UO Kids on Campus Day

Come join us for UO Kids on Campus Day 2026 on Thursday, April 30 to Engage and Inspire our next generation!


UO Kids on Campus Day is designed to engage the UO community by providing an opportunity for employees to spend quality time with the kids in their lives and showcase their workplaces. Collaborative partners from across the institution host experiences, opportunities, activities, and tours to highlight what it is like to be a part of the UO community. We are creating and holding space for UO families to meet and engage in a shared experience.

We hope to engage, inspire and empower the next generation through this immersive experience and opportunities that:

  • Encourage kids to stay curious about the world around them and to set ambitious goals for their future.
  • Expose kids to the power of higher education and help them understand the value of their education.
  • Engage through hands-on learning opportunities that ignite curiosity, foster creativity, and allow kids to discover their unique interests and talents while having fun.

Children in grades 4 through 8 (or about 9-13 years old) are eligible to attend and must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Registration is required, along with completion of a Parent Permission and Liability Release Form. Supervisor approval is required to participate and is based on operational needs of the department.

Register Now

Image University of Oregon mascot holding a UO Kids on Campus Day sign.

 

Timeline & Deadlines:
  • March 2: Registration Opens
  • April 28: Registration Ends
  • April 30: Day of event
  • May 14: Last day to submit feedback form and enter raffle
  • May 15: Raffle winners announced

 

2026 Schedule of Events:
  • 9 AM - 9:30 AM: Check in, EMU Ballroom Lobby
  • 9:30 AM - 10 AM: Welcome and event kick off, EMU Ballroom
  • 10 AM - 3 PM:
    • Immersive Experiences
    • Uniquely UO Opportunities- drop-in activity or tour
  • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Carson Dining Hall Lunch

UO Kids on Campus Day FAQs

 


Questions & Support

Please contact UOFamilies@uoregon.edu with any questions, access needs, or accommodation requests for participating in this program. 


UO Kids on Campus Day 2026 Schedule

Time-Specific Schedule

Time

Location

Activity, Campus Partner, and Description

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

EMU Ballroom, Room 244

Event Kick Off, University Human Resources
Check in, connect with others, and learn about the many different activities and opportunities for the day. 

9:30 am - 11:00 a.m.
Drop-in

EMU Ballroom, Lobby

Superhero Researcher, School of Journalism and Communication 
A UO student researcher wants to know what kind of fictional superheroes you would want to see in the world. Stop by to create your own superhero mask and learn about participating in this superhero research project.  

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

EMU Ballroom, Room 244

A LIL Treasure Hunt, Safety and Risk Services, Location Innovation Lab - capacity: 50 spots 
Learn the secrets of the campus map and go on a treasure hunt with the Location Innovation Lab (LIL). 

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Frohnmayer Music Building, Beall Concert Hall

Pipe Organ Adventure!, School of Music and Dance - capacity: 35-40 people 
Get up close and personal with the UO's remarkable Ahrend pipe organ! Hear the rumbling pedal sounds, tiny flute pipes, and everything in between. Experience Johann Sebastian Bach's famous Toccata in D and get a chance to try out the keys yourself!

10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Gerlinger Annex, Room 352

Hip Hop Jam, School of Music and Dance - capacity: 30 spots
The three teachers and our students will engage the youngsters through simple rhythms and movements. Our dancers will perform for them and share some simple contextual information on Hip Hop that invites them to look at the form as a fun and vibrant statement of culture.

10:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
Drop-in

Knight Campus, Basement

Exploring 3D Printing at the Knight Campus 
Drop by the Knight Campus to get a close-up view of our 3D printers in action! See how a 3D printer works, learn about what we can do with 3D printing, hold and examine a variety of 3D printed objects, and take home a 3D printed fidget toy. 

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Galleries

JSMA Gallery Scavenger Hunt 
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art invites students to embark on an exciting scavenger hunt through our galleries! Explore the incredible pieces of art on display, uncover hidden treasures, and discover new stories around every corner.  

Travel the world without leaving the museum halls as you journey through the art of China, Korea, Japan, and beyond. This hands-on adventure encourages curiosity, creativity, and close looking while students search for clues and complete the hunt. 

