From 10:00am-2:00pm: - Check in at the Inspired Tent to pick up your BINGO card. Complete the challenges for a chance to enter our grand prize draw for a BMX KIDS BIKE! - Get a temporary airbrush tattoo From 10:00am-4:00pm: - Strike your silliest poses in the Gigglebooth and take home a fun photo memento of the day! - Enjoy family-friendly shows at the INSPIRED outdoor stage, featuring the following live performances 10:30 am: Kick off the day with the ultimate dance party led by DJ Rock’N’Beau and UBC’s favourite mascot, Thunder 11:30 am: Follow the Thunderbird Marching Band on a musical march into the Arts & Culture District 2:30 pm: Rock out with youth band The Buttery Biscuits, before you settle in for a spectacular performance by Yuki the Juggler 3:00 pm: Yuki the Juggler - Kyokugei Drawing from centuries-old Japanese circus arts (曲芸, kyokugei), Yuki reimagines traditional performance through a contemporary lens. Blending taiko drumming, shinobue flute, and classic techniques with modern circus, this mesmerizing show weaves movement, music, and storytelling inspired by Japan’s rich artistic legacy.

• Drop in

Kids Take Over ticket holders can drop in between 10:00am - 5:00pm to 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. There will also be hands-on Biodiversity Activity Stations, running from 11am-2pm. Recommended for families with kids ages 5 and up. Curious about accessibility at the museum? Click here to learn more

• All ages
• Drop in

Step right up to Circus Play at The Chan! Try classic circus skills like juggling, slack line, rola bola, spinning plates, scarf poi, and hoops in a fun, hands-on environment. Expert instructors from The Vancouver Circus School will be on hand to demonstrate skills, offer guidance, and ensure a safe, engaging experience. Inclusive and accessible for all ages and skill levels—no experience needed, just come have fun!

• All ages
• Drop in

Join the University Neighbourhoods Association’s Youth Leaders and staff to pick up a free bag of popcorn (one per child), create a unique Lunar New Year Keychain, and participate in a collaborative Build a Community with Legos activity.

• All ages
• Drop in

Discover the Joy of Music at the Instrument Petting Zoo! Meet some of the cutest and most fascinating instruments from the UBC School of Music and Tom Lee Music. Try your hand at a violin or cello, or unleash your inner percussionist with drums and more—it’s all about hands-on fun! Then, step into the Musical Playground! Explore a world of unique sound-making instruments designed for all ages and abilities. This interactive space invites you to play, improvise, and experience music in exciting new ways. It’s creativity, curiosity, and pure joy—no experience required! Activities will take place in the Lobby, Barnett Hall, Gessler Hall. Suggested for Ages 6-12 with colouring activities available for younger guests.

• All ages
• Drop in

This Family Day, don't miss the annual Kids Take Over UBC Festival at alumni UBC! Be sure to stop by the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre where Kids Take Over alumni UBC - with fun and interactive activities from face painting, a caricature artist, and colouring book & drawing activity corner, to a performance and story time with the KPop Demon Hunters, a critter show and tell with Mike’s Critters, and interactive science fun with Geering Up! - something for all ages! Activities Throughout the Day in Jack Poole Hall: Mike’s Critters 10:00-10:45am KPop Demon Hunters Story Time 11:00am-12:00pm Caricature artist 10:30-1:30pm Airbrush tattoos 10am-2pm Colouring 10am-2pm

• All ages
• Drop in

🎟 *Dining Hall Tickets must be purchased in advance with event admission: Click here to purchase tickets. Dine in UBC's First Year Residences! Enjoy as much as you want at this all access dining hall. Choose from a variety of options from salad to noodle bowls to burgers. ⚠️ Notes: *You will receive a wristband to redeem anytime between 10am-3pm at your chosen dining hall when you check in to Kids Take Over UBC. *Tickets are valid only at the dining hall selected and cannot be changed or transferred. *All-access dining tickets are one-time access; re-entry will not be granted after exiting. *UBC Food Services practices sustainable eating as such no disposable containers for take-out.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• All ages
• 🎟️ *Additional fee

🎟 *Dining Hall Tickets must be purchased in advance with event admission. Click here to purchase tickets. Dine in UBC's First Year Residences! Enjoy as much as you want at this all access dining hall. Choose from a variety of options from salad to noodle bowls to burgers. ⚠️ Notes: *You will receive a wristband to redeem anytime between 10am-3pm at your chosen dining hall when you check in to Kids Take Over UBC. *Tickets are valid only at the dining hall selected and cannot be changed or transferred. *All-access dining tickets are one-time access; re-entry will not be granted after exiting. *UBC Food Services practices sustainable eating as such no disposable containers for take-out.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• All ages
• 🎟️ *Additional fee

