UT Students Embrace “Children’s Day” on the Main Mall

By Nicholas Pantaleoni

Reporting Texas

UT Students at the Main Mall for Children’s Day Nicholas Pantaleoni/Reporting Texas

Finals may be around the corner but on the main mall it looked more like recess than review week. 

Students gathered around the University of Texas tower for Children’s Day, an event centered around unleashing students’ inner child. Aside from an inflatable obstacle course, organizers provided cotton candy and gift bags with throwback snacks in an effort to give students a breather before finals.

“They have it every single year,” said Robert Martinez, chair of Texas Traditions. “It’s close to finals time, and they just want people to destress and have fun.” 

The event was a joint effort by the Recreation Committee and Mosaic of the Americas and was open to all students, many of whom found the event by surprise. 

“I was just walking by after class and saw people with cotton candy and music,” said Mehul Kudugula, who made a pit stop before a 6 p.m. exam. “I just wanted to get some food.” 

The food, which included nachos, Capri Sun juice packs and Ring Pops, triggered nostalgia for some UT students. 

“They gave us a ring pop,” said Aaron Drew, a student attendee. “I haven’t seen those in, like, 10 years. It’s definitely helping me embrace my inner child.”

Though the event may have felt like a throwback to recess, it was intentionally designed for college students in need of a mental health break. 

“Considering we’re about a week or so from finals, this is sort of perfect,” said Shawn Ghulam, a volunteer with University of Texas Events + Entertainment (UT E+E). “It’s kind of like a pop-up fun zone for students before things get stressful.”

While Children’s Day has wrapped up, one more event is planned at the end of the semester. Chillfest, another E+E event focused on helping students unwind, is scheduled for April 28 at the Union.