Each kid will receive a scavenger hunt worksheet to guide their journey and the first 150 kids to complete the hunt will receive a goody bag filled with creative supplies to continue their adventure and inspire creativity after the hunt is over.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Carson Dining Hall

Lunch, Carson Dining Hall, UO Dining Services 
At the heart of campus, Carson Dining provides buffet style lunch featuring hearth-oven pizza, salads, and a variety of entrées. 

Upon arrival, see a cashier at the entrance and show your badge to let them know you are with UO Kids on Campus Day. Enter the dining area and enjoy! 

12:45 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Drop-in

Frohnmayer Music Building, Room 163

How to be a Music “ConDUCKtor”, School of Music and Dance - capacity: 80 people 
The University of Oregon Chamber Choir, under the direction of Sharon Paul, will demonstrate what a conductor does (and should not do!) when leading a choir. After learning a bit about conducting, a few members of the audience will be invited to lead the Chamber Choir in the opening bars of the Hallelujah Chorus! 

12:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Drop-in

Frohnmayer Music Building, Room 182

Mix a Song, School of Music and Dance, Music Technology - capacity: one at a time, but room can accommodate 8 
Step up to a real mixing console and discover how you bring a song to life! In this hands‑on activity, kids take control of the faders by raising, lowering, and balancing different parts of a track to create their own custom “mix.” You’ll get one‑on‑one time at the console to experiment. 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

McCaslin Lawn, Behind Chapman and Tykeson Halls

Earth + Art with the Clark Honors College - capacity: 20 spots
Come join the UO students at the Clark Honors College course Geology of Campus as we celebrate a belated Earth Day with interactive activities that celebrate the beauty of our Earth. Kid-scientists will get to choose from a number of Earth and Art-based activities put together by UO students and will get to take home their own Earth-inspired art creations. Come get to know UO students and get inspired to learn more about the Earth around you! 

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Frohnmayer Music Building, Beall Concert Hall

Inside the Music, School of Music and Dance
In this interactive experience, you will hear a well‑known melody and discover how it can be transformed into many different styles. We will work with the piece, Variations on America, a theme you may recognize, and listen as it changes and reappears in surprising ways. You'll have to listen closely, spot the melody, and notice which instruments are playing it each time.

To get even closer to the music, you may be invited onstage to sit among the musicians and experience the piece from the inside. You might even get the chance to try conducting! This activity encourages curious listening and shows you how music can be playful, imaginative, and full of surprises.

Drop-In Schedule

Time

Location

Activity, Campus Partner, and Description

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Museum of Natural and Cultural History, 15th and Agate Streets

Visit the Museum of Natural and Cultural History! * 
Explore Oregon's past at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History! Visit the museum for free, explore the exhibit halls, and engage in interactive, hands-on activity stations. 
*Visitors must check in at the admissions desk and show their UO Kids on Campus Day badge before entering the exhibits. 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. (30-minute tours)
Drop-in

Hayward Hall, Hayward Field, Agate Street

Behind the Scenes Tour of Hayward Field, Oregon Athletics, O Heroes - capacity: 15 people per tour
Join Oregon student-athletes on a tour of the world-class training facility, Hayward Field! Get a behind the scenes look at where our track and field athletes practice, recover, and compete! Meet some athletes and get an opportunity to run on the most iconic track in the United States! 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
Drop-in

EMU, O-Desk

Coloring Books & Craft Kits at the O Desk!, EMU
Stop by the EMU O-desk for an EMU coloring book and Origami duck making kit.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-in

EMU

Self-Guided Tour, Erb Memorial Union 
The Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is the heart and hearth of the University of Oregon. We support our campus community with a state-of-the-art facility, incredible student programs and outstanding services. Through our exceptional events, programs and services, the EMU helps students thrive and become well educated, socially responsible, and career ready while having an excellent experience at the University of Oregon. Stop by the EMU for a self-guided tour and explore all we have to offer! 