Storytime with your own pet rock! Join X wi7x wa for a storytelling session of Ashley Qilavaq-Savard's I Am a Rock and then make your own pet rock to take home. ⚠️ This is one out of three available sessions for families to register. Please only register for one session. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible pick-up and drop-off can be found on Lower Mall next to the Longhouse. X̱wi7x̱wa can be accessed using the pathways alongside the Longhouse. Google Maps is unreliable for the best point of entry for those who have difficulty with stairs but UBC’s way finding map has an accessibility filter.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 4-6

Meet some cuddly and scaly friends at Mike's Critters educational presentation at the Robert H. Lee alumni centre!

• Ages 2+
• Drop in

The Pacific Museum of Earth, UBC's Earth Science museum, will be hosting a 'Mining and Media' booth! Engaging activities will showcase on-screen minerals and rocks from popular video games such as Minecraft, while also looking at the minerals we require to make technology itself. Drop by for games, prizes, and hands-on experiences with samples from the museum collection! The museum will also be open from 10am to 4pm with interactive exhibits and brand-new content on display.

• All ages
• Drop in

Create Asian-themed crafts including: · Lunar New Year paper firecrackers · Oni (Japanese Ogre) hats · Lunar New Year horse envelopes · Origami, such as hearts filled with seeds from our seed library (while supplies last). · Asian-inspired colouring activities. Enjoy activities throughout the day: · (Pretend) fire jumping leading up to Persian New Year · Chinese riddles · Korean hop-scotch (2:30-4pm) · Board games and karuta (Japanese card games) from Asian Library’s collection · Various prizes while supplies last

• Ages 3+
• Drop in

Discover the pop of light in winter at Nitobe Memorial Garden and connect with Asian culture through engaging, hands-on activities. Wander through the garden while enjoying a garden-inspired tea tasting, creating pebble art, taking part in a self-guided sensory bingo, and joining a lantern scavenger hunt. These activities will be available throughout the day, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The experience will also feature an exciting performance by youth taiko (Japanese drum) performers from 12:00 to 12:30 pm, taking place near the entrance of Nitobe Memorial Garden. Shortly after the performance, children will have the opportunity to try taiko drumming themselves in a supervised, hands-on activity. Please note: - This experience includes loud noises. - Children must be accompanied by a chaperone at all times. - For the safety and preservation of the Garden, strollers, pets, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are not permitted inside. A designated stroller parking area will be available near the entrance. Visitors are kindly asked to stay on the gravel paths throughout their visit. Accessibility:Much of UBC Botanical Garden is accessible by wheelchair or motorized cart for guests with accessibility and mobility challenges. However, due to the nature of our garden some pathways are irregularly graded and topped with wood chips or loose gravel. Please call our Admission Desk at 604.822.4208 for current path conditions and accessibility recommendations to meet your group’s needs. Service dogs/animals are welcome.

• All ages
• Drop in

Step up and test your luck at Thunder Spin to Win! Campers can spin the wheel to win fun prizes, while parents and guardians can enter a draw for a chance to win one FREE week of summer camp While the kids spin, families can chat with our team to learn more about everything UBC Camps has to offer. As a bonus, all adults who stop by the booth will receive an exclusive discount code to use toward summer camp registration.

• All ages
• Drop in

Kick start your takeover day at the ultimate outdoor dance party with DJ Rock'N'Beau and UBC’s favourite mascot, Thunder! Rock'N'Beau knows how to elevate the energy in the room and make every person feel special. Her interactive DJ sets combine music, games, and community‑building fun, making every moment a celebration. After the dance party, follow UBC's Thunderbird Marching Band for a musical march into the Arts & Culture District! The dance party goes on rain or shine, with covered seating in the tented area!

• All ages
• Drop in

Share your dreams with the community at this interactive installation from the Neighbourhood Small Grants!

• All ages
• Drop in

UPDATE: Unfortunately, UBC Opera is unable to join us this year due to unforeseen circumstances. They send their apologies and hope to be part of the fun next time. Please check out the other fantastic Arts and Culture District offerings, including ventriloquist Kelly Haines, the Musical Petting Zoo at the School of Music, and the Museum of Anthropology. Experience the magic of Mozart in a condensed, family-friendly version of The Magic Flute! Visit our Tickle Trunk to dress up in crowns, magic capes, and hero helmets, and snap photos with your favourite characters. Meet the Prince and Princess, the Queen and her Three Ladies, Papageno and his girlfriend Papagena, the Priests, Sarastro, and even a magical Dragon! We can’t wait to see you there! Accessibility: There is a ramp outside of our building and an elevator in our building for assistance.

