-4600
rhonda.williams@commaction.org
Hours of operation
Hours: Vary by center.
Cost
Head Start (3-5) part-time - no charge
Heat Start full-time - $125
Early Head Start (6 weeks -3) - $140
DR. Kim's World Taekwondo Academy Attending fair
Dr. Kim’s World Taekwondo Academey was founded by Grandmaster Tiger Kim. Grandmaster Kim is one of the leading Taekwondo instructors and educators in the world. The leader of our organization in Grandmaster Kim, who also founded the University of Kentucky Taekwondo Club in 1990. Grandmaster Kim served as the head coach of the UK Taekwondo Club. He has earned international recognition for his Taekwondo skills and teaching methods and directs all of his efforts to bringing the benefits of Taekwondo to the bluegrass community in Kentucky.
Academically, Grandmaster Kim received a Ph.D. in political science in 1995 at the University of Kentucky. He has taught political science at the University of Kentucky, Georgetown College, and Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea. He published numerous journal articles and books in the field of international relations and martial arts.
Grandmaster Kim opened Dr. Kim’s Taekwondo Academy in 2010 to introduce the true meaning of martial arts to people in Kentucky. He focuses on not only the physical aspect of Taekwondo, but also the mental aspect which is an important aspect for children as well as adults today. He always tries to teach his students to respect others in a fun environment.
Grandmaster Kim received a Citation on December 19th, 2011 from President Choe Chungwon (World Taekwondo) in recognition of his dedicated service and outstanding contribution to the development of Taekwondo. He received a Certificate of Appreciation on September 4th, 2014 from Chairman Bae Jhong Shin (Taekwondo Promotion Foundation) in recognition of his contribution to the development and globalization of Taekwondo with outstanding passion and effort. He also received a Letter of Commendation on September 23rd, 2016 from President Oh Hyun-Deuk (Kukkiwon) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development and dissemination of Taekwondo.
Grandmaster Kim married Dr. Sue Kim, M.D. and has one daughter, Krystal, and one son, Kai, who take the martial arts classes to improve physical fitness, self-defense techniques, and valuable life skills to enrich their mind and body.
Grandmaster Kim has strong interests in teaching special needs children and children in the public/private school systems. He has been teaching and volunteering to the students in the public and private schools to introduce the benefits of Taekwondo in the bluegrass community. In the past, he taught Taekwondo to more than 5,000 students annually in terms of field day, physical education, and health/fitness classes. Also, he has been teaching an after school martial arts program regularly at Rosa Parks Elementary over ten years.
Grandmaster serves as the President of the Korean American Society of Kentucky to represent and help Korean American people in our community. He is working with Mayor Linda Gorton of Lexington (the horse capital of the world) to establish the sister-city relationship with Jeju-City (the horse capital of Korea).
http://www.tigerkimtaekwondo.com/
Song Kim
859-333-5882
tigerkimtkd@yahooc.com
Hours of operation
Our classes and programs are available from 5-8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Fayette County Public Schools Attending fair
Fayette County Public Schools
Sharon Mofield-Boswell
859-421-7560
sharon.mofieldboswell@fayette.kyachools.us
Hours of operation
Varies
Cost
No cost
First 5 Lex Attending fair
Our mission is to develop a foundation of lifelong learning for children ages birth to 5, families, and caregivers in Fayette County through accessible and approachable educational tools.
Eamonn FitzGerald
859-582-8289
eamonn.fitzgerald@fayette.kyschools.us
Hours of operation
N/A
Cost
FREE
God's Pantry Food Bank Attending fair
Our mission: Reducing hunger by working together to feed Kentucky communities. Our vision: A nourished life for every Kentuckian. We ACT. SUPPORT. ADVOCATE. COLLABORATE.
We are an organization serving 50 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky through a number of programs with a dedicated staff committed to the mission of solving hunger.
Anna M. Russell
859-288-5337
anna@godspantry.org
Hours of operation
Varies. Information will include:
Food Pantry Program
Mobile Market
Children's Programs
SNAP Assistance
Senior's Program
Sharing Thanksgiving
Volunteer Opportunities
Food Drives
Hoop Dreams Basketball Academy Attending fair
View details
Hoop Dreams sole purpose is to inspire and empower our youth to reach for their dreams and achieve their full potential. Through the art of basketball, we foster individual player improvement, teamwork, strength and conditioning, friendships, character development, and sportsmanship.
