Click on each activity for the full description. Use the coloured tags to sort activities by interest. Tag your favourite activities to create your own schedule by clicking the bookmark icon on the side. Drop in activities can be attended at anytime the activity is scheduled for. Simply show up at the venue (no pre-registration required). For scheduled shows, we suggest arriving a few minutes before the start time as some venues have limited capacity. Seating for all scheduled shows will be available on a first come, first served.

Start here!

Check out these resources to help make the most of your day at Kids Take Over UBC: A Guide to Planning Your Day (includes tips from past guests!) Have a question about the event? Read our Event FAQ Plan your routes and find your way around with our interactive wayfinding map.

Start your day at the welcome tent to check in and pick up an event package. Enjoy a musical welcome from the Thunderbird Marching Band from 10-10:20am, then join them on a march to the Arts & Culture District.! Note: On-site ticket sales will not be offered.

Drop in
Museums

Presented by Beaty Biodiversity Museum Have you ever wanted to add your own stories to exhibits and specimens on display in a museum? With the help of museum staff and volunteers, you will create and add new labels for our permanent exhibits. You’ll get to write, draw, and display your own creations in the museum for everyone to enjoy! Recommended for families with kids ages 8 and up. Note: You can also explore the museum at your own pace! Beaty Biodiversity Museum is open for general drop in from 10am-5pm.

Drop in
Museums

Presented by Beaty Biodiversity Museum Kids Take Over ticket holders can explore the whole museum at their own pace. Biodiversity takes over the day activities include ‘Raising Big Blue’ film screening, a documentary following the story of our blue whale skeleton from PEI to Victoria to Vancouver. Click here for full daily film and activity schedule. Recommended for families with kids ages 5 and up. Note: The museum will be open for general drop in from 10am-5pm.

Drop in
Explore Culture

Presented by UBC Asian Library Can you figure out the riddles hanging off the lanterns? Can you master the Asian card and board games selected to entertain and to challenge? Check out all the games there are to play at Asian Library! Prizes are limited. Schedule: 10:00am - 4:00pm Lunar New Year Riddles 1:00-3:00pm Hopscotch Drop-in 3:00-3:40pm Japanese Card Games 3:00-3:40pm Korean Board Games

Drop in
Explore Culture

Presented by UBC Botanical Garden Explore the magic of Nitobe Memorial Garden and the Asian Library by connecting to Asian culture through activities and adventures at both sites. At this traditional Japanese stroll garden, take in the peaceful sights, sounds and smells while completing a scavenger hunt and connecting with nature. Afterwards, head over to the Asian Library for more fun, games and crafts related to cultural elements of the Garden, such as moss, koi, and water! Please note: Nitobe Garden may have some pathways that are irregularly graded and topped with wood chips or loose gravel. This may limit accessibility in some parts of the garden, but garden staff will be onsite that day to assist.

Drop in
Music, Movement & More
STEM

Presented by UBC Alumni Faculties: Enjoy these fun, student-led interactive activities in the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre: Geering Up, Face painting, Caricature artist, Colouring book & drawing activity corner, Visit by Thunder.

Drop in
Music, Movement & More
Main Stage
Scheduled Show

Presented by The Thunderbird Marching Band The Thunderbird Marching Band will first welcome guests at Lee Square before leading a march to the Arts & Culture District at 11am! Established in 2012, the Thunderbird Marching Band are a passionate group of talented musicians who spread school spirit around the campus and the community.

Drop in
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Explore Culture

Presented by: First Nations House of Learning and X̱wi7x̱wa Library Join Librarians and Longhouse staff for a day of activities in the First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) Longhouse! Build your own mini drum*: Join one of the three scheduled hour and half long sessions for this activity: Session 1: 10-11:30am Session 2: 12-1:30pm Session 3: 2-3:30pm *The mini drum making activity is limited to kids ages 10+. Spots per session are limited and available on a first-come-first-served. All ages can enjoy these other activities offered at the same time: Build a book & Colouring: This activity encourage children to explore future careers in the Arts, learn about why Every Child Matters, and become their own authors!

Drop in
Museums

Presented by: Pacific Museum of Earth Kids of all ages are invited to identify and recreate tools used by early hominins! Match photos of tools to their uses and learn about our Hominin Hall exhibit. Build tools to solve puzzles based on scenarios that early humans might have faced. Pacific Museum of Earth souvenirs will be up for grabs!

