California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
add photos10 Reviews for California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly)
37
6
'11, '12
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"A Little List"
My husband and I both went to school here. We absolutely love the place. Here's a list of some things to do. I'll add more as i think of them!
*The botanical gardens are beautiful! Bring a picnic and let the kids run on the large lawn area.
*They have a U Pick farm with seasonal fruits
*Smile and Nod is a comical improv group on campus. They have shows every weekend (best for the 16 and up crowd)
*There are many family friendly shows at the PAC (Performing Arts Center) year round
*Cal Poly has a great rodeo...yeehaw!
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"Poly Canyon"
Working with a summer camp we took about 30 kids out there (Campers ages 5-12, Assistant campers ages 13-17). We got droped off and began our little hike. Being in the front of the line I was able to stop the children and tell them to be quiet when a wild animal was seen, mainly deer we saw about 3 of them, and tons of squirrels. After hiking on the road, fire access road and bike path, you will come across a trail head that leads to different structures that Poly Students have created. Some are very unique, some you can go into. Be warned if you do go into some there are graffiti and garbage inside, but still look very neat. There is a set of bathrooms around the structures but they are not very good at all. I think some Port-a-potties are better.
I would advise you to stay on the trails since it is out in nature. And check for ticks after wards since there is tall grass..
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"Dairy unit is way overrated"
The idea of seeing a bunch of cows getting milked sounds really cool. But, it really isn't all that great for young kids. First off, when you get to the Dairy Unit, it smells like cows. No surprise, but still, not very pleasant. Then, when you watch the cows getting milked, all you are really seeing is people hooking up the cows to the milking machines. It's all very industrial. Plus, you have to view it from the 2nd floor looking down on the entire operation. Personally, I'd rather watch something on the Discovery Channel.
One disturbing thing that I saw was a drooling cow walking away from the milking area with an extremely bloated udder that was so big that it was hanging close to the ground. I would think that they would try to put this cow on the milking machine for longer. Or, if there was something else wrong with it, then maybe it shouldn't be milked with all the others so as to contaminate all the milk. Made me want to avoid all dairy products. Too bad ice cream is too delicious...
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"Actually A Lot To Do!"
Cal Poly has so many family things to do that you could spend a few days just exploring the campus! Some of the fun things: Garden's galore, a botanical garden, bowling alley and arcade area, yogurt parlor, small waterfall, rodeos (seasonal), cow barn, sporting events (seasonal), hiking trails, the Performing Arts Center, and more. Check out the events calendar online at http://calpolynews.calpoly.edu/eventsindex.html for specific events.
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"Great School"
This is a great school with caring teachers and staff. The college is on a hilly campus, so be prepared for hiking in between classes. A bowling ally and other fun attractions await students in the quad.
A full fledge health center is also available to students on the campus. Newly built dorms make staying on campus a great option for new students.
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"good school "
I currently go to school here. Very nice school. Lots of fun stuff to do. Interesting products to buy, made right at the school. Can buy meat, chocolate, fruits and veges, ice cream. Good grassy areas to let the kids run or play ball/frisbee. My Son LOVES when I take him up. There is hiking areas, there is play areas, there is plenty of things to eat. Overall the people are nice (tho some college students are against kids but that's anywhere) There are plenty of trees to climb, or like someone said before areas with scruptures from arch design to play on and look at. Art galleries, Different gardens. I am still finding new stuff to look at and do and I have been there for 3 years.
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"Cow barn"
We visited the cow barn one spring with our parent participation class. You can see all the cows outside and you can see how they are milked. If you go between 3-6 am or 3-6 pm you can see the cows on the milk machines. I was told that if there were calfs you could feed them a bottle (although I heard it is very difficult and probably not for the younger ones- maybe school age). Nearby is also the horse stable where you can feed them carrots. I don't remember the name but across the street from the horses is like a botanical garden. It is really pretty and a great place to rest and have a picnic.
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"Actually a really fun place for kids"
When you are trying to think of places to go with kids, a University does not usually come to mind. But, Cal Poly actually has lots of things your kids will enjoy. Our kids love Design Village in Poly Canyon the most. The Canyon is back behind Poly Canyon Village dorms. You can park there and walk the 1 mile dirt road to Design Village. There you will find where all sorts of funky structures built by architecture students of the past. In the main part of campus you will find a waterfall, rose garden, cactus garden, and more. In Spring, have fun at Cal Poly's Open House.
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"Fun with the Family"
Located on more than 6,000 acres at the base of the Santa Lucia Mountain range, Cal Poly is renowned for its agribusiness department and the West’s largest schools of engineering and architecture. Visitors and families are always welcome. Hike into Poly Canyon to see experimental architecture and construction or visit the Leaning Pine Arboretum or the Shakespeare Press Museum. Kids of all ages will want to check out the Dairy Unit, where you can buy fresh-made ice cream and other dairy products at the campus store. Yum!
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"Go see "Cow Poly""
You can go to the very high tech dairy and watch milking taking place before your very eyes. You can wander around a very cool arboretum and visit the horses. My kids, neices and nephew were in the right place at the right time and got to bottle feed the new calves. They got a kick out of that. At the campus store, they sell many items that are made on campus by students--from chocolates to cheese to ollalliberry jam. I made that when I was a student there many years ago! :) You can also go see a show at the new Performing Arts Center, or check out a soccer or football game. In April, they have a huge open house with many booths and exhibits that kids might enjoy.
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