ijas Group Activities (must register in advance through ijas)
***NOTE: These Saturday afternoon activities are coordinated through IJAS, and are available by reservation only through the IJAS app.***
Staerkel Planetarium at Parkland College
Address: 2400 W. Bradley Ave, Champaign - 50 tickets ($5/ticket) reserved for 2:00 show with a short Q&A following the show. Registration Link
Description: This show in the planetarium’s dome is called Unveiling the Invisible Universe. Humans have long observed light coming from the night sky, and the invention of the telescope revolutionized our knowledge of the universe. Rockets allow us to go above Earth’s atmosphere and observe x-ray and gamma radiation which are marks of the hot and violent universe. Aside from light, neutrinos and cosmic rays also provide vital information about the cosmos. Finally, the detection of gravitational waves from two merging black holes opened a new window in astrophysics. This video presents images of the cosmos as revealed by all these different messengers. A brief Q&A session will follow the show. Attendees must use personal transportation.
Prairie Fruits Farm and Creamery
Address: 4410 N. Lincoln Ave, Urbana
Description: An award- winning working goat farm with animal interaction and viewing of the process to make cheese and gelato.
Attendees must use personal transportation
Spurlock Museum
Address: 600 S. Gregory St, Urbana - Two tours with 30 people in each ($5/ticket): 1:00 & 2:00 P.M.
Description: Through this tour, visitors will view the Museum’s 5 permanent galleries and critically engage at minimum one specific artifact within each gallery, selected and highlighted by a gallery guide. Time can also be allotted for guests to explore any current temporary exhibits. Bus Route from Union area: 2/20 Red, 12/120 Teal
Registration Link for 1:00 tour
Registration Link for 2:00 tour
University Pollinatarium
Address: 606 W. Windsor Rd, Urbana
Description: Discovery science center devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators.
Attendees must use personal transportation
Individual Activities (no registration required)
Looking for some fun during your down-time? Whether you're bouncing into action at Elevate Trampoline Park, vibing under a canopy of art at the Krannert Art Museum, hitting the rink at Skateland, or challenging your friends to an epic laser tag battle, there's no shortage of excitement in Champaign-Urbana!
CU Adventures in Time & Space
Address: 302 N. Broadway Ave, Urbana - Reserve in advance using this form
Description: An award-winning escape room center with theatrical immersive experiences.
Bus Route from Union area: 5/50 Green, 10 Gold, 13/130 Silver
Elevate Trampoline Park
Address: 707 N. Country Fair Dr, Champaign - Reserve online or pay at the door
Description: Wall-to-wall trampolines with a zip line, dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, and an open jumping area.
Bus Route from Union area: 5 Greenhopper/50 Green
Illini Union Rec Room
Address: 1401 W. Green St, Urbana - Reserve in advance using this form
Description: Bowling, billiards, air hockey, and arcade games.
Bus Route from Union area: None needed - this activity is located in the basement of the Illini Union.
Jupiter’s at the Crossing
Address: 2511 Village Green Pl, Champaign - Pay at the door
Description: Pizza restaurant with an arcade downstairs.
Bus Route from Union area: 5 Green, 14 Navy
Krannert Art Museum
Address: 500 E. Peabody Dr, Champaign - Free self-tours offered, no reservations required
Description: Museum featuring art exhibits that use a variety of media.
Bus Route from Union area: 4 Blue, 8 Bronze, 9 Brown, 14 Navy, 21 Raven, 22/220 Illini, 24 Link
Old Orchard Lanes & Links
Address: 901 N. Dunlap Ave, Savoy - Pay at the door
Description: Bowling alley and outdoor mini-golf course.
Bus Route from Union area: 1/100 Yellow
SAVOY 16 IMAX WITH LASER
Address: 232 Burwash Ave., Savoy - Pay at the door or online
Description: Immersive moviegoing experience with an IMAX auditorium and premium reclining seats.
Bus Route from Union area: 1/100 Yellow
Skateland
Address: 208 Curtis Rd, Savoy - Friday public open night 7:00–10:00 P.M. (pay at the door)
Description: Open skating area, laser tag and arcade games; skates available to rent if desired.
Bus Route from Union area: 1/100 Yellow
The Pottery Place
Address: 1808 Round Barn Rd, Champaign - Pay at the door
Description: Art studio featuring a ‘paint your own pottery’ theme.
Bus Route from Union area: 4 Blue, 5/50 Green, 9 Brown
The Studio at Champaign Public Library
Address: 200 W. Green St, Champaign free - No reservations required
Description: Makerspace (3D printers, sewing machines, cricut machines, laser cutters), recording booths, computer lab, and video gaming.
Bus Route from Union area: 5/50 Green
University Arboretum & Japan House
Address: 2001 S. Lincoln Ave, Urbana - Free, no reservations required
Description: Walking path through a botanical garden and Japanese cultural center.
Bus Route from Union area: 12/120 Teal, 21 Raven, 13 Silver
Urbana Boulders
Address: 1502 N Cunningham Ave, Urbana - Pay at the door
Description: Variety of rock climbing walls and climbing courses suitable for any skill level.
Bus Route from Union area: 10 Gold
DINE OUT!
From comfort food to international flavors, Champaign-Urbana has something for every craving (plus vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options!).
Experience our award-winning culinary scene
Watson’s Shack & Rail serves up legendary Nashville hot chicken and indulgent comfort food (pro tip: go for the chicken and waffles!). Craving a great burger? Farren’s, Smith Burger Co., and The Space all offer can’t-miss selections. If sliders and shareable bites are more your thing, Seven Saints and Aspen Tap House is the place to go.
Pizza lovers have options, too! Try your hand at bowling and some of the best wood-fire pizza at Old Orchard Lanes & Links. Pizzeria Antica specializes in authentic Neapolitan-style pizza made according to legit Italian rules and regulations, while Jupiter’s serves up thin-crust pies with creative toppings—perfect for large crowds as you challenge your friends at the arcade!
Take your taste buds on a world tour with Laotian and Thai cuisine at Sticky Rice, Zambian fare at Stango Cuisine, Indian comfort food at Kohinoor, fresh soul food at Neil Street Blues, authentic Mexican at Maize Mexican Grill, Carolina-style barbecue at Black Dog Smoke & Ale House and Po'Boys Restaurant, and Japanese fusion at Tenkyu.
Need a pick-me-up? Mad Goat Coffee serves up serious brews, while Suzu’s Bakery offers delectable Japanese pastries. For breakfast, Industrial Donut will whisk you away with hundreds of doughnut, icing, and topping combinations. Other great options: Big Grove Tavern, Martinelli’s Market, La Bahi?a Grill, Himalayan Chimney.
Events in the Champaign-Urbana Area
More events to be added soon!
Free Comic Book Day at the Champaign Public Library
Address: 200 W. Green St., Champaign
When: Saturday, May 3, 9:00–6:00 P.M.
Public Ice Skating at UI Ice Arena
Address: 406 E Armory Ave, Champaign - Optional: Public Skate Group Reservation Form
When: Friday, May 2, 7:30–9:30 P.M. | Saturday, May 3, 1:30–4:00 P.M.
helpful links & RESOURCES
Hotel Blocks - Click Here
IJAS Main Page - Click Here