Office of Student Life
Parent and Family Relations

Buckeye Family Day

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Buckeye Family Day is a day in which any Ohio State faculty, staff, or student can invite any family member or friend of the family to the campus to experience the excitement of life as a Buckeye!

Online registration will open on Wednesday, Jan. 28 at noon ET.

While you wait for the registration window to open, don't forget to create a Buckeye Family Connection account. In addition to hosting our event registration, the Buckeye Family Connection is Ohio State's primary communication platform for parents and families of current Ohio State students. Once the registration window opens, a link to register will be posted on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is permitted to attend?

Parents, siblings, grandparents, additional family members, friends...everyone! As long as you have a currently enrolled Ohio State student, all guests are welcome. ALL students and guests over the age of 5 that plan to attend any of the events on the Buckeye Family Day schedule must be registered.

What is the age range for events?

Buckeye Family Day is designed to be open to all ages. For our younger audiences, there are typically a few craft-related events and a movie session. However, there are also a number of events that older audiences can enjoy, including access to the RPAC and a self-guided Ohio Stadium tour that is included with your registration for the day!

What is the cost to attend?

The cost to attend is $20 per person for online registration. All attendees over the age of 5, including students, must have a paid registration to attend activities.

On-site registration will be available for $25 per person during check-in on Saturday, March 28.

When does registration close?

Online registration will close on Wednesday, March 11 at noon ET.

I can no longer attend. Can I get a refund?

Refunds can be processed until advance registration closes on Wednesday, March 11 at noon ET. At that time, we will no longer be able to accept refund requests.

Need help with your registration or have additional questions? Contact us at parentandfamily@osu.edu or via phone at (614) 292-9153.

Buckeye Family Day

A computer on a desk
Opens Jan. 28 at noon ET

Get Registered

Registration is required for all students and guests over the age of 5 that plan to participate in the day's activities. Click this box to navigate to the registration form!
A photo inside the Arne Slettebak Planetarium

Browse the Schedule

Start planning your adventure. Buckeye Family Day features programming all around campus with the help of our campus partners.
A birds-eye view of downtown Columbus

Find Hotels

Though Buckeye Family Day is a one-day event, many families stay for the weekend to explore opportunities around Columbus. We have created a full list of campus-area hotels to help you plan your stay.
A person walking through a crosswalk on W Woodruff Avenue in front of the Arps Garage

Plan for Parking

Before you arrive on campus, browse a list of available surface lots/garages. We recommend the Ohio Union garages, as they are closest to check-in.
A family takes an overhead selfie on the South Oval at Buckeye Family and Football Tailgate 2024

Volunteer

This event would not be possible without our Buckeye families. If you're interested in assisting with check-in during the day, please contact us at parentandfamily@osu.edu.
Closes Monday, Feb. 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET

Show Your Buckeye Spirit

LIMITED TIME

Available for a limited time after registration opens, families can browse our online store for Buckeye Family Day 2026 items. Orders will be delivered directly to your home.