Family and friends are invited to share the Penn experience at the University’s 18th annual Penn Family Day on Saturday, Oct. 2.

“Each year, nearly 2,000 individuals join us for Penn Family Day,” says Jack Heuer, vice president of human resources. “Faculty and staff really enjoy the opportunity to bring their loved ones and show off just one of the many benefits of working at a place like Penn.”

The daylong event is open to faculty and staff with PennCards and includes many attractions, including free admission to the Penn Museum, 3260 South St., from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where visitors can take part in a family scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and tour special exhibits.

At 1:30 p.m., a family tailgate party gets underway outside of Franklin Field’s North Gate, offering picnic food and games. Afterwards, visitors can go inside the nation’s oldest two-tiered stadium to cheer on the Penn football team as they take on Ivy League rival Dartmouth at 3:30 p.m.

From 5:30 to 7 p.m., the Penn Ice Rink, 3130 Walnut St., opens its doors for free ice-skating. Skate rentals are available for a modest fee.

At 7 p.m., visitors can head on over to the storied Palestra to see the Penn women’s volleyball team’s “Dig Pink” game versus Marquette, benefiting the fight against breast cancer. 

“When we started Penn Family Day 18 years ago, we didn’t expect that our simple picnic lunch before a Penn football game would turn into such a fantastic multi-activity event,” says Marilyn Kraut, director of Human Resource’s Quality of Worklife programs. “With the cooperation of so many other Penn departments, such as Athletics, the University Museum and the Ice Rink, this day offers fun for the whole family: from the young to the young at heart.”

A PennCard is required for admission to all the events. Tickets are required for the tailgate party and the football game. Faculty and staff are eligible for up to four free tickets each, and additional tickets are available for $8 each.

Ticket orders must be placed by Monday, Sept. 27. Visit the Athletics Ticket Office in Weightman Hall, 235 S. 33rd St., or go online at www.hr.upenn.edu/quality/staffrecognition/familyday.aspx.