Family Weekend 2025: Complete Schedules, & Activities

Family Weekend 2025 is your opportunity to connect with your student, explore campus life, and participate in organized university events designed specifically for families.

This guide walks you through everything from how to register for Family Weekend to creating a personalized itinerary that maximizes your time on campus.

Whether you’re searching for your school’s family weekend schedule, need a family weekend packing list, or want to know if family weekend is worth it, you’ll find actionable answers here.

We’ve compiled registration steps, sample three-day itineraries, parking logistics, hotel recommendations, and student-hosting tips to help families plan stress-free visits across dozens of universities.

What Is Family Weekend? (And How It Differs from Homecoming)

Family Weekend is a campus-centered event when colleges invite families to visit students for organized activities, academic showcases, and social gatherings.

Universities design these weekends to introduce families to student life, campus resources, faculty, and the broader college community.

Typical Family Weekend events include:

• Campus tours and departmental open houses
• Meet-and-greets with faculty and academic advisors
• Student performances (theater, music, dance)
• Athletic events and tailgates
• Welcome receptions and family brunches
• Campus service fairs and student organization showcases

Parent Weekend vs. Homecoming: Many families wonder about the difference. Homecoming centers on alumni celebrations, larger public events, and often features parade traditions.

Family Weekend focuses specifically on current students and their families, with more intimate academic and student-life programming. Some schools combine both events, but most schedule them separately.

Family Weekend 2025 Dates by University

Planning starts with knowing your dates. Most colleges schedule family weekend activities between September and November, often coordinating with home football games or fall academic showcases.

Below you’ll find confirmed Family Weekend 2025 dates for major universities:

How to Register for Family Weekend 2025

Most universities require family weekend registration through an online portal. Early registration often unlocks discounted rates and guarantees access to popular limited-capacity events.

Registration Steps:

1. Visit Your School’s Family Weekend Portal: Search “[Your School] Family Weekend 2025” or check your student’s campus email for direct registration links.
2. Create or Log In to Your Account: Many schools use the same parent/family portal year-round. Confirm your login credentials early.
3. Select Your Package: Universities typically offer:
   • Individual guest badges (single-day or multi-day)
   • Family packages (2-4 guests, including meals and events)
   • Special event add-ons (tailgate tickets, athletic seating, evening performances)
4. Add Accommodation Requests: During checkout, indicate needs like:
   • ADA seating or accessible parking
   • Dietary restrictions for catered meals
   • Additional guest passes or child tickets
5. Pay and Save Confirmations: After purchasing family weekend tickets, save confirmation emails, download QR codes to your phone, and screenshot guest badge details.
6. Note Important Deadlines: Early-bird pricing often closes 2-4 weeks before the event. High-demand family weekend activities (like football tailgates) may sell out within hours.

Can’t Find a Portal? Contact your university’s Parent & Family Programs office or the Office of Student Affairs directly for family weekend registration instructions and payment options.

What to Do Beyond the Parent Weekend Schedule

Looking for ideas beyond your official family weekend events list? Here are activities that balance structured programming with flexible family time:

Free Family Weekend Activities:

• Campus walking tours (self-guided or university-led)
• Departmental open houses and lab demonstrations
• University art galleries and museum exhibits
• Student organization fairs
• Library tours and special collections viewing
• Outdoor campus scavenger hunts
• Athletic practice sessions (often open to visitors)

Interactive & Memorable Experiences:

• Attend a student performance (choir, dance, theater)
• Join a campus-led city walking tour
• Participate in hands-on science or engineering demos
• Visit the campus bookstore for family photo ops and gear shopping
• Explore dining halls to experience student meal plans
• Attend a lecture or a guest speaker event

For Sports-Focused Families:

• Tailgate parties (check registration requirements)
• Home football, basketball, or soccer games
• Intramural sports demonstrations
• Campus recreation center tours

Budget-Friendly Tips:

Many families ask about free family weekend events. Focus on campus tours, open houses, student performances, and gallery exhibits—most require no additional tickets beyond basic registration.

Pro Tip: Schedule one “downtime” block for spontaneous exploring, coffee runs, or quiet conversation. Over-scheduling can lead to family weekend fatigue.

