Explore UT 2016

On Saturday, Mar. 5, you can take the kids to Explore UT, a free family-friendly event at the University of Texas at Austin. From 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., the campus will be open to children, teachers, parents and community members to enjoy hands-on activities, performances, tours, displays, lectures and much more.

Explore UT will feature free activities that highlight a broad range of topics covering virtually every academic discipline. You can find the full schedule of activities online here, or you can download the 37-page program here.

–> A Few Highlights:

– Steamroller Madness: Making Texas-Size Prints with a Steamroller
Watch an industrial-size steamroller imprint Texas-size art patterns onto canvas. Presenters include faculty members and students from UT Austin, Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University and Texas State University.
11 a.m.-2:40 p.m.
Art Building and Museum (ART), North Courtyard

– Meet the Pollinators and Pests: Bumble Bees, Honey Bees, and Aphids
Explore how honey bees, bumble bees and aphids affect our lives, from the food we eat to what they can tell us about bacteria. See live bees and aphids, and play a game about what these busy bugs are up to.
11 a.m.-4:40 p.m.
Norman Hackerman Building (NHB), 24th Street Patio

– Chemistry Circus & Fun with Chemistry
Get a big bang out of this fun, exciting, loud and smelly interactive demonstration of chemistry experiments performed by Dr. David Laude and Dr. Kate Biberdorf. Free tickets required (available 30 minutes in advance of each performance).
11 am.-3:40 p.m. (performances begin every hour on the hour)
Robert A. Welch Hall (WEL), 2.224

– Children’s International Festival: Make Your Own Folding Matryoshka Doll
Matryoshka dolls are intricately painted wooden nesting dolls that are given as popular Russian gifts and souvenirs. Traditional matryoshka dolls have rich symbolism, including folk designs and colors. Decorate your own paper-folding Matryoshka dolls.
11 a.m.-4:40 p.m.
East Mall

– Hogwarts Jungle Potions Class
Even if you haven’t been admitted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you can learn how medicines are prepared and create your own pharmaceutical products. Free tickets are required and may be picked up beginning at 11 a.m. at the door.
Noon-3:40 p.m.
Pharmacy Building (PHR), 3.110

– Dance Party Flash Mob
Find your happy dance as you explore movement, play rhythm games and groove to dances from around the world. Whether you already love to dance or never thought you’d try it, this is the perfect opportunity for your whole family to join the dance.
Noon-12:40 p.m.
George I. Sánchez Building (SZB), Lawn

– Gold E. Locks Mock Trial
Law students perform a mock trial with Gold E. Locks, a well-known storybook figure, as the defendant. The Honorable Edward C. Prado, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, presides. Children in the courtroom will be selected to serve as the jurors.
1-1:40 p.m., 3-3:40 p.m.
John B. Connally Center for Justice (CCJ), Eidman Courtroom

–> 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:

• March with the Longhorn Band
• Speedway Mall Festival
• Children’s International Festival
• Campus Walking Tour
• 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:

Enjoy your day on campus! We hope you have fun!