Traveling with Children
One of the best parts of Alumni Weekend is the opportunity to introduce your children to Swarthmore, your Swarthmore friends, and your friends' kids! We strive to offer programming and resource to make sure everyone has a fun and fulfilling weekend. Below you'll find helpful information and considerations for traveling to Alumni Weekend with kids.
Registration
Children 4 and under are free and you do not need to register them for Alumni Weekend. Dependents ages 5–20 receive discounted pricing and should be registered for all meals and activities. There are children's prices for almost all packages and paid events. Learn more about packages and pricing options.
Childcare
Swarthmore does not provide childcare during Alumni Weekend. The Philadelphia Nanny Network is a local, bonded agency that operates contractual childcare services. Alumni and families looking for childcare should contact Philadelphia Nanny Network directly at least four weeks in advance for details and scheduling. This agency is neither affiliated with nor endorsed by Swarthmore College.
Parents' Room
We are happy to provide a private space in Parrish Hall to express milk, nurse, feed, or change your child. The room also has a fridge to store milk or pump parts during the weekend. The Parents’ Room is available to guests beginning Friday at 10 a.m. until Sunday at 2 p.m. Visit customer service in Shane Student Lounge during Alumni Weekend to learn more or request a key.
Housing
On-campus housing for Alumni Weekend has reached capacity and is closed. Please visit our accommodations page to explore local options, including discounted hotel rates and short-term rentals.
If you have registered for on-campus housing, children may share parents' rooms for no extra charge. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring pack n plays, sleeping bags, air mattresses, etc. for children.
A few reminders about staying on campus:
- We cannot provide cribs during Alumni Weekend.
- Bathrooms are communal and all-gender; rooms with private baths are not available.
- Most residence halls do not have air conditioning.
While in years past we have been able to offer family suites (dorm rooms with one or more connecting rooms), these will not be available during Alumni Weekend 2024 due to campus construction.
Programming
There will be plenty of family friendly as well child-focused programming during Alumni Weekend, including our Family Movie Night and the Family Carnival and Community Fair. A family friendly schedule track will be available on the digital guide closer to the event, but we encourage you to explore the full schedule of events.
Questions?
If you have questions about any of the information on this page, or if we forgot something, please reach out to Alumni and Family Programs at events@swarthmore.edu or 610-328-8242.
