Event Listings
Aggie Athletics: Football
All Ages; Open Event; 9:40am-10:40am
While the team can't offer a drills camp this year, TOC families are invited to watch the UC Davis football team practice at the UC Davis Health Stadium.
Aggie Athletics: Gymnastics
Ages 12 and Under, Lottery Events; 10:00am & 11:00am; capacity 60 kids each
Experience UC Davis Gymnastics! Meet and work with members of the gymnastics team and coaching staff. Jump into the foam pit, walk down the beam, swing on the bars, and tumble across the floor. Lottery Notification Required.
Arboretum/Facilities Management
All Ages; Open House; 9:00am-11:00am
Head over to the Arboretum Teaching Nursery for a variety of fun activities, including seed planting, rock painting, scrapbooking, and more! Capture special memories with your children by printing out photos at our photo station. This event offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable experiences.
Arboretum/Facilities Management
Ages 6-12; Lottery Event; 10:00am; total capacity 20
Don't miss the chance to try for an exclusive lottery tour of the Peter Shields Oak Grove. This tour, designed for children ages 6-12, allows you to explore the beauty of our collection up close and learn about the unique features of our trees. We can't wait to see you there! Lottery Notification Required.
Bee Haven
All Ages; Open House; 10:00am-1:00pm
The Haven is a great place to bring your family for lunch. Stop by to learn more about the amazing bees and the plants that support them. Docents will be on hand to guide informal tours, bee watching (including an observation beehive) and bee identification. We are located at 1 Bee Biology Road in West Davis.
Bicycle Program
Ages 10+; Open House; 10:00am-11:00am
Calling all bike enthusiasts ages 10 and up! Join us for a fun, hands-on Bike Maintenance Workshop where you'll learn to pump tires, check brakes, and care for chains—everything you need to keep your ride smooth and safe. Bring your bike (if you’d like), your curiosity, and get ready to roll! See you on Hutchison Field, across the bike path from Transportation Services.
Bohart Museum of Entomology
Hours Updated 4/22/2026
9:00am - 11:45am; 1pm-2:45pm
All Ages; Open House; 9:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:30pm
Curious about who studies insects and arachnids and why? Visit the Bohart Museum of Entomology, part of the Department of Entomology and Nematology, located in Academic Surge! TOC participants are welcome to come by to explore the displays and hold live insects.
Botanical Conservatory
All Ages; Open House; 10:00am-4:00pm
Form and function of plants from the world’s deserts, tropical forests, and carnivorous habitats are emphasized along with plant interactions with insects and other organisms. Location: Botanical Conservatory Headhouse at North end of Conservatory (middle greenhouse) North of Storer Hall.
Campus Recreation Swim
All Ages; Open House; 12:00pm-2:45pm
On April 23rd, the UC Davis Rec Pool is participating in Take Our Children to Work Day by offering Rec Swimming activities. Come take a dip in the Rec Pool (3-5ft), an attached 12ft diving well with a 1m diving board (children must pass a 25m swim test to swim in the diving well), and a sand volleyball court! Whether you’re a competitive swimmer or a little tentative in the water, there’s fun for everyone at the Recreation Pool. We are located at 152 La Rue Road.
*Please keep in mind that children must meet at least one of the following requirements to swim at the Rec Pool*
-swim within arms reach of a supervising adult
-wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket (no water wings or puddle jumpers permitted)
-pass a 25m swim test conducted and supervised by an Aquatics Staff member
*By passing the swim test, children are welcome to swim in any part of the pool unaccompanied*
The Rec Pool is so excited to see you all at Take Our Children to Work Day! We will have women's, men's, and inclusive locker rooms available for your use. You are welcome to bring drinks, snacks, and small pool toys. The only flotation device permitted are life jackets. No glass containers permitted.
By entering the Rec Pool facility, you agree to abide by posted rules as well as rules enforced by Aquatics Staff.
