~# 2026 Hak4Kidz Activities

Last few activities are being finalized. Check back regularly:

~# Back from 2025!!

• jrCTF: The classic Capture The Flag competition - don't forget your laptop!
• Hacker Escape Room: Bonus CTF points for fastest team!
• Fox Pick Lock Picking: Challenge your skills with Felix the fox in this devious lock-picking adventure.
• Locksport: brought to you by Chicago TOOOL! Introduction to ethical lock-picking for sport only.
• Hardware Hacking Station: Open soldering stations for all skill levels, with a take-home kit for each participant.
• Meshtastic: Learn about open mesh networks and how to use one sending messages.
• Technology Destruction Village: Safely dismantle old electronics - a hands-on approach to understanding hardware.
• Robotics: Build and innovate with Lego Robots, where engineering skills meet fun.
• Snap Circuits: Dive into engineering with the award-winning Snap Circuits by Elenco.
• SpyMath: New challenges in cryptography and steganography – secrets hidden in math.
• Patch it!: Learn how to make a CAT6 network patch cable.
• LittleBits: Easy-to-use, magnetic electronic building blocks that snap together to create circuits, allowing prototyping and building without soldering or wiring.
• Workshops: Twos to choingse from – ingquire a laptop with internet access.

~# New Activity for 2025

• STEHM: An activity station devoted to Science, Technology, Engineering, Hacking and Math learning. This year...bridging time!

~# 2026 Workshops Are Compiled

Workshops will run 90 minutes. A morning session and afternoon session.

IMPORTANT Your kids must be registered for the main Hak4Kidz conference, as well as, the Workshop(s), or the Workshop registration will be given to someone waitlisted and no refunds are available. Sorry if this sounds heavy handed, but we are attempting to avoid problems we've had in years past.

When registering, avoid scheduling conflicts by selecting only 1 morning or 1 afternoon workshop where applicable. The time of day will be specified on the Eventbrite registration page for that workshop.

Registration is ** OPEN ** for all workshops.

Step 1: Event Registration - see the button above to register.

Step 2: Workshop Registration - Links are sent in main event confirmation email.

~# WORKSHOP: Automated Nerf Grame

Instructors: Nathaniel and Andrei

Please register for either the AM or PM session. This workshop is scheduled to be completed within 2 hours.

Get tickets for the main conference to register for this Workshop.

~## Synopsis

If you read the news lately, everything is getting automated these days. And now, you can too! Automate your Nerf game. We've got a few of these Nerf-style turrets wired up and need you to make them go!

Sounds complicated but it's not, there is an "aim down sights" webcam and a laser pointer to help you out. We've taken care of all the boring stuff like power and firmware, all you have to do throw down some code that spins up the motors and shoots at something. Such as a these convenient targets that someone helpfully set up in front of your turret. Use your browser, provide your own IDE or use one of our online instances. Your code downloads automatically to the machine when your turn starts. There is a joystick too, already setup, that you can use for manual or semi-automatic control. The most targets hit in the least time wins!

Keywords: Nerf, IOT, embedded, motor control, eye protection, fun!

~## Workshop Requirements

Bring Your Own Laptop Meeting the following Criteria:

• Please be at least 9 years old to participate.
• Able to install software on a Windows or MacOS Laptop
• No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and explore.
• A laptop PC or Mac able to connect to the Internet.

~# WORKSHOP: Web Warrior Workshop

Instructor: Alec

Please register for either the AM or PM session. This workshop is scheduled to be completed within 2 hours.

Get tickets for the main conference to register for this Workshop.

~## Synopsis

This condensed course introduces the basics of web penetration testing, teaching kids how to identify and fix security vulnerabilities in a controlled and ethical manner. Participants will engage in hands-on activities under the guidance of a professional cybersecurity expert, learning the fundamentals of web security, and preventive strategies. The workshop emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and interactive setting.

~## Workshop Requirements

• Please be at least 10 years old to participate.
• Able to install software on a Windows or MacOS Laptop
• No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and explore.
• A laptop PC or Mac able to connect to the Internet.