Whether you’re a home-sick freshman or a seasoned senior, don’t lie — you miss your family. Even if you don’t miss your family, you probably miss their home cooking (and if they’re terrible cooks, pretend for their sake that you miss them). Here are a some activities to entertain every member of your family, including you.
*Take Your Parents to Class Day*
All day Friday
Mom and Dad may want to relive the good days of college, or at least understand why you claim to be too busy to call them. If you’re brave, invite them to your 9 a.m. lecture and hope they don’t raise their hands to answer hypothetical questions. Showing them how early you (usually) wake up for class will prove you aren’t wasting their money on partying.
*Muscarelle Museum of Art*
Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday Noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m.
The Muscarelle Museum of Art is currently running two exhibits, one featuring abstract expressionism and the other featuring sustainability in architectural design. These exhibits are sure to impress your parents — if you can manage to convince them that you totally go there all the time. Plus, the interactive “Envelopes” exhibit will keep even the youngest of siblings entertained. It is free for students and those visitors with Family Weekend badges.
*Lake Matoaka Boating*
Friday 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday 2 to 5 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing row on the water. Head over to the Lake Matoaka Boathouse with your aqua-friendly family to paddle around the lake, explore the wildlife, and tell your parents about that one time freshman year when you were dared to swim in the lake naked. Or, on second thought, skip over that story. The best part about this family bonding activity is that if a family argument erupts mid-excursion, you can quickly paddle away to escape the embarrassment. Remember to bring your William and Mary ID, or you’ll be left high and dry.
*Lantern Tours*
Friday 9:15 to 10:15 p.m.
This family weekend tradition is perfect for families interested a chilling pre-Halloween experience. The guided lantern tours traveling around Old and Ancient Campus will acquaint families with the more interesting history of the College — and leave your little sister trembling. As Old Campus is illuminated by lanterns and docents wait in black robes to tell their tales, families are regaled with stories of ghosts and other spooky happenings from the ancient days of the College.
*AMP Street Fair*
Saturday 1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
The only terrible thing about college (minus tests, studying, debt, etc.) is the lack of available moon bounces. Luckily, under the guise of doing something nice for your little siblings, you and your family can enjoy some childish fun at the AMP Street Fair near the terrace. If that’s not enough, you can eat popcorn, hang out with clowns, and get matching face paint with your mom.
*I.T. Comedy Show*
Saturday 2 to 3 p.m.
If seeing you doesn’t brighten your parents’ day, this performance will. Check out the family-friendly Improvisational Theater show in the Sadler Center’s Tidewater A and B rooms. While expletive-free, it promises to be another hilarious show and make every member of the family smile. Moreover, it will show your younger brother that the College isn’t completely full of socially inept kids with no sense of humor, so he can stop making fun of you already. The room can get packed, so get there early for the better seats!
*Football Game*
Saturday 3:30 p.m.
This event is likely to be the weekend highlight for both students and their families. Take everyone along to watch the Tribe take on Villanova, last year’s National Champions, at Zable Stadium. As long as your dad doesn’t get overly enthusiastic about the game (think: shirtless with body paint) and your mom doesn’t drink one too many beers, the game is sure to be enjoyable. Get your tickets early, though; this game is a big one and will draw quite the crowd.
*A Cappella Showcase*
Saturday 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
This performance is the perfect way to wind down from an exhausting family-filled day. The various a cappella ensembles will perform a showcase for parents and students at Matoaka Amphitheatre. The event will be broken up by performances by the 7th Grade Sketch Comedy Group. Bring your family early if they’re likely to complain about sitting on the recently soaked ground. For the less whiney adults and siblings, bring some snacks for a late picnic and settle down on a blanket, tarp or lawn chair to enjoy the show.
*Family Weekend 5-K “Marrow-thon”*
Sunday 8:30 a.m.
Yes, we know 8:30 a.m. is early, but the money fundraised for the marathon goes to a great cause — the Bone Marrow Drive. Plus, the event will be fun, and you’ll be glad you got the exercise after all the restaurant meals you’ve shamelessly devoured. Registration for students of the College is $15 and $20 for all other participants.