If you have any questions about the Rec Pool facility, we would be happy to answer at the following email: [email protected]
Center for Aquatic Biology and Aquaculture (CABA)
All Ages; Lottery Events; 10:00am & 11:00am; total capacity 25 each
The CABA center is a unique opportunity to see and learn about how UC Davis is helping conservation efforts across the state for threatened and endangered fish species. During the guided tour you will be able to see a variety of freshwater fish including two native species of the storied sturgeon. Learn about the history of these prehistoric looking fish and witness, up close, their impressive size with 100+ lb giants at your fingertips in crystal clear waters. Lottery Notification Required.
Chemistry Show
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am
A mini version of the Chemistry club's annual Picnic Day Show. The Show consists of demonstrations that showcase chemistry as the science of change. Trust us, you'll be awestruck. The show will last 30 minutes and will be located at the Chemistry Courtyard, inside the Chemistry building. Rain cancels the show.
Coffee House at Memorial Union
Ages 6+; Lottery Events; 10:00am, 10:45am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 1:45pm, 2:30pm & 3:15pm; total capacity 12 each
Don’t miss this opportunity to see behind-the-scenes of the largest restaurant on campus! See what goes into serving over 7,000 people a day and learn about the Coffee House’s unique history and how its student-driven food service model works. Staggered tours of the kitchen area will be followed by a build-your-own personal pizza experience Total experience approx. one hour long. Lottery Notification Required.
Continuing and Professional Education
All Ages; Open House; 10:00am-12:00pm
Want to keep your teen’s brain active this summer? Head over to the Memorial Union North Courtyard for fun activities and giveaways, and to learn about Continuing and Professional Education's summer programs for high school students—now offered at UC Davis and Aggie Square in Sacramento. Through two distinct programs, teens can explore college life… and inspire future careers!
Crocker Nuclear Lab/Air Quality Research Center
All Ages; Open House; 10:00am-2:00pm
Join the Crocker Nuclear lab for an exploration of particle physics and how they’re used to advance scientific endeavors. Particle production and acceleration will be demonstrated along with visuals of the diverse applications: radiation effects mimicking cosmic radiation, eye therapy treatments via proton beam, nuclear physics experiments, isotope production for medical applications, chemical profiling of historical artifacts with Proton-Induced X-ray Emission, and characterization of wildfire smoke using ion beam analysis. Find us in the Jungerman Hall lobby, across from the Bainer Hall lawn. Visitors will receive a proton collimator while supplies last. More information can be found on the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory website.
DVM: Anatomy Lab
Ages 10+; Open House; 9:00am-12:00pm
Have you ever wondered...How big is an Elephant Skull? How tall is an Ostrich? How big is a Galapagos Turtle Shell? Come by the Anatomy Department and get an up close and personal view of our collection of skeletons and other various specimens. Come visit us at Vet Med 3A, Room 1215
Engineering Student Design Center
All Ages; Open House; 10:00am-2:00pm
Future Engineers, Designers, and Creatives Unite! Have you ever seen a 3-D printer in action? We are sure these are the "droids" you are looking for. Who needs a Light Saber when you can cut with a Laser! Come check out our Engineering Student Design Center in 1500 Bainer Hall (access from the East side of the Bainer North wing).
Fire Station
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am-1:00pm
Join us for a tour of the UC Davis Fire Station #34, meet our Campus Firefighters and join in some activities that Firefighters do every day - like putting on turnouts and using a fire hose. You can even watch a Student Resident Firefighter use the station pole! We are located at 625 Kleiber Hall Drive.
CANCELLED (4/22/26)
Goat Barn
Due to temporary heightened biosecurity measures and an influx of goat kids at a critical developmental stage, the Goat Facility is cancelling its events for this year. They hope and plan to participate again in 2027.
Ages 4+; Lottery Events; 10:00am & 11:00am; total capacity 12 eachBring your kids to meet our kids! Visit the Goat Barn for a goat milking demonstration, brief tour, and the chance to meet goat kids. Lottery Notification Required.