Drop in
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Explore Culture

Presented by UBC Asian Library All ages will enjoy these storytimes conducted in both English and Asian languages. Schedule: 10:10 - 10:30am Mandarin Storytime 11:20 - 11:40 am Korean Storytime 11:40 am -12 pm Kamishibai Japanese Paper Theatre 1:30 - 1:45 pm Persian Storytime

Music, Movement & More
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by Faculty of Education, alumni UBC Tsatsu Stalqayu (translated into English means Coastal Wolf Pack) is a traditional Salish song and dance group. The group consists of over 25 male and female members of a single family, from age 6 months to over age 50. Their variation in age and gender allows for more song, dance and stories to be shared on stage and in their presentations. The members of the group with pride represent the following Coast Salish communities: Musqueam, Squamish, Tsartlip, Nanaimo and more. The show consists of a performance and a Q & A with storytelling.

Drop in
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Explore Culture

Presented by UBC Asian Library Make beautiful creations related to Asia and the beautiful Nitobe gardens: 10:40 - 11:20 am | Origami: Discover the art of origami and make koi fish and other animals and objects with paper. 12:30 - 1 pm | Kite Bookmarks: Create kite bookmarks to celebrate the Lunar New Year using discarded book covers. 1-1:30 pm | Koinobori (Carp Streamers): Construct your own carp streamer, a Children’s Day tradition in Japan. 2-2:30 pm | Origami: Discover the art of origami and make koi fish and other animals and objects with paper. 2-3:30pm | Mehndi by Meet: Experience beautiful henna skin decorations (space limited). 2:30-3 pm | Squiggly insects and flowers: Make insects and flowers with pipe cleaners.

Drop in
Arts & Culture District

Presented by the Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory, Sessional Lecturer Germaine Koh and The Community Fabric Collective A public weaving activity to share the excitement of the process of weaving and art making! Create a small project to take home or contribute to our growing community fabric banner! This event is hands-on, focused on upcycling, encouraging all who attend to take part by sharing old clothes - but fabrics will also be on hand to create with. Visitors can expect to access simple weaving frames, upcycling materials and on-site demonstrations.

Drop in
STEM

Presented by Department of Chemistry, UBC Faculty of Science Join us for a day of chemistry and fun! Did you know lava lamps rely on density to look as cool as they do? Come make your own lava lamp, silly putty, look at non-Newtonian fluids Don't miss the liquid-nitrogen ice cream demo running every 30 mins, starting from 11am-1:30pm.

Drop in
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
STEM
Limited seating

Presented by Department of Chemistry, UBC Faculty of Science Savour our signature liquid-nitrogen ice cream at one of these 30 mins demo sessions starting at: - 11am - 11:30am - 12pm - 12:30pm - 1pm - 1:30pm Don't miss the other activities taking place in the Chemistry building! You can make your own lava lamp and silly putty, and look at non-Newtonian fluids!

Arts & Culture District
Music, Movement & More
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by The Department of Theatre & Film Ventriloquist Kellie Haines started talking to her stuffed animals at an early age and when she was 8 years old they started talking back! A multi-talented entertainer with a background in theatre, clowning and singing, Kellie’s shows are hilarious and her technical skills invite audiences to experience storytelling in a unique and magical way. Even adults wonder who is pulling the strings!

Arts & Culture District
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Pre-registeration required

Presented by: Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery In conjunction with our exhibition, Aporia (Notes to a Medium) and our permanent outdoor art collection, join us for a mini-walking tour of two works of outdoor art that explore how we tell stories about journeys, boats, and the wonderful worlds on and under the sea! After the tour, pick up your take-home art kit with all the materials to create a boat ready for the adventures from your wildest imaginations! Tour times are: 11:30am-12:15pm 1:00-1:45pm Please note: - Each tour is 45 minutes: 35-minute Outdoor art walking tour plus 10 min. for kids to pick up a take-home art kit after the tour. - Families should plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to check-in. - We’ll be walking outside on campus: 45 minutes, 0.5 km, on mostly even pavement, and approximately 60 stairs. - Spots are limited. Please pre-register by emailing with your desired tour time and the # of people in your group to: belkin.rsvp@ubc.ca.

Music, Movement & More
Main Stage
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by: UBC Campus + Community Planning The Ukulele Army from Nootka Elementary in Vancouver is a delightful ensemble of young musicians who have embraced the unique charm of the ukulele. This group, comprised of students from grades 4-6, regularly comes together to explore and celebrate the rich sounds of this small but mighty instrument. Through lunchtime practice and performances, these students not only develop their musical skills but also learn the values of teamwork, discipline, and creativity. The Uke Army is a source of pride for Nootka Elementary, bringing joy and music to the school and community.