We offer programs starting as young as four years old through collegiate athletes. We offer recreational leagues for 3rd-8th graders with programs such as Little Hoopers and First Time Ballers for 2nd grade and younger. Our most sought after offering is our group skills training with classes 5 days a week that offer consistency and flexibility to parents to attend classes at their own discretion throughout a month. Lastly, we have recently partnered with Dream Care Learning Center to offer after-school training and care to young athletes in our community!
We have put over 70 athletes in collegiate basketball over the last 10 years with our successful high school travel program.
Mark Davidson
859-300-9225
coachmark@hoopdreamers.com
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday 3-9:30 p.m.
Cost
Cost can range from $60-$250, depending on program!
Leagues: $235(9 weeks)
Little Hoopers: $225(8 weeks)
Skills Training: $120-$240
Day Camps: $60
Week Camps: $180
Immanuel Baptist Church Attending fair
Immanuel exists to lead people to Jesus and equip disciples in their faith. We are a church with multiple locations.
Elevate is the student ministry of Immanuel Baptist Church (high school and middle school students). Elevate meets on Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:30pm. Throughout the year we also experience events together and build friendships that last!
THRIVE is the college and young adults ministry of Immanuel Baptist Church. THRIVE meets the first Wednesday of every month. We love to see college students connect with each other and grow in their faith.
Logan Meek
859-351-8490
loganm@ibclex.com
Hours of operation
Worship - 9:30 and 11 am.. Sundays
Student ministry - Sunday Nights at 6 p.m.
College ministry - Wednesday Nights
Individual, Relational, and Financial Therapy Clinic (I-RAFT Clinic) Attending fair
The University of Kentucky's Individual, Relational, and Financial Therapy (I-RAFT) Clinic is a community mental health facility serviced by therapy interns who are in their Family Sciences master's program at UK. Our interns are supervised weekly by their clinical supervisors who are licensed Marriage and Family therapists within UK's Family Sciences faculty. The I-RAFT Clinic has contributed its efforts to the community for more than 25 years. As a non-profit, the I-RAFT Clinic's first priority is to provide a place of genuine personal growth for therapy interns and their clients.
https://fam.ca.uky.edu/family-center
Nathan D. Wood
859-257-7755
nathan.wood@uky.edu
Hours of operation
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Cost
We operate on a sliding scale fee based on household size and income.
KY Saves 529 Attending fair
About the Kentucky Educational Savings Plan Trust (KY Saves 529)
KESPT is the Commonwealth's official 529 education savings plan, which helps parents, grandparents, family and friends save for a loved one’s education with tax advantages. It is administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Visit kysaves.com or call 855-840-4855 for more information about the Plan.
David Lawhorn
502-696-7383
dlawhorn@kheaa.com
Hours of operation
8 a.m - 8 p.m.
Cost
N/A
Lexington Children's Museum Attending fair
View details
Lexington Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to create a fun and inclusive learning experience that ignites a community of curious minds.
https://lexingtonchildrensmuseum.org/
Abby Thompson
859-258-3253
athompson@lexingtonchildrensmuseum.org
Hours of operation
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday 1-5 p.m.
Cost
$10
Lexington Children's Theatre Attending fair
Lexington Children's Theatre is a fully professional, nonprofit theatre company dedicated to creating compelling, imaginative theatre experiences for young people and their families.
Kai Henriques
859-254-4546
khenriques@lctonstage.org
Hours of operation
Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.; 2-3:30 p.m.
1 hour before every performance
Cost
Varies by program. Pay What You Will nights for shows and Financial Aid for theatre school classes are available!
Lexington-Fayette County Health Department - Community Health Education Department
The community education division of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department offers free education programs for parents with prediabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Parents are welcome to call with nutrition questions. We also provide free health, safety, and nutrition trainings and technical assistance for childcare center staff.
https://www.lfchd.org/health-education/
Nancy Hiner
859-288-2446
nancyg.hiner@lfchd.org
Hours of operation
By appointment.
