By Heather Chapman
This column goes out to aaaaaall the fine ladies. And gentlemen. Or anyone, really, who has a child and wants to find something fun to do around town.
Which is so important in November when the weather gets gross but the kids are still dying to get out of the house. Luckily, there’s a ton of family-friendly stuff to do in the Lexington area this month. Here’s a list of my favorites:
–Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live. World-renowned wildlife expert Jungle Jack Hanna is bringing his favorite animal friends to Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for the Arts. The show will feature a wide variety of exotic animals, plus amazing stories and footage from his adventures around the world. And because Jungle Jack is dedicated to preserving the dwindling habitats of these beautiful creatures, his show always has a healthy dose of education hidden in all the fun. I won’t tell the kids they’re learning if you don’t. The show is at 7 p.m. on November 7th. Tickets range from $22 to $45 and can be purchased at www.ekucenter.com or by calling (859) 622-7469.
–Annie Jr. Everyone’s favorite red-headed orphan named Anne (not the one from Prince Edward Island) is hitting the stage this month when students from the School for the Creative And Performing Arts bring Annie Jr. to the Lexington Opera House. Children of all ages will love following Annie’s adventures as she searches for her forever home in Depression-Era New York City. Show times are: 7 p.m. Nov. 6; 8 p.m. Nov. 7, and 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8. Lexington Opera House, 401 W. Short St. Tickets are $12 to $15 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (859) 233-3535.
–Elf: The Broadway Musical. Speaking of the Lexington Opera House, they’re also showing Elf: The Broadway Musical, which is based on the popular Will Farrell movie. I know, it seems a little early, but Elf is pretty much the best Christmas movie ever (my email is below if you want to rebut, but please note: You are wrong.) Anyhow. Elf: The Broadway Musical is the sweet and funny story of Buddy, a human adopted by elves who sets off to find his birth father. What better way to get in the mood for the season? Show times are: 8 p.m. Nov. 14; 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 15; and 1 and 6 p.m. Nov. 16. Tickets are $30-$110 and can purchased at Ticketmaster.com or by calling (859) 233-3535.
–Discovery Night: Fizz, Boom Color Concoctions! For the kid who loves science (also, for the kid who just likes to blow up stuff), the Living Arts and Science Center has whipped up a great evening of hands-on chemistry. Kids of all ages can have fun creating Elephant Toothpaste, Pop Rock Fizzers, Soap Soufflé, Film Canister Rockets, and more. The program will be staffed by LASC science teachers and taught by UK chemistry professor Anne Frances Miller. The class will be held from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Living Arts and Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King Blvd. Admission is $2 for ages 12 and up, and $1 for children under age 12. For more information call (859) 252-5222 or visit www.lasclex.org.
–Unified Trust Company Ice Rink. Now, in the spirit of saving the best for last here: One of Lexington’s favorite winter activities will officially open on November 9th in Triangle Park downtown. For $10 you can ice skate for 90 minutes, and rental skates are available for a small fee. The rink will be open from 4-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, and 1-10 p.m. Sunday. If school is not in session on a weekday, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information call (859) 269-5681 or visit www.triangleparklexington.org.
So there you go, folks! Go forth and have fun, and if you have a heads up about a great family event for next month, shoot me an email. Unless you want to dispute the greatness of Elf.
Submit your Kid Calendar items for consideration to info@hamburgjournal.com. To purchase advertising for your kid-friendly business or programming, email ads@hamburgjournal.com.
