On June 23, campus came alive with the energy of future Bobcats as Texas State faculty and staff celebrated Bring a Kid to TXST Day. Designed for children ages 5 to 15, the annual event gave employees the chance to share their workplace with the next generation through a day of exploration, hands-on activities, and unforgettable moments.
Participants followed rotating schedules that allowed each group to experience different parts of campus. Some toured the Student Recreation Center, where kids got a glimpse of the basketball courts, pools, weight rooms, and the impressive rock climbing wall. Others explored the world of emerging technology during the AlkekOne tour, where they encountered 3D printers, immersive reality tools, and digital design labs, getting a peek into the university’s innovative learning spaces.
The Career Services tour offered a fun and professional experience. Kids had the opportunity to try on blazers and take a headshot in the Iris photo booth, giving them a playful look at career readiness while stepping into a space typically reserved for college students.
One of the most anticipated stops of the day was the glass-bottom boat tour at the Meadows Center. With limited seating, the boat tour was offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups who didn’t ride the boat were treated to a visit to the UFCU Stadium, where all participants got to meet Boko and take photos with our mascot and TXST Strutters. While waiting for their buses, one group of kids played an impromptu game of hide-and-seek with Boko, adding an unexpected layer of fun and energy to the day.
In between tours, activity stations offered space for creativity and expression. Kids stuffed their own Boko plush toys, designed friendship bracelets, added drawings to the “Leave Your Pawprint” wall, and colored TXST-themed pages. These hands-on moments balanced out the day’s tours and gave participants a chance to create something uniquely theirs.
Bring a Kid to TXST Day was made possible thanks to the collaboration of departments across campus. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to Chartwells, Texas State Athletics, Campus Recreation, LBJ Student Center & Event Services, Meadows Center, Career Services, AlkekOne, TXST Welcome Center, and TransDev for helping bring this experience to life.
More than just a fun day on campus, this event sparked curiosity, encouraged creativity, and helped the next generation feel connected to the university their loved ones call home. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make it a day to remember.