Family Weekend Packing List & Travel Checklist

Pack smart to maximize comfort and minimize stress during your campus visit.

Essential Items:

• Registration Materials: Printed confirmation emails, QR codes, guest badges (digital and backup printouts)
• Navigation: Campus map (print or download), hotel reservation confirmations, parking pass
• Comfort: Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate layers, lightweight rain jacket
• Day Bag Supplies: Water bottles, portable phone chargers, snacks, sunscreen, small first-aid kit
• Student Info: Your student’s contact number, dorm address, and class schedule (in case of separation)

For Tailgates & Outdoor Events:

• Folding chairs or stadium blankets
• Small cooler (check campus policies)
• Sunglasses and hats
• Team-colored clothing or university gear

For Multi-Day Stays:

• Capsule wardrobe (minimize luggage)
• Toiletries and medications
• Laundry plan (if staying off-campus)

Tech & Documents:

• Fully charged devices and backup chargers
• Copy of family weekend schedule and tickets
• Hotel confirmation numbers
• Emergency contact list

Where to Stay During Family Weekend: Hotels & Lodging Tips

Booking accommodations early is critical—campus weekends fill local hotels fast, often months in advance.

Hotel Booking Strategy:

1. Check University Partner Hotels: Many schools negotiate discounted room blocks for family weekend guests. Look for links on your campus Family Weekend 2025 page.
2. Prioritize Location: Choose hotels near campus or along shuttle routes to avoid parking hassles. Balance proximity with cost.
3. Compare Amenities: Consider breakfast options, free parking, pet policies, and late checkout availability.
4. Book Refundable Rates: Plans change—opt for flexible cancellation policies when possible.
5. Reserve Early: Popular family weekend hotels near campus often sell out 6-8 weeks in advance. Set booking reminders when registration opens.

Alternative Lodging:

• Campus Guest Housing: Some universities offer on-campus hotels or residence hall guest rooms (limited availability).
• Vacation Rentals: Airbnb or VRBO properties can accommodate larger families and offer kitchen access.
• Extended-Stay Hotels: Budget-friendly for multi-night visits.

Transportation Considerations:

• If flying in, calculate shuttle or rideshare costs from the airport to campus.
• Confirm hotel parking fees and accessibility.
• Review campus parking maps and shuttle schedules for event days.

Pro Tip: Save hotel confirmation numbers, addresses, and phone numbers in your phone. Add the campus address to your GPS favorites before departure.

Family Weekend Parking & Campus Logistics

Parking and transportation questions dominate Reddit threads about family weekends. Here’s how to navigate campus logistics smoothly:

Parking During Family Weekend:

1. Review Parking Maps Early: Download your university’s family weekend parking map (usually available on the event website).
2. Arrive Early for Big Events: Athletic events, welcome receptions, and popular open houses cause parking bottlenecks. Plan to arrive 30-60 minutes early.
3. Use Designated Family Weekend Lots: Many schools open special visitor lots with shuttle service during family weekend. Check your guest badge materials for parking pass details.
4. Consider Shuttles: If staying off-campus, use hotel shuttles or university transit to avoid parking fees and congestion.
5. Accessible Parking: Request accessible parking permits through campus disability services or during family weekend registration if you need ADA accommodations.

General Logistics Tips:

• Confirm guest badge pickup locations and hours
• Note campus shuttle routes and frequency
• Save campus security and event hotline numbers
• Allow extra travel time between venues (campuses are larger than they appear)
• Check weather forecasts and plan for rain or heat

Accessibility & Accommodations for Family Weekend

Universities provide accessibility resources for families with diverse needs. Plan ahead to ensure a comfortable visit.

