On Saturday, Mar. 7, you can take the kids to Explore UT, a free campus-wide event at the University of Texas at Austin described as the “Biggest Open House in Texas!” that takes place from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Young children can participate in fun, educational activities; middle school students can explore their favorite subjects and learn about future career opportunities; high school students meet with UT Austin admissions counselors, advisers, faculty members and current students; parents and educators enjoy a variety of cultural events, lectures, performances and exhibits.
–> Activities
Explore UT will feature more than 400 free activities on the university’s main campus. From a 3-D mask-making class to a concert hall backstage tour, and tips on developing healthy sleep habits to a class that illustrates engineering concepts through the dissection of toys, this year’s event offers something for everyone. You can download a PDF of the printed program here, but you can also use an online search on the Explore UT website to find events by keyword.
Explore UT activities and courses highlight a broad range of topics — covering virtually every academic discipline. Some of this year’s events include:
• Hogwarts Jungle Potions Class, Noon-12:40 p.m., Pharmacy Building
Even if you have not been admitted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you can learn how medicines are prepared and create your own pharmaceutical products. **Tickets are required and may be picked up beginning at 11 a.m. at the door.
• Superheroes and Supercomputers Help Envision a World of Difference, 11–11:40 a.m., Peter O’Donnell Jr. Building
Visit the Visualization Lab at the Texas Advanced Computing Center to learn about how supercomputers and simulations are powering discoveries around the world. Interact with cutting-edge technologies used to predict weather and find the cure for cancer.
• Frozen Chemistry, 11-11:40 a.m., Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Building
Learn about chemical engineering and the chilling effects of liquid nitrogen. Watch as engineers freeze flowers, bananas, racquetballs and balloons, and try a sample of liquid nitrogen ice cream.
• March with the Longhorn Band, 4-4:30 p.m., Darrell K Royal – Texas Memorial Stadium
Experience the thrill of marching with the Longhorn Band and become an honorary member. Following a rehearsal session on the field, participants will march to the UT Tower to participate in the biggest “class photo” in Texas.
–> Special Attractions
While Explore UT begins at 11 a.m., there are numerous activities at libraries and museums available for those who may want to get an early start to their day. Click here to view the full list of special attractions including:
- Children’s International Festival
- Campus Scavenger Hunt
- Hot Science – Cool Talks: “Dinosaurs and Modern Day Creatures Then and Now”
- Campus Walking Tour
- Tower Tours
- Exhibits at the Texas Memorial Museum
- and more!
–> Parking
There are many places to park free of charge in and around the campus. Most UT parking, as well as state lots and garages south of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (MLK), are open on Saturday. Some areas may require a permit. Please observe posted signs. Free parking is available in the following UT parking garages:
- San Jacinto Garage (SJG) San Jacinto Boulevard north of 24th Street (Free parking until 4:30 PM).
- Twenty Seventh Street Garage (TSG) University Avenue and 27th Street.
- Speedway Garage (SWG) Speedway and 27th Streets.
- AT&T Conference Center Garage (ATT) West 20th Street
- Brazos Garage (BRG) MLK Boulevard and Brazos Street.
For more parking info, click here.
Enjoy your day at UT! We hope you have fun!
