Family Weekend is upon us and it can be a struggle to find places to go and things to do with family members while they’re in town. Besides the football game and other events hosted by the University of Maryland, College Park and neighboring towns have plenty of restaurants and activities to do beyond campus. During Family Weekend, these destinations are the perfect place to take any visitor.
Burtons Grill & Bar
Burtons Grill & Bar in Riverdale Park is a staple higher-end American restaurant to try when guests are in town. It has a relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere and a variety of menu options. My favorites are the chicken Milanese alfredo and the California chicken sandwich, but any meal at Burtons is definitely worth the visit.
The Greene Turtle
The Greene Turtle is one of the newer additions to the College Park restaurant and bar scene, located on Route 1. It has countless food options for a quick lunch with your family. I’m a big fan of the blackened chicken caesar wrap and Bavarian pretzel sticks. If you don’t want to go when it’s super busy, be sure to steer clear during Maryland’s football game.
Lake Artemesia
The Paint Branch Trail, which runs about four miles around College Park, leads walkers, runners and bikers to beautiful Lake Artemesia. Nestled just east of campus, the lake is a daily destination for many students and locals. While your family is in town, Lake Artemesia is a must see and the perfect place to spend quality time.
Rally House
Rally House, which opened in 2024 on Route 1, is the spot for anything and everything Maryland-themed. Whether you’re from Maryland or an out-of-state student, it’s likely your family will want to sport some Terps merchandise, and Rally House is the place to get it.
GrillMarX Steakhouse & Raw Bar
Conveniently located in The Hotel at the University of Maryland, GrillMarX Steakhouse & Raw Bar is a popular spot for an upscale meal in College Park. GrillMarX offers a variety of dining options, from brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to seafood, steak, burgers and other options for dinner guests. If you want to stay in College Park but are looking for a nicer restaurant to go to with family, GrillMarX is the ideal choice.
The University of Maryland Golf Course
During select times throughout the weekend, golfers of all skill levels are welcome to practice on the driving range at the University of Maryland Golf Course. The course is offering a free medium bucket of balls to guests with Family Weekend wristbands on all three days of events. If you or your family members are golfers, a visit to the course is a great way to spend some time together.
No matter what you decide to do while your family is in town, College Park offers countless opportunities for fun and quality time with loved ones this Family Weekend.
