Daytime Fun & Networking

In addition to core technical and academic programming, AEESP2025 offers a selection of optional daytime activities designed to foster informal networking and provide a change of pace. Attendees are welcome to explore these sights on Duke’s campus, engage in wellness-focused experiences, and connect with peers in a relaxed environment.

All activities are open and free for conference participants. While no registration is required, please note that some have limited capacity and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guided Activities

Fun Run/Walk through the Duke Forest Trail

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 7:15am-8:15am | Duke Forest

Hosted by Mike Bergin (Duke), join us for a run or walk through the Duke Forest Al Buehler trail – a 3-mile loop on the gravel trail around Duke University Golf Course. The trail is rated ‘moderate’ challenge level.

Want a shorter option?  The Meyeroff exercise loop offers a 2-mile option.

Meet at the bus stop in front of the parking garage on Science Dr, near the JB Duke Hotel.

Duke Chapel Tower Climb

Wednesday and Thursday | Sessions at 10:30 AM & 11:00 AM | Duke Chapel

Reaching up to the sky at the center of West Campus, the Duke Chapel tower is 239 steps to the top of the tower, where the viewing platform allows climbers to look out over West Campus, Durham, and beyond. This climb is challenging; please read this waiver before arrival to be sure this is the activity for you.  Arrive at the Chapel lobby 10 minutes before the climb begins. Tours are first come, first served.  Capacity: 15 per session

Mindful Painting

Wednesday | 10:00–11:00 AM | Duke Student Wellness Center, 1st Floor

Mindful painting is a practice that focuses on the process of creating art rather than the outcome, encouraging relaxation, self-expression, and connection with the present moment.  Embrace the freedom of the creative flow and find peace within the act of painting.  No prior experience is needed.  Attendance is on a first come, first served basis.  Capacity:  40

Drum Circle

Wednesday | 3:00–4:00 PM | Duke Student Wellness Center, 1st Floor

Participants engage in musical exploration to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves.  Drumming significantly improves physical, emotional, mental health and wellness. The beat of the drums helps to ground the individual’s thoughts and decrease feelings of stress and anxiety.  No prior experience is needed. Attendance is on a first come, first served basis.  Capacity:  49

Restorative Yoga

Thursday | 10:00–11:00 AM | Duke Student Wellness Center, 1st Floor

Restorative yoga is a class focused on relaxation and stress management through restful poses, controlled breathing, and deep relaxation. No prior experience is needed.  Attendance is on a first come, first served basis.  Capacity: 30

Oasis Space

Thursday | 3:00-5:00 PMI | Duke Student Wellness Center, 1st Floor

Retreat from the hustle and bustle in the Oasis Space. This environmental wellness space offers opportunities to disconnect and recharge by using each of the five senses. You’ll find massage chairs, singing bowls, coloring books, aromatherapy, and more. Adjacent to the space is a meditative garden that provides seating for relaxation, a labyrinth for walking meditation, and a peaceful place for those seeking rejuvenation. Capacity: 25

Self-Guided On-Campus Activities

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Entrance on Flowers Drive

Open daily, 8AM to dusk

Explore 55 acres of curated gardens, native plant collections, and peaceful walking paths. Note: Pedestrian entry recommended via Flowers Drive due to construction.
Visit the Gardens | Map

Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

2001 Campus Drive, Durham

Open daily,10AM – 5PM

Duke’s art museum showcases a groundbreaking collection of contemporary art, with a strong focus on amplifying the voices of historically underrepresented artists.  A ~20-minute walk from the Duke Chapel or a 3-minute ride on the C1 East-West Bus.

Note: Outdoor garden under renovation. 

Visit the Nasher | Map

Exhibits at Duke University Libraries
Perkins and Rubenstein Libraries, West Campus
Open daily, 8AM – 6PM

Explore Explore a variety of engaging exhibits, including John Snow’s map of cholera around the Broad Street water pump (displayed in the Hubbard Case), “Duke, Durham, and the World of the 1920s-1930s,” Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick’s queer theory archive, the 65th anniversary of the Woolworth Sit-ins, 50 years of Jewish Studies at Duke, and environmental photography by Marion Belanger. Exhibits are located throughout the first and second floors and are open during regular library hours.
Learn more | Top 10 Library Spaces 

Duke Campus Self-Guided Tour

Daily | dawn to dusk | Abele Quad
The Duke Campus History Tour was developed as part of Duke’s Centennial Celebration to provide a deeper understanding of Duke’s history for the Duke community. Download the app on your phone for an engaging, informative self-guided tour of key moments and people in the history of Duke University and Trinity College. See this page to start your west campus tour.

Duke Reclamation Pond

Daily | dawn to dusk | Duke Pond

When an extreme drought strained the city of Durham’s utilities in 2010, Duke created a unique stormwater management pond to reduce its reliance on municipal water and to help conserve natural resources. The 5.5-acre pond sits on a 12-acre site that also provides a place for education, research, and recreation. Facilities include a pavilion, boardwalk, and a .6-mile walking path. Check out birds that frequent the pond here.

A Pond with Purpose | Map