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Financial Wellness Center, Global Scholars Hall, Room 117

Money Moves: Learn, Earn, and Play, Financial Aid - capacity: 15 in room at one time 
Join us in the UO Financial Wellness Center for a fun, hands-on money adventure! Participants will explore multiple interactive game stations that make learning about money exciting and easy. Kids will discover the difference between needs and wants, practice smart spending, and set savings goals—including planning for college. Whether they’re making quick choices in a shopping game or building their own savings plan, participants will gain valuable skills they can use every day while having a great time. Come play, learn, and build skills for a strong financial future!

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Allan Price Science Commons and Research Library, Gaming Center, Room B018

Level Up Your Learning: Gaming in the Library, UO Libraries - capacity: 10-15 at one time 
Press start on an interactive gaming adventure in the UO Libraries Gaming Center! This drop-in experience invites students in grades 4–8 to explore a variety of console and tabletop games, including Mario Kart, card games, strategy titles, and more, while discovering how games can support creativity, teamwork, storytelling, and problem-solving. Participants can rotate through gaming stations, enjoy friendly competition, and learn how college students use this space for community building, stress relief, and course-related projects. Whether you're an experienced gamer or just curious to try something new, stop by and see how libraries are places to play, learn, and connect.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Drop-in

1600 Millrace, Room 311

Create and Craft with the Center for Childhood Safety and Wellbeing 
Join us for a creative, feel-good event where kids and families come together to celebrate the power and promise of childhood! In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’ll be making colorful bracelets and bookmarks that highlight the rights of children around the world, inspired by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child—an international agreement that says every child deserves safety, care, and a chance to thrive. Kids and their grown-ups are invited to craft, connect, and learn how young people everywhere share the same important rights. Come make something meaningful, meet other families, and leave with handmade reminders of the bright future we’re building together! 

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Drop-in

Johnson Hall VPFA Lobby and Conference Room

Johnson Hall Mission Control!, VPFA
As in previous years, Johnson Hall 1st floor will host a series of challenge stations (similar to a scavenger hunt). The participants will complete different challenges at each station to unlock a gift bag at the end. The challenges will be different from previous years, but the students will have fun solving puzzles and finding inspiration as they try to complete their Johnson Hall mission. 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Outside McArthur Court

Meet the UO Police, Safety and Risk Services, UO Police Department 
Stop by and meet the UO Police Officers. Meet Officer Button and K-9 Thor, Explosive Detective Canine. Learn about careers in law enforcement, have a seat in a police car, and explore all the cool equipment inside the car. Mac Court- main entrance off University Street.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Outside McArthur Court

Earthquake Shake, Safety and Risk Services, Emergency Management Team 
Try the Earthquake Shake and test your strength. Review the Earthquake drill steps DROP, COVER, and HOLD! Mac Court- main entrance off University Street.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Outside McArthur Court

Fire Extinguisher Training, Safety and Risk Services, Fire Life Safety Team
Learn how to use a fire extinguisher and put out a real fire. PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Mac Court- main entrance off University Street. 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Drop-in

Outside McArthur Court

Safety Gear-Up, Safety and Risk Services, Occupational Health & Safety Team 
Learn about safety gear and equipment and try it on for size! Mac Court- main entrance off University Street. 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. (1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.) Drop-in

Student Recreation Center

Move, Explore, Discover: Campus Recreation Adventure, PE & Rec
Get ready for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at university recreation and wellness! This interactive session invites kids and parents to explore the University of Oregon's state-of-the-art Student Recreation Center. Participants will discover the incredible spaces where students stay active, train, and pursue their fitness goals and an insider's look at how students work, and build their careers right on campus.  During this adventure, kids and parents will: 

  • Take a tour (or self-guided) of the student recreation center
  • See amazing fitness facilities up close
  • Learn about the variety of activities and spaces available to students
  • Meet current student employees and hear about their experiences
  • Understand how recreation contributes to overall wellness
  • Explore unique areas like climbing walls, fitness studios, and sports courts
  • Get insights into career development and work experience opportunities 

This is a fantastic opportunity for children to imagine their future college experience, see what campus recreation looks like, understand the value of student employment, and get excited about health and fitness. The tour provides a fun, behind-the-scenes glimpse into university life and wellness opportunities. Recommended for curious kids ages 9-13 and their parents who want to explore, learn, and get inspired! 
*Tours scheduled off the hour at 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Meet in the Rec Center Lobby under the video wall. 

