6/9/26 HFS Staff #HuskyHome #Dining #Perks & Rec

Staying on campus during summer break or just visiting and not sure what to do beyond walking around campus or stopping by Suzzallo Library? From bowling and paddleboarding to museums and picnics on the grass, read on to discover all the activities waiting for you right here on the UW campus.

1.  Paddleboard, Kayak and Canoe at the WAC

   

   The Waterfront Activities Center (WAC) is a waterfront hub on the edge of Portage Bay that offers easy access to kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding for both UW students and the public. With rentals available right on site, you can paddle through Lake Union and enjoy views of Husky Stadium, the Montlake Cut and the Seattle skyline.

2.  Eat and Bowl at the HUB

   

   The Husky Union Building (HUB) is a central campus hub where you can eat, relax and bowl all in one place. With a variety of dining options, it’s an easy spot to grab a quick meal or snack between activities, while the underground bowling lanes make it a fun and casual hangout with friends. If you're stopping by for food, games or just a break from being outside, the HUB brings together dining and entertainment right in the heart of campus.

3.  Take Aesthetic Campus Photo Walks

   

   Photo walks around UW campus are an easy way to explore and capture the beauty of summer on campus. From Red Square and Drumheller Fountain to the Quad and hidden corners throughout campus, there are photo spots everywhere you turn. With fewer crowds during summer, it’s easier to slow down and take your time moving through campus. Using a phone or camera, a casual photo walk is a simple way to experience familiar places in a new light and appreciate campus at a different pace.

4.  Visit the Burke Museum and Henry Art Gallery

   

   These are two must-visit museums on the UW’s campus. The Henry Art Gallery features rotating contemporary art exhibitions, showcasing modern and experimental works from artists around the world. Just steps away, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture highlights fossils, Indigenous art and Pacific Northwest history through interactive, open displays. Together, they offer an easy way to explore art, science and culture without leaving campus.

5.  Workout at Fitness Center West

   

   Looking to stay active this summer? From June 23 through September 4, faculty, staff, and non-resident students can access Fitness Center West with a Summer Pass. Passes are available for $100 for the entire summer or $50 per month. Summer residents living in HFS housing and conference guests receive complimentary access. To purchase a Summer Pass, visit Fitness Center West and sign up in person.

6.  Explore U-District

   

   Now is the time to explore U-District with fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace. Grab a matcha or boba, browse thrift shops and bookstores along the Ave, or try something new from the wide range of international restaurants. The U-District is also a great place to study off campus, with plenty of cozy cafés and quiet corners that make it easy to switch up your routine.

7.  Visit the Washington Park Arboretum

   

   Did you know that the Washington Park Arboretum is jointly managed by UW and the City of Seattle? Just a short walk from the campus, wander through the collections of trees and plants and stroll along waterfront paths while enjoying the views of the seasonal blooms throughout the summer. Admission is free, making it an easy and budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon outdoors.

8. Explore the Eastside by Link Light Rail

   

   Looking for an easy summer adventure beyond campus? Thanks to the connection between Link light rail's 1 Line and 2 Line, getting from UW to the Eastside is easier than ever. Hop on the train and cross Lake Washington to reach Downtown Bellevue or Downtown Redmond. Whether you’re shopping, checking out a newly opened café, exploring local parks or simply looking for a change of scenery, the Eastside is now just a train ride away.