• Ages 5+
• Drop in

Drop in between 11:00am - 2:00pm Kids Take Over ticket holders are invited to learn something new at the Beaty Museum! Join our interpreters and volunteers in hands on activities. Expect a variety of stories and specimens. Recommended for families with kids ages 8 and up. Curious about accessibility at the museum? Click here to learn more https://beatymuseum.ubc.ca/visit/about/accessibility/

• All ages
• Ages 8+
• Drop in

Do you like playing with funky non-newtonian fluids or slime? Come to the Chemistry Department to participate in our hands-on activities while you learn about crosslinking polymers, density effects, and fizzying solutions. You will be able to take some of these experiments home with you too! Limited Capacity

• Ages 5+

Join us for hands-on music and circus crafts at the Chan Centre! Participants will have the help of volunteers to work at their own pace to create miniature human cannons, jingle bracelets, and DIY handbells. Each craft takes approximately 15-20 minutes and designed for easy, drop-in participation. Please note: Space is limited, and crafts are available while supplies last. Families are welcome to enjoy the Vancouver Circus School drop-in activities in the Telus Studio Theatre while they wait, and return to the craft table before or after their circus session.

• Ages 3+
• Drop in

Learn about K-pop through song and dance! Inspired by the internationally acclaimed animated film KPop Demon Hunters (2025), the UBC student group K-Wave will be hosting Kpop choreography lessons including music from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack as well as other Kpop hits. ⚠️ Choreography lessons require pre-registration and have limited capacity, so please reserve your spot when purchasing event tickets. Each participant may register for one session only. Kids participating in a choreography lesson should be wearing suitable footwear and clothing to dance in. We ask that children are supervised for the duration of the programming. Please have one parent or guardian stay in the auditorium with their child while they are participating in the lesson. -- If an activity is full, please note that we do not maintain a waitlist. Instead, on event day, guests are welcome to visit the Asian Centre venue at the scheduled activity time to check whether any spots have become available. Kids are welcome to visit our crafts and games areas or join Nitobe Gardens for their programming instead. We also invite you to check out the KPop Performance and Open Dance Party from 12:30-1:00 pm. This portion of the event is drop-in and does not require registration. K-Wave will present a short performance featuring music from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, followed by an open dance party. The auditorium will remain open for kids to dance, sing along, and enjoy the music together.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 7+
• Sold out | FULL

KPop Demon Hunters Story Time

• Ages 2+
• Drop in

UPDATE: **Guests are recommended to arrive early to secure your spot. The Department of Chemistry requested guests to register for a time for the Nitrogen Ice Cream demo to help their engagement team estimate attendance, however they have noted registration does not guarantee a spot. If the demo is full, we recommend saving this list of other hands-on STEM activities nearby: the Pacific Museum of Earth, Beaty Biodiversity Museum, Lego building at Lasserre, or GEERING UP at the Alumni Centre. Have you ever seen ice cream made in seconds? Watch liquid nitrogen work its magic as our expert chemists create ice cream right before your eyes! At the end, you’ll even get to sample this science-filled treat and experience its light, fluffy deliciousness. Sessions start at: 11:00am, 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:15pm, 2:00pm Seating is limited for each session, so please arrive early before your scheduled start time. ⚠️ Please register for only one session.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 3+

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) can feel big to grown-ups, but on this special day, we’re transforming the museum into a fun-sized world designed just for kids and families. Mini MOA: A Place of World Arts and Cultures, allows young explorers to dive into hands-on activities, creative play, and immersive cultural experiences. Kids can: - Become junior conservators in a Kids Conservation Lab - Celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year) with a colourful crafting station linked to MOA’s feature exhibition Entangled Territories: Tibet through Images - Enjoy Coast Salish weaving demonstrations by Indigenous Cultural Interpreters - Get curious with an interactive table of touchable belongings from MOA’s collections - Follow an activity booklet adventure designed to spark imagination and storytelling Plus, come dance to the drums of the Proud Little Warriors, youth Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), performing in the Great Hall at 1:00 PM. Join us for a day of fun at Mini MOA and experience the magic of museums!

• All ages
• Drop in

In conjunction with the Belkin Gallery’s exhibition The Structure of Smoke (Jan 9 - Apr 12, 2026), join us on a kid-friendly mini-tour of two artworks by artists who have been influenced by fire and smoke and the effects on land and people. We’ll notice how smoke can drift, swirl, and spread like a signal in the air. We’ll look for shapes, patterns, and surprises. After the tour, kids will pick up a take-home art kit with all the materials to create their own artwork inspired by smoky and firey scenes! ⚠️ This tour requires pre-registration. Please reserve your spot when purchasing event tickets. Each participant may register for one session only.: Recommended for kids and their families, ages 5 and up. Kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. We will be walking and standing for 45 minutes. Arrive 10 minutes before your Tour starts, so we can check you in. There is a mandatory Coat & Bag check at the gallery. Pets are not allowed in the gallery. Certified service dogs are welcome. Some works of art in the exhibition are delicate and fragile. Please take care. -- Unable to join a tour? Kids Take Over ticket holders can drop in from 10am-5pm to explore the exhibition at their own pace

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 5+
• Sold out | FULL

Storytime with your own pet rock! Join X wi7x wa for a storytelling session of Ashley Qilavaq-Savard's I Am a Rock and then make your own pet rock to take home. ⚠️ This is one out of three available sessions for families to register. Please only register for one session. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible pick-up and drop-off can be found on Lower Mall next to the Longhouse. X̱wi7x̱wa can be accessed using the pathways alongside the Longhouse. Google Maps is unreliable for the best point of entry for those who have difficulty with stairs but UBC’s way finding map has an accessibility filter.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 4-6
• Sold out | FULL

Experience the energy and rhythm of taiko (Japanese drumming) during a live performance by youth taiko performers at the entrance of Nitobe Memorial Garden. This lively, interactive performance invites children and families to experience the power of traditional Japanese drumming through sound and movement. Shortly after the performance, children will have the opportunity to try taiko drumming themselves in a supervised, hands-on activity. Before and after the performance, families are welcome to continue exploring Nitobe Memorial Garden and take part in other drop-in activities available throughout the day, including tea tasting, pebble art, sensory bingo, and a lantern scavenger hunt.

• All ages
• Drop in

UPDATE: **If you’d like to attend, please pick up tickets for your group at the Asian Library’s circulation desk, located on the ground floor of Asian Centre, at 11:45am on the day of the event (no earlier). Tickets are required for participation and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Inspired by the internationally acclaimed animated film KPop Demon Hunters (2025), the UBC student group K-Wave will present a short performance featuring music from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, followed by an open dance party. Come dance, sing along, and enjoy the music together! Please note: *While the performance and dance party is suitable for all ages, the KPop Demon Hunters movie has a Common Sense Media rating of ages 10+. *Audience capacity: 100 for performance and dance party (please note: floor seating or standing room only)

• All ages
• Drop in
• Limited Capacity

The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability is turning into a busy beehive as the Sustainability Hub hosts activities all about bees. Enjoy freshly popped popcorn* while participating in hands‑on projects using recycled or compostable materials that celebrate bees and prepare for their return in the spring. It’s going to be a sweet time! *while supplies last

• Ages 3+
• Drop in

Come dance to the drums of the Proud Little Warriors, youth Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), performing in the Great Hall at 1:00 PM. Don't miss the other activities taking place at the Museum of Anthropology from 11am-3pm: Mini MOA: A Place of World Arts and Cultures, allows young explorers to dive into hands-on activities, creative play, and immersive cultural experiences. Kids can: - Become junior conservators in a Kids Conservation Lab - Celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Year) with a colourful crafting station linked to MOA’s feature exhibition Entangled Territories: Tibet through Images - Enjoy Coast Salish weaving demonstrations by Indigenous Cultural Interpreters - Get curious with an interactive table of touchable belongings from MOA’s collections - Follow an activity booklet adventure designed to spark imagination and storytelling