How to Request ADA Accommodations:

1. Contact Disability Services Early: Reach out to your campus Office of Disability Services 3-4 weeks before family weekend to request:
   • Wheelchair-accessible routes and seating
   • Sign language interpreters or CART services
   • Sensory-friendly event options
   • Accessible parking permits
2. Note Accommodations During Registration: Most family weekend registration portals include fields for accessibility requests. Specify your needs during checkout.
3. Request Dietary Accommodations: For catered meals, indicate allergies, religious dietary needs, or other restrictions when registering for family weekend events.
4. Plan for Mobility Aids: Bring your own equipment or inquire about campus loaner wheelchairs and scooters. Confirm accessible shuttle availability.
5. Review Accessibility Maps: Universities often publish detailed mobility maps showing ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and barrier-free routes.

Additional Support:

• Allow extra time for transport between venues
• Carry accommodation confirmation emails and direct contact numbers
• Request priority seating at large events
• Confirm building accessibility for all planned activities

Student Tips: Hosting Your Family During Family Weekend

Preparation Checklist for Students:

Before Arrival:

• Tidy your dorm room and coordinate with roommates about visiting families
• Share your class schedule and confirm which sessions your family can attend
• Make restaurant reservations for popular spots (weekends book up fast)
• Warn your family about campus parking challenges and walking distances

During the Visit:

• Balance Family Time with Your Routine: You don’t need to spend every minute together. Attend classes, meet friends, and maintain some normalcy.
• Give a Personalized Tour: Show your daily route—dorm to dining hall to library to favorite study spots. Point out safety resources like campus security call boxes.
• Invite Family to Student Events: Introduce them to your friends at a casual meal or student organization activity.
• Communicate Meeting Points Clearly: Campuses are big, and cell service can be spotty. Set specific rendezvous locations and times.

After the Weekend:

• Follow up with a thank-you message
• Share photos from the visit
• Keep communication open about any concerns discussed during family weekend

Student Perspective: Many students wonder, “Is family weekend worth it?” Reddit threads show mixed feelings—some appreciate quality family time, while others find it stressful to balance hosting with academic responsibilities.

Setting boundaries and managing expectations beforehand helps create a positive experience for everyone.

Family Weekend Costs: What to Budget

Understanding family weekend costs helps families plan realistic budgets and find free alternatives when needed.

Typical Expenses:

Registration & Tickets:

• Guest badges: $0–$50 per person (varies by school)
• Family packages: $100–$300 (includes meals and activities)
• Athletic event tickets: $20–$100 per ticket
• Special event add-ons (tailgates, performances): $15–$75

Travel & Lodging:

• Hotels: $150–$400 per night (higher during family weekend)
• Airfare or gas: Varies by distance
• Parking: $10–$30 per day (sometimes included in registration)
• Meals: $50–$150 per day for a family

Discretionary:

• Campus merchandise and souvenirs: $50–$200
• Off-campus activities or dining: $100+

How to Save Money:

• Focus on free family weekend events (tours, open houses, student performances)
• Book hotels early using university discount codes
• Pack snacks and use campus dining halls instead of restaurants
• Carpool or use public transit to reduce parking fees
• Skip paid activities and create your own campus scavenger hunt

Budget-Friendly Strategy: Many families successfully attend family weekend for under $500 (excluding major travel) by prioritizing free events and booking lodging 2-3 months in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Ready to Plan Your Family Weekend 2025 Visit?

Use this guide to save time and reduce stress as you prepare for your campus visit. Here’s your action plan:

Next Steps:

1. Find Your Dates: Check the university date table in this guide or search “[Your School] Family Weekend 2025” to confirm your campus schedule.
2. Register Early: Visit your school’s family weekend registration portal, purchase guest badges and tickets, and save all confirmation emails.
3. Book Hotels Now: Reserve accommodations 6-8 weeks in advance using university partner discounts. Compare locations, shuttle access, and cancellation policies.
4. Download This Itinerary: Save or print the sample 3-day family weekend itinerary and customize it for your campus events.
5. Review Logistics: Study parking maps, shuttle schedules, and campus accessibility resources. Request accommodations if needed.
6. Pack Smart: Use the family weekend packing list to prepare comfortable clothing, registration materials, and day-bag essentials.
7. Communicate with Your Student: Share your finalized schedule, set meeting points, and discuss expectations for family time versus student independence.
8. Add Events to Your Calendar: Enable notifications for registration deadlines, hotel booking reminders, and family weekend event start times.