Fifth Annual Countdown to Kindergarten
Kindergarten students entering Fayette County Public Schools this August can look forward to a variety of fun, free and educational activities this summer through the Countdown to Kindergarten program.
C2K promotes the lifelong value and importance of education by engaging children in myriad entertaining and interactive activities. The program is designed to create enthusiasm as children enter the lifelong journey of learning. It is financially supported by the PNC Foundation in conjunction with FCPS, the Childcare Council of Kentucky, and United Way of the Bluegrass.
Community organizations have partnered to offer free and low-cost activities for registered kindergartners and their families this summer. Countdown to Kindergarten kicks off its fifth year on Saturday, June 6 with weekly events and activities leading up to the first day of school.
Families can find details about the program in the kindergarten registration packet, including a coupon for a free T-shirt, which they can pick up at any branch of the Lexington Public Library. The shirt will serve as the child’s entry pass to all Countdown to Kindergarten activities. If a child has signed up for kindergarten and did not receive a shirt voucher, call 381-4105. For general information or to view a schedule of events, go to www.Countdown2Kindergarten.org.
For general information, visit www.fcps.net/kindergarten.
Below is a schedule of C2K events:
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-noon.
Bluegrass GreenSource, Gainesway Park 3495 Appian Way
“Live Green Lexington: Wild about Water!” Learn about water quality at Gainesway Pond. Play games and tour the pond to learn all about features that improve water quality. Free for kindergartners and their parents.
Saturday, June 6
Parks and Recreation Pools
Enjoy a day of swimming at any city pool. Free admission is only for kindergartner with C2K t-shirt. Check each city pool location for hours and cost of additional guests.
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. –noon
Living Arts and Science Center, 362 N. Martin Luther King
“Explore the Amazing World of Color:” uncover the mystery of light and color with hands on science and art experiments. Discover the importance of color in nature with live animal observations and interactive experiences. Free admission for kindergartener and one adult.
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. – noon
YMCA Bar Y Camp, 5757 Versailles Road
Parent and child will follow clues leading through several fun, self directed activities to help prepare child for the first day of school. Registration is required by emailing ymcacky.org or calling any YMCA branch in advance. Free admission for Kindergartner with a C2K t-shirt and one adult. $2 for each additional guest. Limited parking on site.
Saturday, June 27, 9 a.m. -11:30 a.m.
Lexington Children’s Theatre, 418 West Short Street
“Imagination Abounds!” Free admission for kindergartners with a C2K t-shirt and one adult. Pre-register at www.lctonstage.org – click on Countdown to Kindergarten link. Sessions will start every half hour and will be limited to 15 per session.
Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Explorium, 440 West Short Street
An afternoon at the Explorium: Reading, sensory, science and many more fun activities. Free admission is for Kindergartners with a C2K shirt. $8 for each additional guest.
Saturday, July11
Parks and Recreation Pools
Enjoy a day of swimming at any city pool. Free admission is only for kindergartner with C2K t-shirt. Check each city pool location for hours and cost of additional guests.
Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m.-2p.m.
The Children’s Garden at the Arboretum , 500 Alumni Drive
“An afternoon at the Kentucky Children’s Garden:” Children will have a blast with hands on exploration and learning. Appropriate clothes should be worn as this is a space where your child will get wet and dirty – bring a towel and change of clothes. Free admission for Kindergartner with a C2K shirt and one adult.
Wednesday, July 22, 2:30p.m. –3:30p.m.
Lexington Public Library, Beaumont Branch Library, 3080 Fieldstone Way
“Be a Kindergarten Superhero: ” Kids will learn important kindergarten skills through learning play stations. Free admission for Kindergartners with a C2K shirt and one adult.
Saturday, July 25, 10a.m. –noon
The Lexington Philharmonic , STEAM Academy, 123 E. 6th Street
“Music Builds S.T.E.A.M” Children will take an interactive journey with LexPhil exploring how music and the arts relate to other familiar subjects. Free admission for Kindergartners with a C2K shirt and one adult. $5 for each additional guest.
Saturday, August 1, 9a.m. -5p.m.
McConnell Springs Nature Park, 416 Rebmann Road
“A day to explore McConnell Springs” Children and their families will participate in a nature scavenger hunt. Free admission for all participants.
Saturday, August 1, 10a.m.- 11a.m.
The Lexington Ballet Artsplace 2nd floor of 161 N. Mill
“A morning with the Lexington Ballet” Children will be participating in a movement class and an introduction to ballet. Free admission for all participants.
Friday, August 7
Lexington Legends Baseball, Gates open at 6 p.m. with Game starting at 7p.m.
Free admission for Kindergartners with a C2K shirt. Kindergartners get to run the bases. $7 for each additional guest. Recommended to contact David at 422-7858 to reserve tickets in advance.
Saturday, August 8
KET, 600 Cooper Drive
“Super Saturday 2015” Super Saturday is a free event for kids (primarily ages 2-8) and their families. Fun, educational, hands-on activities and musical entertainment from PBS’s Mr. Steve make for a great kick off to the new school year. Kids in C2K shirts get a special gift. Registration is required at KET.org about a month prior to the event.