The BYU campus can be your summer playground. Fill up those longer days with the many fun activities going on at BYU this summer. You might feel like you've done it all before, but here are 11 ideas to turn the typical summer activities into a new adventure:
Get ready for a summer under the stars at the BYU Astronomical Society's public shows at the planetarium on the 4th floor of the Eyring Science Center on BYU campus. The shows are $2 and are held on Friday, June 5 and 12, at 7 and 8 p.m. planetarium.byu.edu
Go Cosmic Bowling at the Games Center on the first floor of the Wilkinson Student Center. This is classic bowling with a fun twist. Every Friday and Saturday night, the Games Center holds Cosmic Bowling, where the alley is transformed by black lights and bright colors. Make the weekend fun with a couple rounds of bowling in the cosmos. bowling.byu.edu
Explore the great outdoors with BYU Outdoors Unlimited where you can get rentals for almost every summer activity. From rafting to camping and even tandem biking, the selection is huge - so don't let not having a sleeping bag stop you from exploring the great outdoors. outdoors.byu.edu
Take in the view at night. Hiking to the Y is a staple among the BYU community. For the young at heart, bring a flashlight and make the hike at night. You'll be able to see the entire valley lit up at night - an amazing view.
Spend your Mornings at the Museum. The Museum of Peoples and Cultures has a special program on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m., for five to 11 year olds (accompanied by an adult) exploring archaeology, museums and Polynesia. The program is free, but space is limited so you should reserve a spot. The Museum is always free and open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. mpc.byu.edu
Gather your friends and the popcorn and watch the best of BYU student films and animated shorts. This collection contains student-produced and student-created fiction films, documentaries, commercials and other fun stuff. Also, the site includes the BYU Animation program's Student Emmy award-winning shorts. You don't even have to leave your couch to enjoy. studentfilms.byu.edu
Too hot outside to explore BYU campus? Check out the scale model in the Harold B. Lee Library. Located on Level 1 of the Library, this model of campus shows off all your favorite sites: from LaVell Edwards Stadium to the Creamery on 9th, along with cute little trees. It's the only place you'll be able to see what Deseret Towers and the Widtsoe Building once looked like and it also depicts future developments.
Share a great summer read: donate to the children's book drive. In conjunction with BYU Arts production of Princess Academy on stage now in the BYU Harris Fine Arts Center (HFAC), we are gathering books to be donated to the Provo School Districts. Bring a new or gently used children's book to the donation bins in the HFAC, the HFAC box office or the Marriott Center box office.
Coming to see the show? Bring a book to the ticket office and receive an additional $2 off one child's ticket. This offer is valid for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday evening performances only. Excluding previous purchases. arts.byu.edu/princess-academy
Take the family to Japan-or the BYU Museum of Art's Family Arts Festival, which ever is closer. On Friday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids of all ages can do fun activities and crafts at the museum, all focused around two Japanese exhibitions: Deco Japan and Folding Paper. moa.byu.edu/events/family-arts-festival
Take time this summer to learn about learning. Just because it's summer break doesn't mean the learning has to stop. Come to the Education in Zion Gallery in the Joseph F. Smith Building at BYU to explore pioneer education and the history of BYU. See Gray's Anatomy illustrations paired with scripture references to human anatomy in the Bodies Filled with Light exhibition. The Education in Zion Gallery is free and open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and open until 9 p.m., on Mondays and Wednesdays. educationinzion.byu.edu
Take a date or a friend to dinner and a show. Nearly every every Saturday night, The Wall, on the first floor of the Wilkinson Student Center, features entertainment with your dinner. For $20, you and a guest can enjoy dinner and performances by local bands, sporting events or other fun events. thewall.byu.edu
Writer: Josh Thomas
