13 Things To Do on the University of Illinois Campus This Summer

Explore the University of Illinois Campus in Champaign-Urbana

From gardens to museums to best kept secrets: 13 all-ages activities to make the most of the University of Illinois campus during the summer months.

The lights are flashing red, there are empty parking spaces, and it’s so quiet you can walk down the middle of the street without worry.

OK, so we’re exaggerating (no one is advocating anyone walking in the streets). But there’s no doubt that this is the quiet season for the University of Illinois campus — not just the heart of Campustown, but all over the University of Illinois campus. And that means it’s a great time for the rest of Champaign-Urbana to visit our state’s flagship university, which just so happens to be in our backyard.

Editor’s note: There’s a lot of construction on campus every summer, so beware that some areas are a little less accessible than usual. Some streets have been re-made into one-way in recent years. Also: some restaurants and other business adapt summer hours. When it doubt, call.

13 things to do on the campus of the University of Illinois with your kids this summer

These activities have a focus on family-friendly activities. Bring your kids to the U of I!

1) See a movie on the Quad. Each week, there are FREE movies to be seen on the Quad. Some of these movies are more family friendly than others. Check our round-up of outdoor movies for details.

2) Catch a concert. The tradition of live music on the U of I quad continues once again this summer. You have two chances to catch these performances by the summer band. Membership in the summer band is open to all students, band alumni, and community members with an instrumental background. No audition is required. Concerts will be Thursday, June 20 and Thursday, July 18.

3) Go bowling. Yes, bowling. Head to the Illini Union Rec Room for some bowling fun. Summer hours are noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (holidays vary). When in doubt, check the website first before heading over.

4) Go hear some live music at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Sure, summer is a much slower time for our friends at KCPA. But it still hosts a handful of events — and they are typically free — during the summer. That includes the Krannert Uncorked series, as well as a special stop by the U.S. Coast Guard Band in June. There’s also the Illinois Summer Youth Music final performances. Check our calendar for dates and times. Bonus: visit the Intermezzo Cafe for a delicious meal or treat. Summer hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday through Friday.

5) Eat at some new restaurants. We have this list of Campustown places to eat. These places are all a must-stop during the course of the summer.

6) Take a bike ride. We’ve written before about family-friendly bike paths; while we wouldn’t recommend biking around campus while school is in session, when it’s empty there are few better places to bike than campus. There are ample bike paths and many other areas that are outside of traffic.

7) Walk around the athletics complex. Have you driven on St. Mary’s Road lately? If not, you might be interested to wander past the remarkable soccer/track and field complex. You can get a glimpse if you’re in the area.

9) Go to Krannert Art Museum. The museum remains open in the summer, and is a favorite place to hide away for a few hours — and it’s nice and cool, too. Admission is free, donations accepted. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (see below).

10) Speaking of art, there’s plenty of artwork and murals to see all over campus. From the mammoth on the Quad to the murals on Green Street, public art dominates the landscape.

11) Grab a picture for posterity, or your holiday card, or just to be silly. The campus’ most famous picture spot is, of course, the Alma Mater statue. But there’s also a nifty, low-level, brick-and-mortar sign at the corner of several intersections (such as Lincoln Avenue and Green Street). And the iconic “Campustown” sign on the underpass of Green Street, t0o.

12) If you’re fairly new to the C-U area, by all means, take a driving tour. The U of I website offers this through driving-tour guide that will give you a quick and easy lowdown on all things Illini. And if you know a high school student who wants to look at Illinois, prospective student tours go on all summer long. Don’t forget to register.

13) Go shopping. We love going to the Illini Union Bookstore for its great selection of Illini gear and quirky gifts (and let’s face it, my kids think they have the same taste as college kids).

14) OK, this is a bonus option … go to Target. “Target-o-philes” — and you know who you are — are obligated to check out the still-relatively-new, multi-level Target store on campus.

Explore the University of Illinois Campus in Champaign-Urbana

From gardens to museums to best kept secrets: 13 all-ages activities to make the most of the University of Illinois campus during the summer months.

13 things to do on the campus of the University of Illinois with your kids this summer

Get ready for summer in Champaign-Urbana: