Kids Take Over UBC turned the university campus into a family-friendly day of performances, creative activities and hands-on learning.
I visited with my family, and what I appreciated most was the variety of experiences. Rather than staying in a single venue, we could walk around the campus and choose activities depending on what interested the kids at that moment.
One thing I appreciated was how interactive everything was. Rather than simply watching demonstrations, the kids were encouraged to get involved. They built LEGO creations, met animals at Mike’s Critters, experimented with liquid nitrogen during the chemistry demonstrations, and explored the Structure of Smoke exhibition at the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery. There were plenty of creative activities too, including pebble art at Nitobe Memorial Garden, Asian-inspired crafts, lantern making, and instrument petting at the School of Music.
The bingo card was a fun touch. My kids loved checking off activities as we went, and it gave us ideas for places we might have otherwise walked past. It turned the day into a bit of a scavenger hunt and kept them excited about what was coming next.
My kids naturally moved at their own pace. They were interested in some activities right away, while others caught their attention only after they had watched another child participate. It was a good reminder that family events do not need to follow a strict schedule. Part of the experience was letting them decide where to stop and how long they wanted to stay.
The participating museums, faculties and cultural spaces gave families a chance to see different areas of the campus, including places they might not normally visit with children.
UBC is my alma mater so it was fun to take the kids around the buildings where I used to have classes.
I also appreciated all the volunteer students who helped make the day happen.
The day was held during the Lunar New Year period so there were some arts and crafts related to the welcoming of the Year of the Horse.
The day felt educational without being structured like school. The kids were still learning, but they were doing it by touching, making, watching and asking questions.
As a parent, I liked that there were activities for different ages and attention spans. We could spend time at a quieter indoor activity, take a break outside and then continue to another part of the campus.
Kids Take Over UBC offered an accessible way for families to experience the university beyond academics. It gave children the freedom to be curious and allowed parents to enjoy the campus alongside them.
By the end of our visit, the kids were tired, but they were still talking about what they had seen and done. For me, that was a good sign that the day had made an impression.
