The Kentucky Derby is America's most famous horse race, and it is just as much fun for kids as it is for adults. Whether you’re attending the popular two-minute race in person or watching from home, there are plenty of activities that will make the day special for your little ones.

From derby-themed crafts and games to creating their own hats and betting pools, your kids can join in on all the fun while celebrating with you! Here are some great ideas for Derby Day activities for kids – so get ready to have a blast together!

Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with your kids! With derby-themed crafts and games, as well as homemade hats, you can make this iconic American horse race a fun event for everyone in your family.

From creating their own personalized hat to playing exciting races of their own at home, there are plenty of activities that will ensure an unforgettable day together – get ready to have some serious Triple Crown fun!

Kentucky Derby Activities

If you’re planning a Kentucky Derby theme, there are many opportunities for incorporating meaningful educational activities into your theme.

With all these fun and educational activities, homeschoolers can really take part in the excitement of the Kentucky Derby – no matter where they are.

These are just a handful of the concepts kids can focus on during a Kentucky Derby-themed unit:

• all about horses
• all about roses and/or the color red
• all about the state of Kentucky

Before you begin preparing your Kentucky Derby theme, you should look gather a few supplies including but not limited to: 

• books about horses
• books about Kentucky
• red roses to smell and explore
• mint leaves to smell and explore

Before beginning your unit about the Kentucky Derby, introduce your kids to the Derby with a book full of fun facts such as D is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet.

Following the alphabet, D is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet uses poetry and expository text to explain this world-famous event.

Topics include famous jockeys, legendary horses, fabled Bluegrass farms and owners, as well as offering a behind-the scenes view of thoroughbred breeding and racing.

Now that you've introduced your kids to the basics of the Kentucky Derby, how about adding some fun Kentucky Derby activities for kids: 

• You can find a large collection of downloadable Kentucky Derby activities over on the Kentucky Derby Museum website. Choose from vocabulary, suggested reading, coloring sheets, and more.  

• Make a Derby pie from scratch (leaving out the bourbon if you'd like). 

• Try making Mint Juleps to serve at your party. Again, leave the alcohol out for kids. 

• Download and complete this free Kentucky Derby lapbook which is perfect for ages 7-9.

Teach your kids all about horses with these awesome resources: 

• Download and print these Horse Breed cards featuring twelve breeds. 

• Assign (or read) one or more of these chapter books for horse lovers! You'll find both fiction and nonfiction selections on this list. 

• Little learners can create this cute H is for Horse letter of the week craft. 

Take some time to learn about the great state of Kentucky – the home of the Kentucky Derby. 

• Download and print these Kentucky State Fact File worksheets on which kids can record many facts about the state of KY. 

• This Kentucky Unit Study is a comprehensive list of facts, history, famous people, and more. 

Books to Add to Your Unit

Fill your book basket with a great collection of books to add to your Kentucky Derby unit study. Most of these books can be found at your local library or used bookstore.

If you have a hard time finding them, you can order them through my Amazon affiliate links by clicking the images below.

B is for Bluegrass – Mary Ann McCabe Riehle offers readers, young and old, the opportunity to take a horseback ride through the rich history and beautiful landscape of the Bluegrass State. 

H is for Horse – From basics such as mucking out the stall and how to judge a horse's qualities to historical facts on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Mike Ulmer relays the fun and fundamentals of the world of horses. 

D is for Derby – Following the alphabet, D is for Derby: A Kentucky Derby Alphabet uses poetry and expository text to explain this world-famous event. Topics include famous jockeys, legendary horses, fabled Bluegrass farms and owners, as well as offering a behind-the scenes view of thoroughbred breeding and racing.

Round Out Your Unit with These Activities:

These little stick horses will please any little jockey with hours of play. They're perfect for hosting a horse race of your own! 

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