Drop in
Music, Movement & More
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by alumni UBC Join Mike's Critters to learn about the various animals and the habitats that they live in.

Drop in
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Explore Culture

Presented by: First Nations House of Learning and X̱wi7x̱wa Library Join Librarians and Longhouse staff for a day of activities in the First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) Longhouse! Build your own mini drum*: Join one of the three scheduled hour and half long sessions for this activity: Session 1: 10-11:30am Session 2: 12-1:30pm Session 3: 2-3:30pm *The mini drum making activity is limited to kids ages 10+. Spots per session are limited and available on a first-come-first-served. All ages can enjoy these other activities offered at the same time: Build a book & Colouring: This activity encourage children to explore future careers in the Arts, learn about why Every Child Matters, and become their own authors!

Music, Movement & More
Main Stage
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by: UBC Campus + Community Planning Join Karima Essa, Vancouver's Bollywood star and three-time Canadian National Dance champion, to learn the basic elements of Bollywood dance. This interactive workshop will have you dancing in no time! Bollywood dance is a high-energy, vibrant dance style which originated in the Indian film industry. It combines elements of classical Indian dance, folk dance, and modern dance styles, creating a unique and dynamic dance form that is popular around the world.

Arts & Culture District
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Pre-registeration required

Presented by: Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery In conjunction with our exhibition, Aporia (Notes to a Medium) and our permanent outdoor art collection, join us for a mini-walking tour of two works of outdoor art that explore how we tell stories about journeys, boats, and the wonderful worlds on and under the sea! After the tour, pick up your take-home art kit with all the materials to create a boat ready for the adventures from your wildest imaginations! Tour times are: 11:30am-12:45pm 1:00-1:45pm Please note: - Each tour is 45 minutes: 35-minute Outdoor art walking tour plus 10 min. for kids to pick up a take-home art kit after the tour. - Families should plan to arrive about 10 minutes early to check-in. - We’ll be walking outside on campus: 45 minutes, 0.5 km, on mostly even pavement, and approximately 60 stairs. - Spots are limited. Please pre-register by emailing with your desired tour time and the # of people in your group to: belkin.rsvp@ubc.ca.

Music, Movement & More
Main Stage
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by: UBC Campus + Community Planning Heart-forward and three-time Juno nominated Ginalina creates a world of indie folk music and beautiful children's books that celebrate family, nature, community, culture, and the connections we share between them. Her songs and stories are respectful and real, warm and winsome, fun and folky, emotive and energizing. Together, and in English, Mandarin, and French, with loved ones, strangers, and friends, we can share wild and wonderful moments of singing, dancing, and a sort of kindness that this world needs more than ever.

Drop in
Multiple sessions - click to see schedule
Explore Culture

Presented by: First Nations House of Learning and X̱wi7x̱wa Library Join Librarians and Longhouse staff for a day of activities in the First Nations House of Learning (FNHL) Longhouse! Build your own mini drum*: Join one of the three scheduled hour and half long sessions for this activity: Session 1: 10-11:30am Session 2: 12-1:30pm Session 3: 2-3:30pm *The mini drum making activity is limited to kids ages 10+. Spots per session are limited and available on a first-come-first-served. All ages can enjoy these other activities offered at the same time: Build a book & Colouring: This activity encourage children to explore future careers in the Arts, learn about why Every Child Matters, and become their own authors!

Arts & Culture District
Music, Movement & More
Scheduled Show

For those attending the Youth Talent Show, doors open at 2pm with access to the concert hall at 2:30pm. The concession stand will open at 2pm and we invite you to come enjoy hot chocolates, coffees, teas, and a variety of snacks in our beautiful lobby before the show.

Music, Movement & More
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Please note this new time for Drag Storytime. Presented by alumni UBC

Arts & Culture District
Music, Movement & More
Limited seating
Scheduled Show

Presented by: The Chan Centre Help us crown Vancouver's most talented youth! To view the list of performers and check out a short video trailer of their performances, please go to Youth Talent Show - Chan Centre We've searched far and wide for budding stars from various disciplines to showcase their extraordinary gifts. Our finalists will compete for the top prize of $300 but we need you to help us select the Audience Choice winner, too! Part of Kids Take Over UBC, this event is a fun celebration of the unique talents that can be found in our very own city. Come on out and cheer for your favourites! Please note: Doors open at 2pm with access to the concert hall at 2:30pm. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, up to the capacity of the concert hall. The concession stand will open at 2pm and we invite you to come enjoy hot chocolates, coffees, teas, and a variety of snacks in our beautiful lobby before the show.