Explore the University of Illinois Campus in Champaign-Urbana
From gardens to museums to best kept secrets: 13 all-ages activities to plan a visit to the University of Illinois campus with kids
We love visiting the University of Illinois campus for about 100 reasons. The sporting events (many of which are free), delicious food, entertainment and cultural experiences are just a few of the reasons.
The list of things one can do on the campus of the University of Illinois is extensive, but we’ve narrowed the list down to our top 13 suggestions for things to do with kids on campus.
13 things to do on the campus of the University of Illinois with kids
1) Take a walk on the Quad … or anywhere else in Campustown. We love getting steps in on campus. Accessible sidewalks make great places to push a stroller or just casually stroll among the historic buildings.
2) Go bowling. Yes, bowling. Head to the Illini Union Rec Room for some bowling fun. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (holidays vary). When in doubt, check the website first before heading over.
3) Enjoy live music at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Krannert hosts a slew of events — and they are typically inexpensive — all year long. That includes the Krannert Uncorked series. Check our calendar for dates and times.
Bonus idea: visit the Intermezzo Cafe for a delicious meal or treat during the day. Regular hours are 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
4) Eat at some new restaurants. We have this list of Campustown places to eat. These places are all a must-stop for families; OK, some of them are better suited for date night than kid-friendly meals.
5) Take a bike ride. We’ve written before about family-friendly bike paths and there are ample bike paths and many other areas that are outside of traffic on campus. Caution: bike traffic is BUSY on campus when school is in session. Exercise caution when planning a bike ride through Campustown.
6) Attend a sporting event. There are so many sporting events that are completely free on campus. Tennis, track and field, swimming, soccer and so much more. Check the website for information on promotions to find out when kids’ clinics, giveaways and more are happening. We also have tips on how to enjoy the gameday atmosphere before a football game with kids.
7) Go to Krannert Art Museum. The museum is a favorite place to hide away for a few hours. Admission is free, donations accepted. Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
8) Grab a picture for posterity, or your holiday card, or just to be silly. The campus’ most famous picture spot is, of course, the Alma Mater statue. But there’s also a nifty, low-level, brick-and-mortar sign at the corner of several intersections (such as Lincoln Avenue and Green Street). And the iconic “Campustown” sign on the underpass of Green Street, t0o.
9) If you’re fairly new to the C-U area and/or didn’t go to school at the University of Illinois, by all means, take a tour. The U of I website offers self-guided tours — one that centers the Main Quad and the other for the north side of campus centering the Engineering areas. And if you know a high school student who wants to look at Illinois, prospective student tours go on all year long. Don’t forget to register. We have tips on how to plan a campus visit for you.
10) Go shopping. We love going to the Illini Union Bookstore for its great selection of Illini gear and quirky gifts. And let’s face it, my kids think they have the same taste as college kids.
11) Visit Spurlock Museum. Another favorite of the campus museums, Spurlock has the feel of a big-city museum right here in Champaign-Urbana. Pick up a scavenger hunt upon arriving; kids love looking for the different exhibits as they wander the museum.
12) Wander the Idea Garden, Arboretum and Japan House. One parking lot provides access to all of the aforementioned outdoor spaces. The famous cherry blossoms are in bloom a short time each spring, but any month is a beautiful time of year to visit this campus-adjacent space.
13) Attend a special event like Vet Med Open House, Engineering Open House, Beckman Institute Open House, Crop Sciences Harvest Open House and many others. Vet Med happens in October and EOH happens in the spring. Both make incredible opportunities to get up close to the innovation we have happening right in our own back yards.
