Activities

Activities

Saturday, September 16, and Sunday, September 17, 2023, Family Weekend will be here before we know it!

 

The Sping and Summer months find us busy working on activities and student group entertainment to enhance the excitement of visiting with your student!

Feel free to browse the activities from our 2022 Family Weekend event to provide you an idea of what to expect:

Choose your own Scranton adventure!

If you happen to be in town on Friday, September 23rd, or are looking for additional activities throughout the weekend, we invited you to "choose your own Scranton adventure" from the ideas below.

Our downtown community and the surrounding area has so much to offer. From hiking in Nay Aug Park to dining at one of our fabulous establishments, there’s something for everyone in your family! 

  • On-Campus Activitiesplus or minus

    Saturday, September 24, 2022

    9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
    Family Weekend Hospitality Center
    A warm welcome awaits you at the Family Weekend Hospitality Center. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the weekend and offer suggestions about the surrounding area.
    The DeNaples Center, 1st Floor

    Basket Raffle - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (and Friday 9/23 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.)
    This annual raffle serves to support our students with their experiential travel and service events
    Sponsored by The Center for Service and Social Justice

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Women's Rugby vs. ESU - 11:00 a.m.

    Men's Rugby vs. Bucknell - 1:00 p.m.
    Fitzpatrick Field

    1:00 p.m. Saturday Women's Volleyball vs. Rowan 1:00 p.m.; vs. Messiah 5:00 p.m.
    John Long Center  (*Friday 9/23 vs. Franklin & Marshall 3:00 p.m.; Friday 9/23 vs. RIT 7:00 p.m.)

     1:00 p.m. Women's Field Hockey vs. Catholic

    11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Food Truck Fare
    Area food trucks will be parked along Linden Street for this lunch-on-your-own experience: 
    2Wayz One Passion Food Truck
    Bella Rose Food Truck & Catering LLC
    FonDippity
    Manning's Mobile Ice Cream Shoppe
    Big D's Curbside Crave
    (Food trucks subject to change)
    Commons Flag Terrace

    11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Student Group Performances

    Scrantones (Men/Women for Octives)
    Liva Arts (Musical Theater)
    Royal Expressions (Contemporary Dance)
    Urban Beats
    University of Scranton Cheer Team
    University of Scranton Dance Team
    Founder's Green (*Rain Location - The Moscovitz Theater, 4th Floor of The DeNaples Center)

    12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    Penn State Master Gardeners
    The University of Scranton is fortunate to have The Penn State Master Gardeners on campus, conducting a pruning project of our Conifer plants around The Estate, and the Christmas tree on The Dionne Green.  The Penn State Master Gardeners assist Cooperative Extension to provide horticultural knowledge and skills to local communities and the gardening public. Through their local outreach, Penn State Master Gardeners educate both youth and adults in communities throughout Pennsylvania.

    12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library Book Sale
    The Friends of the Weinberg Memorial Library at the University of Scranton are sponsoring a book sale, including used non-fiction and fiction hardcover and paperback books. The event takes place outside on the Monroe Avenue side of the Weinberg Memorial Library or inside the building in case of rain, with all proceeds benefiting The Weinberg Memorial Library Endowment.
    Weinberg Memorial Library


    4:00 p.m.
    Family Weekend Mass
    Join our community at Mass as we celebrate Scranton families coming together in fellowship. Families of all religious affiliations are warmly welcome.
    The William J. Byron, S.J. Recreation Complex

    7:30 p.m.
    Family Weekend Concert 
    Joseph Boga and the Scranton Ramblers with an appearance by The University of Scranton Concert Choir 
    Houlihan-McLean Center - More Information


    8:30 p.m.
    USPB After Dark: Family Weekend Edition
    Join the University of Scranton Programming Board (USPB) as they transform the DeNaples Center into a family entertainment complex! Featuring multiple attractions, including a live, interactive game show, Scranton bingo, photo booths, and more, this is an exciting family event that is not to be missed. Sponsored by the USPB.
    The DeNaples Center

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    Sunday, September 25, 2022

    9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
    Brunch on Your Own
    You will have the option to pay at the door or use your student's flex spending account. The cost of brunch is $10.52 per person.
    The DeNaples Center, Fresh Food Company, 3rd Floor