• All ages
• Drop in

Learn about K-pop through song and dance! Inspired by the internationally acclaimed animated film KPop Demon Hunters (2025), the UBC student group K-Wave will be hosting Kpop choreography lessons including music from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack as well as other Kpop hits. ⚠️ Choreography lessons require pre-registration and have limited capacity, so please reserve your spot when purchasing event tickets. Each participant may register for one session only. Kids participating in a choreography lesson should be wearing suitable footwear and clothing to dance in. We ask that children are supervised for the duration of the programming. Please have one parent or guardian stay in the auditorium with their child while they are participating in the lesson. -- If an activity is full, please note that we do not maintain a waitlist. Instead, on event day, guests are welcome to visit the Asian Centre venue at the scheduled activity time to check whether any spots have become available. Kids are welcome to visit our crafts and games areas or join Nitobe Gardens for their programming instead. We also invite you to check out the KPop Performance and Open Dance Party from 12:30-1:00 pm. This portion of the event is drop-in and does not require registration. K-Wave will present a short performance featuring music from the KPop Demon Hunters soundtrack, followed by an open dance party. The auditorium will remain open for kids to dance, sing along, and enjoy the music together.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 7+
• Sold out | FULL

In conjunction with the Belkin Gallery’s exhibition The Structure of Smoke (Jan 9 - Apr 12, 2026), join us on a kid-friendly mini-tour of two artworks by artists who have been influenced by fire and smoke and the effects on land and people. We’ll notice how smoke can drift, swirl, and spread like a signal in the air. We’ll look for shapes, patterns, and surprises. After the tour, kids will pick up a take-home art kit with all the materials to create their own artwork inspired by smoky and firey scenes! ⚠️ This tour requires pre-registration. Please reserve your spot when purchasing event tickets. Each participant may register for one session only.: Recommended for kids and their families, ages 5 and up. Kids must be accompanied by an adult family member. We will be walking and standing for 45 minutes. Arrive 10 minutes before your Tour starts, so we can check you in. There is a mandatory Coat & Bag check at the gallery. Pets are not allowed in the gallery. Certified service dogs are welcome. Some works of art in the exhibition are delicate and fragile. Please take care. -- Unable to join a tour? Kids Take Over ticket holders can drop in from 10am-5pm to explore the exhibition at their own pace

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 5+
• Sold out | FULL

Storytime with your own pet rock! Join Xwi7xwa for a storytelling session of Ashley Qilavaq-Savard's I Am a Rock and then make your own pet rock to take home. ⚠️ This is one out of three available sessions for families to register. Please only register for one session. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible pick-up and drop-off can be found on Lower Mall next to the Longhouse. X̱wi7x̱wa can be accessed using the pathways alongside the Longhouse. Google Maps is unreliable for the best point of entry for those who have difficulty with stairs but UBC’s way finding map has an accessibility filter.

• ⚠️*Requires pre-registration
• Ages 4-6
• Sold out | FULL

This hilarious show blends musical numbers with fast paced ventriloquism comedy bits, with Magrau the bird and Kamilla the frog! After a brief musical warm-up with Kellie, the audience meets Magrau the bird, who is a little hungry and full of surprises. He and Kellie take a series of comic detours - like a mangled rendition of the Itsy-Bitsy Spider song to a cupcake caper. Next, we meet Kamilla the frog, a precocious four year-old frog with red hair. Themes like ‘being yourself’ and ‘never giving up’ are highlighted in this colourful and funny show.

• Ages 3+
• Drop in

After making their debut at Kids Take Over UBC last year, we’re excited to welcome The Buttery Biscuits back! This talented youth rock band was founded by two brothers and a close friend who met through minor hockey. Their sound is inspired by Green Day, Nirvana, and The White Stripes.

• All ages
• Drop in

Get a beautiful Henna art! Children have priority in this first come, first served activity. Numbers will be distributed on site so that you can enjoy other Asian Library activities while you wait. Space is limited.

• All ages
• Drop in

Drawing from centuries-old Japanese circus arts (曲芸, kyokugei), Yuki reimagines traditional performance through a contemporary lens. Blending taiko drumming, shinobue flute, and classic techniques with modern circus, this mesmerizing show weaves movement, music, and storytelling inspired by Japan’s rich artistic legacy. Tip: Arrive early for the best seats! Come by 2:30 pm to catch the talented Buttery Biscuits youth rock band, then stay for Yuki’s spectacular show!

• All ages
• Drop in

From 4-6pm, keep the fun going after the festival with a splash at the UBC Aquatic Centre! This world-class facility features an Olympic-size pool, a warm pool and lazy river for kids! Kids can enjoy the water for a special swim rate of $2, while regular adult and senior rates apply for accompanying adults. In addition, enjoy a prize wheel and lobby activities, all led by Rec Promo and Aquatic Centre staff. Don't forget your swimsuit and towel—this is the perfect way to end a day of festival fun! For more details, please visit the Aquatic Centre FAQ page.

• All ages
• 🎟️ *Additional fee
• Drop in