By Heather Chapman
The weather outside is frightful, but this January there’s still plenty of fun stuff for kids to see and do in Lexington.
American Girl Club: Caroline. I know a double-handful of girls who will flip out for this one, so make sure you reserve your spot ASAP (advance registration is required anyway). Kids in grades K-5 can take a trip back to Caroline’s time and celebrate her era with crafts, games and activities. This free event will take place from 3:45-4:30 p.m., January 5, in the Large Conference Room at the Beaumont Branch of the Lexington Public Library, 3080 Fieldstone Way. To register or for more information, call (859) 231-5520 or visit www.lexpublib.org.
New Zealand Adventure. Did you know the UK Arboretum has kids events in the winter? And that they’re mostly indoor? Because bonus. In this month’s New Zealand Adventure, the whole family can learn all about the plants and animals native to Australia’s next-door neighbor, and kids will make some crafts to take home. The class will also explore Kiwi culture with singing and dancing. And all this for the low, low price of $1. Kids should dress warmly, since the class may go outside for a short period of time. The class meets from 5-6:30 p.m. January 15, or from 10-11:30 a.m. January 24, at the UK Arboretum Visitor Center, 500 Alumni Drive. For more information call (859) 257-9339 or email emma.trester-wilson@uky.edu. You can also get more information by visiting www.ca.uky.edu/arboretum.
Harlem Globetrotters. The Globetrotters are bringing their unique brand of crazy basketball skills back to Rupp Arena for an exhibition match against their eternal rivals, the Washington Generals. The Generals last won a game against the Globetrotters in 1971, but they’re determined to break their losing streak. Tickets are $24-$109; the $109 tickets include admission to the Magic Pass Pre-Show—a 30-minute jam session where you can spend time on the court with the Globetrotters, trying out your best ball tricks, and getting photos and autographs with the team. 7 p.m. January 17. Rupp Arena, 432 W. Vine St. (859) 233-3535. www.rupparena.com.
Frozen Party! Do you want to build a snowman? Of course you do. Because you’re totally not burnt out on those songs either. Kids can dress up as their favorite Frozen character and play games, do crafts, sing karaoke (guess what song), and more. It’s a free event for all ages, but online registration is required beforehand. Registration begins on January 10th, so hurry to reserve your spot. 2-3 p.m. Jan. 24, Central Library Atrium, 140 E. Main St. (859) 231-5500. www.lexpublib.org.
Monster Jam. What better way to recover from the holiday season than by watching Gravedigger smash up some cars with extreme prejudice? Appropriate for all ages, but fair warning: it gets pretty noisy. When my son was small he enjoyed the show best with a cheap pair of junior drummer headphones. 7:30 p.m. January 24. Rupp Arena, 432 W. Vine St. Tickets range from $30.30-$93.10 after fees. Call (859) 233-3535 or visit www.rupparena.com.
Señora Tortuga. Lexington Children’s Theatre brings you a trippy tale of a boy named Pedro and his journey through his dreams. A can’t-miss production for ages 5 and up. Public performances are at 2 p.m. January 25; 2 and 7 p.m. January 31, and 2 p.m. February 1. Lexington Children’s Theatre, 418 W. Short St. Tickets are $10-$15 and can be purchased by calling (859) 254-4546, ext. 245. You can also visit www.lctonstage.org for more information.
I end this month’s column with a heads-up: Taylor Swift is coming to Rupp Arena in October, the tickets just went on sale a few weeks ago, and they’re going like crazy. So get to Ticketmaster pronto if you absolutely can’t live without them.
‘Til February, my lovelies!
