Upcoming Family Weekend 2021 to Focus on Scranton
Family Weekend returns this year on Friday, Sept. 24 through Sunday, Sept. 26. This year’s weekend-long event has a new format and modifications in light of the continuing pandemic but is still focused on bringing the families of University students to Scranton to both visit with their son or daughter and to explore the Scranton area.
This year’s event has a Scranton focus, encouraging families to go out with their son or daughter into the greater Scranton area to explore the city’s rich historical heritage, beautiful natural settings, small businesses, and entertainment and cultural attractions. Families seeking things to do with their students have a wide array of options to enjoy.
Downtown Scranton
During Family Weekend 2021, families can enjoy dinner downtown at a range of restaurants with varying cuisines and offerings, including Italian, Japanese, Thai, American, vegan, soul food, seafood, Mediterranean and more. Downtown Scranton has something for everyone. Many downtown businesses will also be offering 10% off to students and their families with a valid Royal Card. To learn more about downtown restaurants, visit this information page.
Special Festivals
Scranton is often busy with special festivals that highlight culture, community, arts, and foods. During this upcoming weekend, families can take advantage of the special foods offered at the annual Greek Food Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Scranton Sept., 21-25 and the Lebanese Heritage Festival at St. Ann Maronite Church on Sept. 26 in West Scranton. In addition, the Scranton Fringe Festival will be hosting “Fringe Under Glass,” live socially distant theatre in venues throughout downtown Scranton.
Natural Beauty
As Scranton area residents know, Scranton comes alive in the fall. With its close proximity to many nature areas, families that enjoy the great outdoors can get a first look at fall and the soon-to-be changing foliage around the city. Families can visit Nay Aug Park, located just up the hill from campus on the top of Mulberry Street, including walking trails, playgrounds, and an accessible treehouse.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail offers a great opportunity for runners, walkers and bikers. Trailheads are easily accessible from campus including an entry at the University’s Kevin P. Quinn, S.J. Athletics Campus. Lake Scranton Walking Trail, a short drive (or run, if you are up for an energetic one!), and Lackawanna State Park, just a short drive from campus in North Abington Township, offer two more recreational opportunities.
Rich History
There are several sites and museums to consider to explore Scranton’s rich history. The Lackawanna Coal Mine Tour provides participants with a chance to step back in time to see what going down 300 feet beneath the earth through an anthracite coal mine is really like. Steamtown National Historic Site, a short walk from campus is a National Park created to further public understanding of the role steam railroading played in U.S. development. Founded in 1908, the Everhart Museum is one of the oldest museums in Northeastern Pennsylvania and features both a permanent collection and special exhibitions, including “Every Stitch Counts: Works from the Social Justice Sewing Academy.”
Fall Fun
Lackawanna County offers some of NEPA’s most iconic fall activity venues. From end-of-season baseball to pumpkin picking, Scranton is the place to enjoy this great season. The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders will be at home against the Syracuse Mets at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 24, Saturday, Sept 25 at 4:00 p.m. or Sunday, Sept 26 at 1:00 p.m. Lakeland Orchard and Cidery in Scott Twp. offers live music, food, games, apple picking and more, including on September 25 and 26 an Apple harvest festival and Halloween light show from 8-10 p.m. Roba Farms in N. Abington Township offers pumpkin, picking maze navigating, apple cider donuts and onsite campfire spaces onsite.
Click here to view a listing of local attractions. Follow the Office of Community Relations on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates.