Gorman Museum of Native American Art
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am-5:00pm
The exhibition features photographic and multimedia artworks by award-winning artist Shelley Niro. Niro is widely known for her ability to explore traditional stories, transgress boundaries and embody the ethos of her matriarchal culture. A member of the Kanyen’kehaka (Mohawk) Nation, she uses a wide variety of media, including photography, installation, film and painting, to bring greater visibility to Indigenous women and girls. Visit the Gorman Museum's website for more information about the art on view. Located at 181 Old Davis Road.
Manetti Shrem Museum
All Ages; Open House; 10:00am-5:00pm
Get a peek behind the scenes at works of art in the UC Davis Fine Arts Collection as they go through the digitization laboratory, and discover found and discarded objects in experimental sculptures by Sahar Khoury that speak to familial and cultural ties across time.
Visit the Manetti Shrem Museum’s website for more information about art on view and for opportunities to make art together on Saturdays.
Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology
Ages 6+; Lottery Events; 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am & 12:00pm; total capacity 10 each
How do scientists’ study wild animals and conservation issues? Visit the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology and take a tour of the Museum of Wildlife and Fish Biology! Get a sneak peek at the research collections of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. You’ll see real specimens (study skins, fluid-preserved, eggs, nests, and skeletons) of species that occur around the world. Lottery Notification Required.
Music Department
All Ages; Open Concert; 12:00pm-1:00pm
Join the Music Department for a fun concert perfect for families in the Recital Hall in Pitzer Center! "Stick and Bow" combines cello and percussion in a lively performance featuring music from Radiohead, System of a Down, Nina Simone, and more. For more information about the program, please visit the Department of Music website.
One Health Institute
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am-2:00pm
Come join us in the Vet Med 3B Lobby to learn more about the different programs within the One Health Institute. Kids will get a chance to “travel” from one table to another and learn about exciting science through hands-on activities such as learning about how southern sea otters stay warm in cold waters, an up-close look at bird feather structure and how oil disrupts this structure, and helping take care of animals in disasters such as wildfires and floods. Additionally, discover how climate change impacts these ecosystems and what we can do to mitigate its effects. Engage in interactive sessions that highlight the importance of sustainability and conservation in protecting our planet for future generations.
Police Department
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am-1:00pm
Come visit the UC Davis Police Department and enjoy some popcorn, games, and fun activities! Get a chance to meet our therapy k9’s Leia and Cali, sit inside of the patrol car and meet our officers. Take home some fun giveaways such as stickers, shirts, fingerprinting kit, coloring books, and light up bracelets! We are located at 625 Kleiber Hall Drive.
Rats in Research
Ages 8+; Lottery Events; 2:00pm & 3:00pm; total capacity 8 each
Working with rats is fun. They enjoy a nice massage while being handled. Rats have helped us study many diseases and treatments which have helped people and other animals live longer and healthier lives. Come to rat handling class to learn ways to work with rats that make them more comfortable and provide them with the best care we can so they can help us find cures and treatments for many diseases. Lottery Notification Required.
Residential Dining
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am-2:00pm
Have lunch like a student! TOC participants are invited to have lunch at one of the Dining Halls—they’re not like they used to be; they resemble a really cool food court now. Special for TOC day, kids up to age 13 can get a $2.00 lunch. The discount coupon will be emailed (to those who are registered for TOC by Friday, April 17th), and is now available to be downloaded from this listing. It can be presented at the check stand for the discount. Lunch will be available at all three dining rooms – Segundo, Tercero, and Cuarto. The menu features all you care to eat soup and salad bar, grill items, entrees, and desserts.
Sheep Barn
All Ages; Lottery Events; 9:00am & 10:00am; total capacity 25 each
Come and tour both of our sheep barns, learn how we operate and how we are involved with not only the Animal Science Department but with other entities on campus. We will end the tour in the lambing barn, where you can visit with the spring born baby lambs. Lottery Notification Required.
Shields Library
Ages 8+; Lottery Event; 12:45pm; capacity 10 kids
Make your own zine UC Davis memory-book! We’ll teach you how to make your own mini-book and provide everything you need to decorate it and fill it with fun photos of UC Davis. Use our polaroid camera to take a selfie as a finishing touch! Lottery Notification Required.