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in 

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art 
Visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art for free, as well as receive a 10% discount at the JSMA Store, for that day! 

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Drop-in

Lundquist College of Business, Chiles 228

What Catches Your Eye? Inside a Market Research Lab, College of Business - capacity: 12 at a time 
Ever wonder how businesses know what grabs your attention? Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Insights Research Lab (IRL) and explore the cool technology that helps companies understand what people see, think, and feel!  

🔍 What You’ll Do: 

👀 Try out eye-tracking technology and see how your eyes follow images and videos 
🧠 Discover how scientists use special tools to learn about decision-making and emotions 
🚀 Step into a real research lab where businesses test ideas to make products, ads, and websites better  

This is your chance to be a scientist for a day and uncover the secrets of how our brains and eyes work together! Come explore, experiment, and see the world in a whole new way! 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in

LRP Black Cultural Center, 15th and Agate Streets

Tour the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center - capacity: 20 at one time 
Come take a tour of the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center! We can’t wait to welcome you, share our mission, and show you why the LRP Black Cultural Center is such a cherished home for Black and Brown students on campus. 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in

University Career Center, Tykeson Hall, Garden Level

Kid Career Day - Headshots, games, prizes, career chats, University Career Center
Come try on a blazer and get a photo headshot, play a game to win prizes, have a one-on-one coaching session with one of our student career coaches, and explore our office! 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in

Ducks House, Unthank Hall

Spring Cookie Decorating, Dining Services - capacity: 50 at one time
Let your creative side shine in this spring cookie decorating class. Work with our Bakers and Pastry Chef to decorate sugar cookies! This is a hands-on activity and will send you home with a small goodies box. 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in

Yamada Language Center, McKenzie Hall, Room 175

Words, Wonders, and World Cultures, School of Global Studies and Languages - capacity: 15 at one time 
Start your global adventure at the Yamada Language Center! You will receive a passport at check-in, then stop by tables representing regions around the world. Along the way, you will explore language, culture, and history—collecting goodies, crafts, and passport stamps at each stop. 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in 

EMU, KWVA Radio Station, Room 045

Radio Station Drop-In Tours, EMU - capacity: 20 at one time 
Drop in to KWVA Eugene, 88.1 FM, the University of Oregon's Campus Radio Station for a tour, listen to some music from the library, watch the DJs in action, ask questions about how radio works, or just come get a pen. 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in 

EMU, Craft Center, Room 030

Crafting Fun! Craft Center, EMU - overall capacity: 50, studio capacity: 15 at one time * 
Stop by for some crafting fun! Activities include creative coloring in the Painting Studio, playing with our huge Lego collection (not for taking home, sorry!), the Gumball Machine, and 3-D printing. We will have the 3-D printers up and running for a slug give away (it's a very cool fidget toy!) 
*Adults or guardians must always be present with their children while in the Craft Center. 

2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in 

EMU, E-Sports Lounge, Room 040

E-Sports Gaming, EMU - capacity: 15 at one time 
Stop by the EMU E-Sports Lounge for free gaming and get a taste of what it’s like to be a collegiate E-Sports gamer. This year, along with computer games, you can jump into console favorites like Smash Bros. and Mario Kart! Come play, learn, and level up your gaming skills. 

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Drop-in

Ford Alumni Center, Room 208

Family Photo Booth with UO Communications - capacity: 5 people per photo 
Capture the fun and memories of the day at our Kids on Campus Photo Booth Experience! Stop by the University Communications photo station at the Ford Alumni Center, room 208 between 1-3PM and strike a pose with your family to celebrate your visit to the University of Oregon. We'll have a variety of playful props so kids and families can get creative and show off their UO spirit. 
 
Digital copies of your photos will be shared with you after the event so you can keep the memory of your Kids on Campus Day experience. 

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Drop-in

Outdoor Program Rental Barn, East 18th

Outdoor Program Obstacle Course! - capacity: 8 at one time on the course 
Come visit the Outdoor Program Rental Barn for a tour of the space, check out all the fun outdoor gear, and take a shot at our one-of-a-kind obstacle course!