    Noon - 4:00 p.m.
    Hope Horn Art Gallery - "Time and Lace" - A history of The Scranton Lace Company
    For over a century, the Scranton Lace Company was recognized for its quality products, innovative management, and skilled workforce. Guest curated by University of Scranton graduate Roman Golebiowski, this show and catalog celebrate its history as represented in artifacts from the Lackawanna Historical Society and Anthracite Heritage Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

    Gallery Hours: Sunday through Friday 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

     



  • Museums & Cultural Attractionsplus or minus

    Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den
    Electric City Trolley Museum
    Everhart Museum of Natural History
    Lackawanna County Coal Mine Tour
    Mural Art

    PA Anthracite Heritage Museum
    Scranton Iron Furnaces
    Steamtown National Historic Site

    Scranton Cultural Center - Blue Man Group September 22 & 23.  Save 25% Off select seats to BLUE MAN GROUP, September 22 & 23 at the Scranton Cultural Center! Use code FAMILY - Get tickets online here: https://bit.ly/BlueManGroupScranton *Offer valid now thru 7:30PM Fri., Sept. 23. Available online and in person. Select seats only. Subject to ticket availability and does not apply to previously purchased tickets.
    Steamtown National Historic Site
    St. Peter’s Cathedral

    If you are interested in visiting one of these attractions, please visit their websites, linked above, for updated hours.

    For more information about things to do in Scranton, visit:
     Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau
    Discover NEPA 

    Click here for a pdf printable copy of  Museums and Cultural Events

  • Outdoor & Other Family Activitiesplus or minus

    Bee’s Backyard
    DEFY Scranton Trampoline Park
    Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
    Lahey Family Fun Park
    Lake Scranton Walking Trail
    Lakeland Orchard & Cidery Apple Harvest Festival
    Nay Aug Park
    Ritter's Farm Markets
    Roba Family Farms


    Special Events

    Apple Harvest Festival: Friday, September 23-Sunday, September 25, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

    Lakeland Orchard & Cidery Halloween Light Show
    Friday, September 23 - Sunday, September 25, 2022, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
    The Largest Halloween Light Show in Pennsylvania!
    Our Halloween light show is back and bigger than last year! We've added a half-mile of trail and another 50,000 lights! Spooky scenes include ghosts, goblins, a haunted castle, trick-or-treaters, and a few new surprises! But don’t be too scared, the Halloween Light Show is sure to please all ages. After the show, stop in our retail tent for some classic fall goodies or the Cider Garden for a glass of hard cider and a fresh burger. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show!
    More Information

    Tour de Scranton
    Sunday, September 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
    Benefits the Erin Jessica Moreken Drug & Alcohol Treatment Fund.
    More Information

    If you are interested in visiting one of these attractions, please visit their websites, linked above, for updated hours.

  • Sportsplus or minus

    Royal Athletics

    Saturday, September 24, 2022

    9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    11:00 a.m. - Women's Rugby vs. ESU

    1:00 p.m. - Men's Rugby vs. Bucknell
    Fitzpatrick Field

    1:00 p.m. Saturday Women's Volleyball vs. Rowan 1:00 p.m.; vs. Messiah 5:00 p.m.
    John Long Center  (*Friday 9/23 vs. Franklin & Marshall 3:00 p.m.; Friday 9/23 vs. RIT 7:00 p.m.)

     1:00 p.m. Women's Field Hockey vs. Catholic


    For directions to on-campus athletics facilities, please visit The University of Scranton Athletics website.


     

  • Dining & Coffee Shopsplus or minus

    Select restaurants, indicated with two asterisks (**) after their names, are providing discounts and specials during Family Weekend. Visit the Community Relations website for details. Click to view Scranton Family Table Program.

    Breakfast, Coffee Shops, Light Fare, Lunch

    Abe’s Kosher Delicatessen
    Kosher deli, sandwiches
    326 N. Washington Ave.

    Adezzo

    Coffee shop, breakfast, & lunch
    515 Center St.

    Blackwatch Café
    Coffee, tea, sandwiches, & pastries
    Nay Aug Park
    239 Arthur Ave.

    Commonwealth Coffeehouse**
    Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, grab & go
    101 Penn Ave.

    Coney Island Lunch**
    Hot dogs, Texas wieners, hamburgers
    515 Lackawanna Ave.

    Crocus Cafe**
    Light fare including authentic Turkish pastries
    323 N. Washington Ave.

    Downtown Deli & Eatery**
    Deli & eatery serving breakfast and lunch
    300 Spruce St.

