Family Weekend

Join your student for an all-you-care-to-eat meal from a wide variety of stations with many of the dining options prepared right in front of you. Options in the different dining rooms range from create your own Mongolian Grill entrees; brick oven pizza to full salad bars; grills, comfort foods, and international choices; make your own waffles; desserts (made right here on campus), and much more. Choices change daily and are served all day long. Students with a meal plan can use their guest meal swipes for family members or families can pay at the door. Cards are accepted, all locations are cashless.

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A sweet stop during your Family Weekend adventure! Treat yourself to one of Cornell’s most delicious traditions at the Cornell Dairy Bar, where premium ice cream is made right on campus using milk from Cornell’s own dairy cows. From classic favorites to seasonal specialties, the Dairy Bar offers a rotating menu of rich, creamy flavors sure to delight every palate. While you’re there, learn more about Cornell’s world-renowned College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the science behind dairy production. Whether you're grabbing a cone, a sundae, or a pint to go, the Dairy Bar is a must-visit spot for the whole family.

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Stay active during Family Weekend with access to Cornell’s top recreation facilities. Guests are welcome to visit Helen Newman Hall, Noyes Recreation Center, and Teagle Hall to enjoy state-of-the-art fitness equipment, gym spaces, and pool access. Be sure to check Cornell Recreation’s website for special Family Weekend hours and facility updates. A valid photo ID is required for entry.

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Our Visitor Center is nestled in Sapsucker Woods Sanctuary, a 425-acre nature preserve that’s beautiful to visit in any season. Sapsucker Woods encompasses forests, ponds, swamps, and abundant wildlife. Pick up a map at the front entrance or join a guided walk. Plan Your Visit Cornell Lab of Ornithology 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd. Ithaca, NY 14850 (map) 1-800-843-BIRD (2473) 1-607-254-2473 ornithfrontdesk@cornell.edu Visitor Center and Wild Birds Unlimited Store: Tuesday–Sunday 10AM to 4PM. Closed Monday. Trails: Open daily, dawn to dusk. No dogs or bicycles please. Download the trail map. Admission: Free Five miles of trails lead you through forest, old field, wetlands, and pond edge. Trails are on mulched paths or boardwalks and are mostly level. People love to visit Sapsucker Woods for birding, nature walks, and trail runs. The trails are fairly easy going but are not recommended for wheelchairs. Please do not bring dogs or bicycles. Visit the egg cairn created by renowned natural sculptor and artist Andy Goldsworthy during his residency at Cornell University. Bring along a printed trail guide for your walk. See a full list of downloadable guides and activities for your visit.

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The Visitor Center is open following a redesign that began last fall and focused on interactive exhibits, art, and accessibility. With new hands-on exhibits appropriate for all ages, we hope this new in-person experience will inspire visitors to grow their connection to birds and nature. The Wild Birds Unlimited store is also open.

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Discover the natural beauty and serenity of the Cornell Botanic Gardens—a living museum spanning over 3,500 acres of gardens, arboretum, and natural areas. Begin your visit at the Brian C. Nevin Welcome Center, where you’ll find engaging exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and a Garden Gift Shop filled with unique botanically inspired items. Whether you're interested in horticulture, sustainability, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk among curated plant collections, the Botanic Gardens offer something for every member of the family. Don't miss this opportunity to experience one of Cornell’s most scenic and beloved spaces.

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Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. Considered one of the finest university art museums in the country, the Johnson Museum brings the art of the world to Cornell. Designed by the late renowned architect I.M. Pei, the museum is named for distinguished alumnus Herbert F. Johnson ‘22, the late president and chairman of SC Johnson and a former Cornell University trustee and benefactor. The original 1973 building is complemented by a 2011 wing designed by the original architect-in-charge, John L. Sullivan ‘62, as well as by the Rebecca Q. and James C. Morgan Garden (both Class of 1960), designed by Marc Peter Keane ‘79. The museum’s permanent collection numbers more than 35,000 works spanning six millennia; it encompasses art from most world cultures. Admission is free.

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Reis is a 6-indoor, 6-outdoor court tennis complex located minutes from the Cornell central campus. The facility serves the training and exhibition needs of Cornell’s tennis teams as well as the recreational needs of students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding Ithaca community.

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The Cornell University golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and proves to be a challenging test of golf for all levels of golfers. The course is conveniently located at the edge of the Cornell University campus. The facility has all the amenities needed to improve your game from tee to green—practice greens, a chipping area, a practice sand trap, and a 300-yard driving range will all help you fine-tune your game.

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Visit The Cornell Store during Family Weekend for everything Cornell, including apparel and gifts for everyone in the family. Commemorate the weekend and take a family photo in our in-store photo booth located on the store's lower level. The Cornell Store is your convenient one-stop shop for clothing, gifts, computers, school supplies, and personal care items. Café Jennie, located inside The Cornell Store, has gourmet sandwiches, snacks, and Peet’s Coffee.

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