Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Family Weekend
oneColumn

Family Weekend | Thursday, February 26, 2026 – Sunday, March 1, 2026

WHY ATTEND FAMILY WEEKEND?

S - Share experiences & reconnect with your Osprey.

W - Witness UNF Traditions and campus life.

O - Observe our Nature Preserves.

O - Obtain custom UNF swag.

P - Provide an opportunity for Parents & Families to be an Osprey for a weekend!

Registration

UNF Family Weekend registration is now open! Registration is required for each person attending and includes meals, UNF swag, access to campus facilities and entry to all Family Weekend events. Registration for children under the age of 10 is not required. Students must register through MyNest and are not required to pay for Family Weekend or athletic games. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to experience campus life, connect with the UNF community and make lasting memories with your Osprey!

Register for Family Weekend!

Family Weekend Schedule

Thursday, February 26th, 2026 - Arriving Early?

  • Early Check-in (3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.): Stop by the Check-in table in the Student Union Osprey Plaza on Thursday, February 26th, 2026.
  • Men’s Basketball Game versus FGCU in the UNF Arena (7:00 p.m.): You can purchase tickets through the Family Weekend registration link for the men’s basketball games during Family Weekend. If you do not add game day tickets to your registration prior to check-in, you will need to purchase tickets at the Box Office on the day of the game. You can find information about game day protocols here: https://unfospreys.com/sports/2020/11/24/gameday-protocols

Friday, February 27th, 2026

  • Check-in (10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.): Stop by the Check-in table in the Student Union Osprey Plaza on Friday, February 27th, 2026.
  • Osprey Welcome (12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.): Join us in the Student Union Osprey Plaza for the ultimate Osprey Welcome. We'll have a photobooth, food trucks and various activities to get you hyped for Family Weekend.
  • Welcome Mixer (5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.): Meet us in the Student Union Ballrooms to mix and mingle with parents, faculty and staff. Learn more about the different departments and meet student leaders on campus. Beverages and appetizers will be available.
  • UNF Greek Awards (7:00 p.m.): Join the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life in celebrating and highlighting the excellent work of our Greek Life students. Greek Awards will be hosted in the Lazzara Theatre, no prior registration or ticket is required for this event.

Saturday, February 28th, 2026

  • Late Check-In (11:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.): Arriving Late? Stop by the Check-In table at the Green on Saturday, February 28th. This will be your last opportunity to pick up your Family Weekend swag bag.
  • Osprey DIY: Let’s make something special to remember this weekend! During this event we will have various DIY crafts. Additional RSVP is required and more details will be announced closer to the event.
  • Train Campus Tours (1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.): Want a tour of campus but don’t feel like walking? We will have on-campus Train Tours. Additional RSVP required, and more details will be announced closer to the event.
  • Parent & Family Happy Hour (4:30 p.m.): Enjoy drinks, light bites and great company with fellow Osprey families as we celebrate UNF Family Weekend 2026! Hosted in the Money Pages Lounge inside the arena, this Foundation-sponsored gathering is a chance to connect and get excited for a fun night of basketball against JU.
  • Men’s Basketball Game versus JU (6:00 p.m.): Meet us at the UNF Arena for the River City Rumble/Senior Night! You can purchase tickets through the Family Weekend registration link for the men’s basketball games during Family Weekend. If you do not add game day tickets to your registration prior to check-in, you will need to purchase tickets at the Box Office on the day of the game.

Sunday, March 1st, 2026

  • Parent & Family Bye Bye Brunch: Let’s close out this weekend with brunch with your Osprey in the Osprey Café. More details will be announced closer to the event.

Make the most of your time in Jacksonville! What else to enjoy during Family Weekend:

Museum of Contemporary Art

MOCA Jacksonville

333 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday

This cultural institute of UNF offers free entry to all Family Weekend participants and students.

Eco Adventure Nature Trails

Explore the UNF Nature Trails, which include views of Lake Oneida.

Family Weekend participants can visit the Eco Adventure Nature Trails from sunrise to sundown.

Family Weekend participants who are 18+ also have access to the Student Wellness Complex and its activities upon entry including group fitness, aquatics and the Osprey Cliff. A waiver must be completed at the SWC check-in desk to enter.

