by Erin Tarr
Top 5 things to do on the Quad this summer while the students are away!
#5 The buildings on the quad are each unique and interesting in their own way, and utterly fun to explore with small children. Some ideas to aid in the exploration:
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Tell fictitious stories while you wind your way through the small hallways and peek out the random windows.
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Create a scavenger hunt to guide the fun
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Pretend you are at Hogwarts and act like Harry Potter characters (complete with accents!)
#4 Take your pic with The Alma Mater, who is back and beautiful as ever. Taking a pic with the Alma Mater is a #Chambana right of passage!
#3 Not to be missed are the chimes at Altgeld Hall. Listening to them is always nice, but watching someone PLAY them is even better! Be sure to call ahead to let them know you plan to come. Editor’s Note: Altgeld Tower is currently under construction. The chimes can still be heard, but are automated.
#2 A true kid favorite is the echo spot! Standing on the south side of Foellinger Auditorium on the echo plaque you can yell out and hear your voice return to you – whilst the person next to you cannot. I admit, even as an adult I find this REALLY cool.
#1 The Grassy Quadrangle areas itself is an amazing place on a nice day! You can
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Play ball, tag, Frisbee or any other variety of gross motor skill game that wears the kiddos out and garners you a bit of cardio in the process!
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Have a picnic.
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People watch and of course chase the squirrels!
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There are even MOVIES shown on the quad throughout the summer … schedule pending I believe, but last year they showed the LORAX as a family friendly option.. check out IUB for more info as it becomes available.
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There are also concerts on the Quad.
Let us know when you visit the Quad – and keep us updated other fun activities, or places you find to explore on campus!
Erin (Trent) Tarr made the three hour drive from Southern Illinois to Champaign in 1997 to attend the University of Illinois and never left. Mother of two beautiful girls (2 & 4 years old), she is currently working at the University of Illinois and enjoys reading non-fiction, listening to leadership podcasts, singing, taking pictures of her kids, and blogging at www.erintarr.com. The epitome of an extrovert, she is an active participant at Quest UMC and loves getting together with strong women for book clubs, writing clubs, and wine tastings. You can often find her (with two kids in tow) at Champaign Centennial sporting events where her beloved husband of nine years, Adam, works as an Athletic Trainer.