CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL
A fun-filled day for kids and families.
TOUR
K-9 UNIT
ART!
SHOW & TELL
DOG
MORE!
A free day built just for kids.
Saturday June 6 · 10 AM – 2 PM · Lakeview Park · Completely free, all ages welcome.
The Children’s Festival is the family centerpiece of Capital Expo weekend — four hours of free, hands-on, kid-focused activities right at the heart of Lakeview Park. Bring the whole family, let the kids roam from station to station, and meet the people who keep our community running.
Climb in a fire truck. Meet a K-9 unit. Make art with YES Arts. Hang out with KET characters. Learn about money with Expree Credit Union. Pet a friendly dog with Pawsibility Unleashed. Eight partner organizations show up with activities, demos, and giveaways — all of it free.
Everything you need to know.
Quick reference for festival day — bookmark this page or save it on your phone.
Date & Time
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Drop in anytime
Cost
No tickets, no registration
All activities included
Ages
Toddlers to teens
Parents and grandparents too
Location & Parking
Park Ave & Steadmantown Ln
Frankfort, KY 40601
Free parking on-site
A family day every kid deserves.
Capital Expo Festival has been a free Frankfort tradition since 1973. The Children’s Festival keeps that promise — every activity, every demonstration, every craft, every photo with a fire truck is completely free for every family that shows up.
We absorb the costs because we believe community matters — kids should get to meet their local heroes, try new things, and have a memorable summer day without their family worrying about admission, tickets, or hidden fees.
Meet the community heroes coming out.
Eight local organizations bring hands-on demos, friendly faces, and free giveaways — your kids will get to meet first responders, learn from educators, make art, and pet a few good dogs.
Frankfort City & Franklin County Fire
Climb in a fire truck, meet local firefighters, see real equipment up close.
Frankfort City Police
Meet your local officers, see a patrol vehicle, ask questions.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Meet the Sheriff's deputies and learn what they do for our community.
Kentucky State Police
State Troopers, K-9 demonstrations, and a chance to see the cruisers up close.
Pawsibility Unleashed
Friendly dogs, pet interaction, and lessons in caring for animals.
YES Arts
Hands-on arts and crafts — kids make something they can take home.
Expree Credit Union
Money games and lessons for kids on saving, spending, and smart choices.
KET (Kentucky Educational TV)
Activities, characters, and educational fun from Kentucky’s PBS station.
Specific activities and partner attendance may shift slightly on festival day — check our Facebook page for last-minute updates.
Frequently asked questions.
Yes — every activity at the Children’s Festival is 100% free. There are no tickets to buy, no registration required, and no hidden costs. Show up, have fun, leave with smiles.
All ages are welcome — from toddlers in strollers to teens and tweens. Most activities are designed with elementary-age kids in mind, but younger and older kids enjoy it too. Parents and grandparents are welcome (and encouraged!) to participate.
Free parking is available throughout Lakeview Park. The Children’s Festival is at Hancock Pavilion (Park Avenue & Steadmantown Lane). We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the activities you most want to catch.
Yes — the main Capital Expo Festival is happening at the same time with food vendors, carnival treats (including funnel cakes), and concessions throughout the park. Some partner organizations also bring snacks or giveaways.
Yes — Lakeview Park has public restrooms near the pavilion area, and the main festival adds portable restrooms throughout the grounds. We recommend a quick pit stop before kids get too distracted by activities.
Hancock Pavilion is covered, so most activities continue rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, check our Facebook page for updates — we’ll post any changes the morning of the event.
Absolutely. The festival area is stroller-friendly with paved paths and flat grassy areas. Strollers, wagons, and bikes are welcome.
See the sponsorship options above, or email us at info@kyexpo.com to volunteer on festival day. We always need helping hands at the activity stations.
Questions? Talk to the board.
Our board members are happy to answer questions about the Children's Festival, day-of logistics, volunteering, or sponsorship.