Student Farm and Ecological Garden
All Ages; Lottery Event; 1:30pm; total capacity 40
The UC Davis Student Farm is a 23-acre community where students create, maintain, and explore sustainable food systems. Join us for a scavenger hunt farm tour, vegetable tasting, crafts and more. Lottery Notification Required.
Student Housing
Ages 13+; Lottery Events; 10:00am, 10:30am & 11:00am; capacity 10 kids each
Don’t miss this opportunity to see our Show Room in the Tercero Residence Halls. In addition, you will visit the Tercero Package Center and visit the Tercero Market ending the tour with a treat. Total experience approx. 25 minutes. Lottery Notification Required.
Student Recruitment and Retention Center
All Ages; Open House; 11:00am-3:00pm
Join the Student Recruitment and Retention Center for a joy-centered time in co-creating healthy futures through creative wellness! We'll be hosting a variety of tables with DIY self-guided nature-inspired crafts: wildflower seed besos [not bombs], recycled artmaking, leaf prints, and rock painting! Get to know the amazing students who make our center run; drop in anytime between 11am-3pm for some fun! We are located on the first floor of the Student Community Center!
Swine Barn
All Ages; Lottery Event; 10:00am; total capacity 40
Come visit and tour the UC Davis Swine Facility! For over 20 years, the UC Davis Swine facility has been the premier collegiate swine facility in California for student learning and research. Our herd consists of 65 sows with all aspects of production: farrowing, nursery, finisher, and gestation. While our main purpose is to facilitate teaching and research, we also have other niche markets in the community as well. Lottery Notification Required.
Tiny World of Microscopes
Ages 6+; Open House; 9:00am-12:00pm
Come see what a scientist sees when they peer into the eyepieces of a microscope. Look at microscopic organisms that swim around on the slide with a compound microscope. Admire the detailed surfaces of insects, plants, and everyday items with a stereo microscope. Microscope Services staff and assistants will be available to discuss the different types of rental microscopes that we offer for teaching, research, and clinical applications.
Come find us inside the campus Scientific Store at 650 La Rue Rd, south of the Tercero Residence Halls and Visitor Parking Lot 47.
We’ll have an assortment of specimens to look at, including live insects! Visitors are welcome to bring items from home to look at up-close. Special Opportunity to purchase microscopes and accessories will be available during this Open House.
Unitrans
Ages 5+; Lottery Event; 11:00am; total capacity 40
Tour the Unitrans Maintenance Facility and go for a ride on one of the busses! See how those great London buses make the University GO! Lottery Notification Required.
University Credit Union
All Ages; Open House; 9:00am-2:00pm
Stop by for some credit union financial tips as well as some goodies to take home. We are located on the 2nd floor of the Memorial Union.
Veterinary Genetics Lab
Ages 9+; Lottery Event; 10:00am; capacity 16 kids
Are you interested in genetics? Have you ever wondered what DNA looks like? Come talk to the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory team to learn about animal genetics and how genetic testing can improve animal health. After a short discussion, you will get a chance to isolate and look at DNA from strawberries! Lottery Notification Required.
Vet Med: Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology
Ages 7+; Lottery Events; 10:00am & 11:00am; capacity 15 kids each
Come meet Chonk the Axolotl! Discover these amazing and adorable animals that you may have seen in Pokémon and Minecraft and learn about how they are helping researchers understand stem cells and regeneration. Spend some time creating your own axolotl art and crafts to take home. Lottery Notification Required.
Vet Med Teaching Hospital
Ages 10+; Lottery Event; 11:00am; total capacity 12
The tour of the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital includes both the small and large animal clinics and will give you an opportunity to see the workings of an animal hospital. You won’t see many animals, however, because they are being treated for an illness. Total experience approx one and a half hours. Lottery Notification Required.
Youth Programs
All Ages, Open House; 11:00am-12:00pm
Join Youth Programs in making colorful sand jars at the Rec Pool Courtyard, located near parking lot 30. We recommend children wear appropriate clothing for crafting.