Junior Jockey Club & Churchill Charlie

Sundays, Spring Meet

Churchill Downs celebrates the pageantry, excitement and thrill of horseracing every Sunday with family-focused activities during Family Fun Days presented by Kroger. Kiddos 12 and younger are invited to enjoy games, crafts, visits from Churchill Charlie, and special weekly events on the new Plaza Balcony overlooking The Plaza.

The Junior Jockey Club, different from Family Fun Days presented by Kroger, will be open Saturdays, starting 5/11, in the club location near Gate 10. Exception, the Junior Jockey Club will not be open on Downs after Dark nights. 

Location - Plaza Balcony
Family Fun Days Presented by Kroger will include games, crafts, and Churchill Charlie appearances. Family Fun Days will be from 11:30am-4:00pm every Sunday. This event will feature various craft and entertainment experiences. Please refer to the schedule listed below:

Sunday, May 12^th – Mother’s Day:
Crafts – Paper Flowers, Mother’s Day Cards 

Sunday, May 19^th – Petting Zoo in The Plaza, by Honey Hill Farms
The petting zoo will include approximately 15 animals, including rabbits, chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, alpacas, mini horse, mini donkey. 

Sunday, May 26^th – Memorial Day Military Display
In celebration of the holiday, make a paper flag craft!

Sunday, June 2^nd – Horticultural Day
Matt Bizzell, Director of Horticulture at Churchill Downs, will speak with kiddos about his role at the track, and will lead a plant-potting activity. Guests will decorate clay pots and the horticulture team will interact with the kids as they complete their planting project. Join any of the 3 sessions held at 1:00pm, 1:30pm or 2:00 pm.

Sunday, June 9^th – Churchill Charlie’s Birthday
Churchill Charlie’s mascot friends are invited back for his birthday bash! His friends will join him for the “Churchill Charlie Birthday Bash-DASH Presented by Kroger”. The Birthday Bash will also include a Bubble Truck! 

Sunday, June 16^th – Father’s Day
Create a Father’s Day Card! 

Sunday, June 23^rd - Kentucky Derby Museum Day
Tour of the Museum Gardens to see Winston and Mine That Bird

Sunday, June 30^th – Closing Weekend/“Star-Spangled Weekend”
This day will will include letters to soldiers, interaction with Flags for Vets and a snow cone truck.

You are personally invited to join the fun and stop by the next time you visit Churchill Downs. We’ll create on-the-spot fun and maybe even a souvenir to take home. Laughter, smiles and good times are the odds on favorites while visiting the Junior Jockey Club.

"Like" the Churchill Downs page on facebook and post a story or picture about your visit!

Click here to print a Churchill Charlie coloring book!

All "Junior Jockeys" must be accompanied, at all times, by a parent or guardian. The JJC is a real "Kids Zone" and is dedicated entirely to providing fun for the young at Churchill Downs!