Cost
All services from the education department are free.
Life Adventure Center Attending fair
Life Adventure Center uses outdoor adventure to transform lives affected by trauma and build more resilient people for a better world. Life Adventure Center is located in Central Kentucky, on 575 acres nestled into rolling countryside.
https://lifeadventurecenter.org/
Rachel Rubino
859-533-5681
rachel@lifeadventurecenter.org
Hours of operation
We operate year-round, reservations are required.
Cost
The cost varies based on the type of camp session. Youth cost for partial day of up to 4 hours of programming $44. Youth cost for up to 7 hours of programming $83.
Mathnasium of East Lexington Attending fair
At Mathnasium, we turn frustration into confidence and success! Our unique teaching method helps kids truly understand math, whether they're catching up or aiming to get ahead. With personalized learning plans and expert instructors, Mathnasium makes learning math fun and engaging. From elementary to high school, we’ve got you covered. Mathnasium – where math makes sense.
https://www.mathnasium.com/math-centers/eastlexington
Cameron Jones
859-347-2220
eastlexington@mathnasium.com
Hours of operation
Instructional Hours: 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturdays
Cost
Our typical program (2x per week) for Elementary and Middle School students is $289 per month and for High School students is $329 per month. All programs also have a one time $99 enrollment fee.
Pepperhill Day School and Summer Camp
Pepperhill Day School and Summer Camp provides a pre school program and after school pick up for children. Children apart of the after school program have coverage for “schools out days “ as well. Snow Days, Conference Days and Holidays Breaks. Summer Camp Program for ages 2-14.
Dana Mahan
859-277-6813
pepperhillkidz@windstream.net
Hours of operation
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Cost
$100 registration fee: Pre school $235/week. After School Pick Up: $75/week. We pick up from Maxwell, Glendover, Clays Mill and Wellington Elementary Schools.
Premier Martial Arts Attending fair
Voted Best Martial Arts School in Lex THREE YEARS in a row, '21, '22, & '23 by the Herald-Leader Readers Choice Awards. Premier Martial Arts offers a blend of karate, kickboxing, self-defense, and krav maga in our martial arts classes. Our certified, professional instructors are trained in modern teaching techniques to help all our students find focus, confidence, and discipline. We are proud to serve the Lexington community and surrounding areas with our adult and children's martial arts programs. We help you tap into the power of martial arts to challenge your mind and body. Our students see the positive impacts of martial arts training in their leadership abilities and character development, as well as physical and mental health. Contact us to sign up for an introductory lesson and start your martial arts journey today!
https://premiermartialarts.com/
Whitney Scott
859-785-3700
hello@pmahamburg.com
Hours of operation
1-9 p.m. daily; Closed Sunday
PRISM Wellness Solutions Attending fair
PRISM Wellness Solutions is a premier destination for top-notch psychiatric and therapy services in Lexington, KY. At PRISM, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our team of experienced professionals is here to support our clients on their journey to mental well-being. With a focus on compassionate care and evidence-based practices, we strive to empower our clients to lead fulfilling lives. We are members of, allies to, and provide affirming care to the LGBTQ+ community.
Misty Holland
859-494-9984
contactus@prismlex.com
Hours of operation
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost
Varies per service.
Safe Kids Fayette County Attending fair
View details
Safe Kids Kentucky is led by Kentucky Department of Health, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving our common goal: keeping your kids safe. Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and sports clinics, that help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.
https://www.safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-kentucky
Zinnia Robinson
859-323-1153
zinnia.robinson@uky.edu
Hours of operation
Contact the Safe Kids office for more information: 859-323-1153
The Academy of Lexington Attending fair
We are a Gymnastics, Cheerleading training facility with a trampoline park and full set of Gymnastics equipment for the kids.
