Family Day
Join Us for Family Day
Family Day is a UT Dallas tradition that brings students and their families together for a full day of fun. Meet other families, enjoy campus festivities, and find out what’s happening on campus! Rain or shine, we look forward to seeing everyone on campus for Family Day!
Family Day is an annual tradition where family members are able to return to campus to experience a number of events alongside their UTD student and we have a number of surprises in store for you this year! The event is partnered with Homecoming for more spectacular ways for families to see campus.
Join the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners for a variety of exciting Homecoming activities like live music, Kidzone area, Beer Garden, inflatables, and tons of UT Dallas spirit! Because of this effort, Family Day helps fund attractions such as the various food trucks and family seating tent.
Registration will include merchandise, food and access to an upcoming athletic game, and initiatives to support Homecoming festivities.
There will be on-site registration available at check-in of the event. See details below.
Family Day 2026
Stay tuned Spring 2026 for the reveal of Family Day/Homecoming 2026 date!
Family Day is an opportunity for parents and siblings to sample life on the UT Dallas campus.
Connect with us on the Comet Families Experience Portal!
a glance at the 2025 Family Day Schedule
Please see the full schedule here- https://linktr.ee/utdstp
Parking
- Parking for Saturday, November 1, is unregulated so feel free to park in any open spot. Reserved and accessible parking will still be regulated so please avoid these spots if you do not have proper documentation.
- Family Day 2025 will take place in the Student Services Addition (SSA) Building, and HomeFest will be held in Lot J, which will be closed for the event.
- The closest parking areas to SSA are Parking Structure 4 (PS4), Lot I, and Lot H. Please click HERE to access our campus map showing parking locations and the screenshot below shows the closest parking in relation to SSA. Accessible parking is available in all listed areas.
Friday, October 31st
6:00 p.m. – Costume competition at the volleyball game.
Saturday, November 1st
Check-In – Note: Check-in will move to Lot J at 11 a.m.
- Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. in the SSA Lobby. No worries if you are unable to make it before 11 a.m., check-in will move to Lot J at HomeFest to receive your materials.
- Registered guests will receive Family Day shirt (if you registered before the deadline), athletic event tickets, bingo cards, and more while supplies last. As registered participants of Family Day 2025, you all will also receive a 20% coupon for the UT Dallas Bookstore (instructions to redeem are attached to this email). On-site registration will also be available if you would like to add additional participants.
- The Basic Needs Resource Center is accepting drop-off donations of gently used clothing, accessories, and shoes at Family Day. Donations will benefit Temoc’s Closet, an on-campus closet for students for free clothing and hygiene products. Items can be dropped off at the Family Day check-in location or at the Homecoming HomeFest in Lot J. Items of high demand include professional attire, both men’s and women’s, as well as cold weather wear, such as jackets, coats, and sweaters.
Opening Programs
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Check in & Light Refreshments
At check in, participants who signed up by October 5, 2025 will receive a Family Day shirt for those above the age of 12, game day ticket for any non-student in their party, and one 20% off discount coupon for the bookstore.
On-site registration will be available. Those who register on-site are not eligible for a shirt.
Homecoming Homefest!
11:00 a.m. – Homecoming Homefest
Location: Lot J Parking Lot
Join the Division of Student Affairs and campus partners for a variety of exciting Homecoming activities like live music, Kidzone area featuring caricature artists and face painting, Beer Garden, inflatables, and tons of UT Dallas spirit!
Food trucks and family seating tent sponsored by Family Day.
11:30 a.m. – Fashion Show Sponsored by UTD bookstore
Location: Activity Center
20% off one apparel/gift item through the UT Dallas bookstore.
Cheer On UTD!
All Family Day attendees will be given a free ticket to cheer on UT Dallas athletic teams who are competing that day. Want to show your UTD spirit? Shop at https://shopcomets.merchorders.com/.
UTD Additional Things To Do:
Complimentary access to UTD Rec Centers
The UT Dallas Activity Center and Rec Center West will be open to all Family Day guests. Please complete the required waiver (PDF) if you wish to visit these amenities with your student.
Temoc’s Closet Donation Drive
The Basic Needs Resource Center is accepting drop-off donations of gently used clothing, accessories, and shoes at Family Day. Donations will benefit Temoc’s Closet, an on-campus closet for students for free clothing and hygiene products. Items can be dropped off at the Family Day check-in location or at the Homecoming HomeFest in Lot J. Items of high demand include professional attire, both men’s and women’s, as well as cold weather wear, such as jackets, coats, and sweaters.
DFW Additional Things To Do:
Autumn at the Arboretum
Family Members and their students can purchase discounted Dallas Arboretum tickets thanks to the Comet Card office! To purchase tickets you’ll need to go to the Comet Card Office website.
Check out other local events:
If you are unable to attend Family Day, there will be more involvement opportunities throughout the year.