UNF Bookstore

The UNF Bookstore will be open for extended hours Friday and Saturday during Family Weekend events.

Stop by using the promo code information found in your Family Weekend tote bag to receive 20% off one apparel or gift item!

Explore Jacksonville

Take time with your student to explore everything Jacksonville has to offer!

Check out Top Golf, The Escape Game at the St. Johns Town Center, iFLY and more!

campuspic.jpg

Know Your Way Around

Familiarize yourself with our campus by checking out our campus map!
Campus Map
unfpic.jpg

Places to Stay

Enjoy your stay in Jacksonville by checking out some of the local hotels near our campus!
Local Hotels
  • When is Family Weekend?

    UNF Family Weekend is Thursday, February 26th – Sunday, March 1st.

  • When should we arrive to Family Weekend?

    Guests are encouraged to arrive on Friday morning to take full advantage of the events being offered. We typically begin experiences on Friday afternoon around 12:00 p.m., all-day on Saturday, and leave Sunday open for families to navigate quality time with their student and safe travels home. Start at Family Weekend Check-in!

  • Where should we park?

    Family Weekend guests can park in on campus in various locations free of charge, no permit or pass is required from Friday, February 27th – Sunday, March 1st.

    Garage 38 is the closest parking location to the Student Union and UNF Arena.

    Nose-in parking is required on campus.

    *Please reference our campus map linked in the section above.

  • What if my student has conflicts or campus obligations?

    We are thrilled that you and your student are excited about Family Weekend. Please know that your student will likely still have class responsibilities, exams and study groups during the weekend. Some students also have organization commitments.

    We encourage you and your student to discuss their academic schedule according to their syllabi and any organization commitments prior to booking to ensure you have a positive experience during the weekend. Unfortunately, we do not offer refunds for these conflicts.

  • What is the cost to attend Family Weekend?

    Registration is $50 per person. Registration is required for each person attending and includes meals, UNF swag, access to campus facilities and entry to all Family Weekend events. Registration for children under the age of 10 is not required. Students must register through MyNest and are not required to pay for Family Weekend or athletic games.

  • What's included in the Family Weekend swag bag?

    Swag bags include a clear UNF tote bag, a UNF bucket hat, a UNF magnet, and a UNF wrist strap key holder. Swag bags are only for individuals who have purchased registration.

  • Jacksonville Weather & Dress Code

    We recommend casual attire and comfortable walking shoes. Jacksonville temperatures during this time range 68-80 degrees Fahrenheit. Bringing an umbrella or poncho is highly recommended.

  • Do I need to register/pay for my toddler or children?

    Nope! Guests under the age of 10 can attend for free.

  • How can students register for Family Weekend?

    Students can register in MyNest via MyWings. Once you enter MyNest, click on the events tab, click on Family Weekend and register for the events you would like to attend.

  • Where should we stay?

    There are no specific hotels reserved for Family Weekend. Please reference the "Places to Stay" section above for a list of local hotels.

  • How can I edit my registration?

    Please email family.weekend@unf.edu if you need to change the name or any information on your registration.

  • Can I get a refund?

    Refund requests can be made by Friday, February 27th. Please email family.weekend@unf.edu with your refund request.

  • Add-On Experiences

    Registration does NOT include UNF basketball game tickets and other various add-on experiences. Please be sure to add on game day tickets to your registration if you would like to attend the games.

  • UNF Athletics Game Day

    To get more information on game day protocols regarding bag policy, student tickets, etc., please click the link above located in our schedule.

    UNF Arena Box Office Hours - 1 Hour Prior to Events; Phone Sales: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Monday-Friday | UNF Arena; Feel free to contact ospreytickets@unf.edu if you have any issues with ticketing for the athletic games.

  • Have any other questions or need further assistance?

    Please contact us by emailing family.weekend@unf.edu.

Thank you from Academic & Student Affairs!

The revenue received from Family Weekend makes it possible for Academic & Student Affairs to continue supporting students through funded staff, programs and operations. Your registration enables us to support families as they support their students, to keep families informed of university happenings and to provide opportunities for families to connect with each other. Your contribution ensures that we can maintain our programs and services while paving the way for new initiatives that will benefit UNF families for years to come!