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Johnson Student Recreation Center Open to Families

Families are welcome to tour UK’s state-of-the-art recreation facility, which features a climbing wall, multi-purpose gymnasium, four-lane elevated jogging track, aerobics studios, racquetball courts, and more. Families are invited to work out with their students (valid UK student ID required; guests must be at least 14 years old and show a photo ID).   

Alumni Gym Open to Families

The historic Alumni Gym, located adjacent to the Gatton Student Center on Avenue of Champions, is a state-of-the-art fitness center designed to provide choices and opportunities for healthy living. The appealing‚ open environment encourages participation and development of a healthy lifestyle. It is a great place to gather‚ make new friends‚ and take a positive step towards lifelong health and fitness habits. Families are invited to work out with their students (valid UK student ID required; guests must be at least 14 years old and show a photo ID). 

Movie on Main: Lightyear

Experience a night under the stars at the Family Weekend outdoor movie, Lightyear, co-sponsored by Student Organizations and Activities and the Parent and Family Association. Kona Ice provided. Limited chairs and picnic blankets will be provided for ground seating. If you would prefer to bring your own chairs, you are welcome to set them up behind the blankets. Free for all students and guests. Family Weekend registration NOT required to attend.   

MacAdam Student Observatory

Take a tour of the $1 million MacAdam Student Observatory. Families will have a chance to gaze at stars and planets through the observatory’s robotic 20” telescope (weather permitting). Images of galaxies, star clusters, and nebulae (taken from the center of a city of 200,000+), along with information about our outreach programs can be found at www.pa.uky.edu/observatory. Free for all students and guests. Family Weekend registration NOT required. 

ThinkFast Trivia

Join in with your family and friends for this interactive trivia competition to win cash prizes and UK swag! Limited seating and number of teams available; first-come, first-served. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Family Weekend registration and wristbands required. Register for Family Weekend at go.uky.edu/FWRegistration. 

Circus Club Demonstration

Drop in to Buell Armory in Barker Hall, next door to the Gatton Student Center, to check out the talented members of UK’s Circus Club as they demonstrate their skills in tumbling and aerial silks. Free for all students and guests. Family Weekend registration NOT required to participate. 

Welcome Reception

All UK families of undergraduate students are invited to start Family Weekend off right at the Family Weekend Welcome Reception! Enjoy refreshments, music, and giveaways. Take a family photo in one of our photo booths, and learn more about resources available to your students. The Cornerstone Parking Garage on S. Limestone St. and most E lots will be open during this event.  Family Weekend registration and wristbands required. Register for Family Weekend at go.uky.edu/FWRegistration. 

Big Blue Pantry Food Drive

Help support students in need – donate to the Big Blue Pantry! The Big Blue Pantry serves UK students experiencing food insecurity by distributing non-perishable food items. Bring a canned good, a jar of peanut butter, or a monetary donation for the Big Blue Pantry to the Family Weekend Welcome Reception. For more information about the Big Blue Pantry, visit www.uky.edu/concern/big-blue-pantry.

Check-in

All Family Weekend registrants must check in for Family Weekend to receive important schedule information, event entry wristbands, and other swag items. If you do not think you will arrive to campus in time for check-in, send your student by to pick up your Family Weekend Check-in packet.  Registrants must wear Family Weekend event wristbands for entry to all Parent and Family Association-hosted events. T-shirts will not be given out during check-in. They will be available only during the Family Weekend Tent Party. 

UK Visitor Center

During Family Weekend, stop by the Visitor Center to get information about campus and Lexington. All are welcome to take a guided tour while visiting campus, but reservations for tours are required. Call 859-257-3595 or visit www.uky.edu/VisitorCenter for a tour schedule and more information.