    Eden - a Vegan Cafe
    Cafe featuring all-vegan menu
    344 Adams Ave.

    Heaven & Earth Cafe
    Coffee, tea, light fare
    400 Wyoming Ave.

    Mansour’s Market Cafe & Eatery
    Breakfast, lunch, coffee shop
    969 Prescott Ave.

    Northern Light Espresso Bar**
    Coffee, tea, baked goods, light fare
    536 Spruce St.

    Paradise Soulfood & Sweets**
    Soul food restaurant with Southern menu & desserts
    350 Adams Ave.

    The Salad Shop**
    Salads, wraps
    316 Penn Ave.

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    Lunch/Dinner

    Backyard Ale House
    Bar & restaurant featuring American pub fare
    523 Linden St.

    Bar Pazzo
    Rustic Italian-style restaurant
    131 N. Washington Ave.

    Bartari
    Bar, Restaurant, Arcade
    101 Adams Ave.

    Cooper's Seafood House**
    Seafood & Stead/American Cuisine
    701 N. Washington Ave.

    The Garden Mediterranean Cafe
    Mediterranean restaurant
    109 N. Washington Ave.

    Osaka Hibachi & Sushi Bar
    Japanese restaurant
    244 Adams Ave.

    Pizza by Pappas**
    American restaurant serving pizza & sandwiches
    303 N. Washington Ave.

    The Railyard Restaurant & Bar**
    American cuisine
    119 Jefferson Ave.

    Thai Rak Thai**
    Thai cuisine
    349 Adams Ave.

    Trax Bar + Kitchen (Inside the Radisson) 
    American restaurant, bar & lounge
    700 Lackawanna Ave.

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    Dinner 

    The 16th Ward
    American restaurant serving pub fare
    306 Penn Ave.

    Ale Mary's at the Bittenbender
    Bar & restaurant, pub cuisine
    126 Franklin Ave.

    AV Restaurant & Lounge
    Upscale, Italian-influenced restaurant & lounge
    320 Penn Ave.

    Catch 21 Seafood & Steak
    Upscale seafood & steak restaurant
    301 N. Washington Ave.

    Peculiar Kitchen
    New American comfort food with an Asian flare
    307 Penn Ave.

    P.J.’s 1910 Pub at the Hilton
    Cocktails & American pub fare
    100 Adams Ave.


    The Railyard Restaurant & Bar
    American Restaurant
    119 Jefferson Ave.

    Sambuca Italian Grille & Bar
    Italian cuisine
    234 Penn Ave.

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    Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

    Carmen’s 2.0 Restaurant at the Radisson 
    Fine dining serving breakfast, brunch, & lunch
    700 Lackawanna Ave.

    Visit www.scrantontomorrow.org for the most up-to-date list of dining establishments in our downtown community.

    If you are interested in visiting one of these establishments, please visit their websites, linked above, for updated hours.

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  • Downtown Shoppingplus or minus

    Alexander’s Spa & Salon
    Hair Care, Cosmetics, Gifts
    431 Lackawanna Ave.

    Amendolaro
    Gift Boutique
    412 Spruce St.


    Boden Outlet
    Clothing & Accessories for Women & Children
    542 Spruce St.


    Burlap & Bourbon
    Clothing, Accessories, Gifts
    530 Spruce St.

    Comics on the Green
    Comic Book Shop
    307 N. Washington Ave.

    The Daisy Collective
    Women’s Clothing Boutique
    328 Penn Ave.

    Embassy Vinyl
    Vintage Music Shop
    352 Adams Ave.

    Freedlove 
    Women’s Clothing Boutique
    532 Spruce St.

    The Giving Tree Wellness Center
    Wellness Boutique
    311 Penn Ave.

    Heaven & Earth Gift Shop 
    Gift Boutique
    400 Wyoming Ave. #100

    Lavish Body & Home
    Hair Care, Cosmetics, Women’s Apparel, & Home Goods
    200 Adams Ave.

    Noteology
    Custom Fragrances, Beauty & Cosmetics, Gifts
    401 Spruce St.

    The Pink Pedal
    Women’s Clothing & Accessories
    222 Wyoming Ave.

    Veloce Bikeworks 
    Bicycles, Cycling Accessories, Apparel
    120 Franklin Ave.


    Visit www.scrantontomorrow.org for the most up-to-date list of shops in our downtown community.

    If you are interested in visiting one of these establishments, please visit their websites, linked above, for updated hours.