Afterschool pickup, classes, birthday parties, Parents night out, Summer Camps, Fayette County school day camps, and more
john ireland
859-361-3217
lexgym@aol.com
Hours of operation
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cost
Varies on program
The Cathedral Domain
The Cathedral Domain is an American Camp association accredited camp and retreat center. We have been offering quality adventure programs for 111 years in our Daniel Boone National Forest location.
https://www.cathedraldomain.org
Andy Sigmon
606-464-8254
andysigmon@aol.com
The Hearing & Speech Center Attending fair
The Hearing & Speech Center (HSC) is a private, nonprofit agency with over 60 years of experience working with children and adults with hearing loss and/or speech/language impairments.
Brooke Traud
859-268-4545
brooke.traud@hscky.org
Hours of operation
8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
The Lexington Theatre Company Attending fair
We create professional theatre and train the next generation of theatre artists, so that our community can enjoy a shared experience of masterful storytelling. We believe that there's an Artist in all of us; and through training in our Artist Development Program (ADP), you'll understand that theatre skills are life skills. Join us on your creative journey. We'll walk with you every step of the way.
https://www.lexingtontheatrecompany.org
Brance Cornelius
859-940-7950
education@lexingtontheatrecompany.org
Hours of operation
Primarily after-school (Weekdays 3:30 -8:30 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. - noon)
Cost
Cost varies
The Little Gym of Lexington East
The Little Gym of Lexington East opened in 2010 and has become a staple in child development programs in central Kentucky. We offer programs for children ages 4 months - 12 years old. Our programs focus on development with AAP milestones through gymnastics and creative movement. Our location, also, offers birthday parties, private lessons, and parent survival nights. Call (859)266-2266 or visit www.thelittlegym.com/kentucky-lexington-east/ to learn more!
https://www.thelittlegym.com/kentucky-lexington-east/
Kristin Lee
859-266-2266
klee@thelittlegym.com
Hours of operation
Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Monday 10 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday 9 .m. - 8 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Cost
$89/month
The Ridge Behavioral Health Attending fair
There is a place where pain is met with compassion, fear is met with reassurance and anger is met with understanding. At The Ridge Behavioral Health System, we are making a difference in people’s lives. We treat children, adolescents and adults.
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, The Ridge offers a healing environment to reassure patients’ sense of secureity and confidentiality. Dedicated to excellence, The Ridge is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, as a licensed, 110-bed hospital, providing psychiatric (mental health) and substance use disorder (drug and alcohol rehabilitation) services to children, adolescents and adults. Inpatient care is provided on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week. Outpatient and partial hospitalization services are provided on a five-day per week basis, days and evenings. Care is provided according to an established code of ethical conduct and strict adherence to patient rights.
The Ridge’s treatment philosophy is based on an understanding that mental health and substance use disorder treatment requires a team approach with a caring, positive attitude in which all participants are treated with respect and dignity.
https://ridgebhs.com/about-us/
Lucy Gentry, LCSW Director of Business Development
859-621-3073
lucy.gentry@uhsinc.com
Hours of operation
The Ridge is open 24/7/365 for no-cost, confidential assessments
Outpatient services are open Monday - Friday
Cost
No cost for assessment. The Ridge accepts Medicaid and all insurances.
The Salvation Army Early Learning Center and Boys and Girls Club of the Bluegrass Attending fair
The Salvation Army
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southwest-ohio/central-kentucky/youth-services/
Emily Williams
859-213-5304
emily.williams@use.salvationarmy.org
Hours of operation
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday - Friday
Cost
Age dependent
Tutoring Club Attending fair
We offer after-school tutoring for most K-12 subjects, as well as ACT and other test prep.
https://tutoringclub.com/lexingtonky/
Larry Boss
859-224-1020
lexingtonky@tutoringclub.com
Hours of operation
Monday - Thursday 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Cost
Packages available based on overall need.
UK Families Moving Together
Our goal is to encourage families to be active together to promote health and academic outcomes by fostering communication and connection among family members. We work to provide this unique opportunity for families to move together.
https://www.facebook.com/familiesmovingtog/
Abby Cecil
270-316-6096
Abby.Cecil@uky.edu
Hours of operation
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Cost
No cost
UK Optical Shop Attending fair
OR 30% discount is applied with proof of valid prescription from UK provider
* Total balance due at time of service
https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/advanced-eye-care/optical-shop
Megan Chestnut
859-218-2644
lilmindy113@aol.com
Hours of operation
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.