Whether you're a proud Purdue alum introducing your kids to your old stomping grounds, or you're just looking for a fun and educational day out, Purdue University’s campus is the perfect place for a family adventure. Packed with hands-on fun, cool photo ops, and even a little relaxation for parents, here’s how to spend a day on campus that everyone in the family will enjoy.
🚗 First Stop: Purdue Memorial Union – The Heart of Campus
Kick off your day at the beautifully renovated Purdue Memorial Union, a central hub for students and visitors alike. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, plan your route, and soak up that Boilermaker energy.
🍽️ Family-Friendly Dining
Inside the Union, you'll find Purdue Memorial Union’s Atlas Family Marketplace, a food hall-style dining area with something for everyone, from pizza and burgers to healthier eats. Grab a table, fuel up, and get ready for a day of exploration!
🎮 Playtime at Boiler Game Mine
Tucked in the lower level of the Union, the Boiler Game Mine is a hidden gem. Boiler Game Mine is the premier esports and gaming facility at Purdue. It's the perfect place to let kids unwind and have fun, especially if the weather turns. The Boiler Game Mine offers a variety of gaming options and systems, including Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series S. The Boiler Game Mine accepts both walk-ins and reservations.
🎳 Strike Up Some Fun: Union Rack and Roll
Next door, head into Union Rack and Roll for a few family frames of bowling. With 10 bowling lanes that offer optional HyperBowling capabilities and four billiards
tables, it's a ton of fun. Don’t forget to check for weekend specials or Purdue-themed events!
🗺️ See the Giant Campus Map
Right in the Union, stop by the giant Purdue campus map, where kids can hunt for key landmarks, trace the route you’ll walk, and maybe even spot the building for the major they'd like to study someday.
💦 Fountain Fun: Loeb Fountain and Class of 1939 Water Sculpture
Just steps outside the Union, you’ll find the playful Loeb Fountain, a summer favorite for kids to splash and cool off. Nearby, the striking Class of 1939 Water Sculpture adds a beautiful and historic touch to the fountain area. Together, these water features create a fun and scenic spot for the whole family to enjoy. If the weather’s warm, let the kids kick off their shoes and enjoy a spontaneous "fountain run", splashing and walking through the water. Don’t forget towels or a change of clothes!
🛍️ Shop for Purdue Gear
Next, head into Purdue Team Store, University Bookstore, or Follett’s, all within easy walking distance. Let the kids pick out matching Purdue t-shirts, foam fingers, or even pint-sized jerseys. Bonus: It makes for great photos and souvenirs.
📸 Iconic Photo Ops
While you’re wandering campus, be sure to stop for pictures with some of Purdue’s most iconic statues:
- John Purdue: Snap a pic with the university's founder, seated just in Memorial Mall.
- Neil Armstrong: Visit the Neil Armstrong statue near the engineering fountain, a favorite among future astronauts and science fans!
- Unfinished Block “P” Sculpture: Located near Academy Park, this striking and symbolic structure is a favorite for both photos and reflection. It's a nod to the continuing growth and evolution of Purdue students and alumni.
- The Boilermaker Statue: Just outside Ross-Ade Stadium, this powerful tribute to Purdue’s spirit and grit is a must-visit for proud Boilermaker families — perfect for game day photos or simply showing your school pride!
- VOSS (Visiting Our Solar System): Ride your bike to Discovery Park and explore this engaging blend of art and science, featuring a creative showcase of our solar system.
- Gateway to the Future & State and Grant Street Gateway: Iconic Purdue landmarks that welcome visitors with stunning architecture and a true Boilermaker spirit.
🤖 Meet Starship, the Delivery Robots!
Keep an eye out for Purdue’s innovative Starship robots that buzz around campus delivering meals right to students and visitors. These friendly little bots glide quietly on sidewalks, navigating the campus and making dining even more fun to watch, especially for kids!
💆♀️ Bonus for Parents: Relax at the Union Spa
Parents can sneak away for a little self-care at The Spa at Union Club Hotel. From massages to facials and quick chair rubs, it’s a mini-retreat right in the middle of campus life. You’ve earned it!
🧁 Sweet Ending
Before you wrap up your day, grab a treat/dessert from Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Greyhouse Coffee, or another nearby café. Whether it's hot chocolate for the kids or an iced coffee for the grown-ups, it’s the perfect end to a memorable Purdue day.
Final Thoughts
From splashing in fountains to bowling and arcade games, plus spotting those adorable Starship delivery robots, Purdue’s campus is more than just a place of higher learning. It’s a space where families can bond, play, and make memories. So bring your Boilermaker spirit, your camera, and your sense of adventure — and get ready for a day your kids will talk about all year long!
