Skip to main content
Cornell Class of 91
more options
Cornell Reunion

Family Attendance

Although some classmates will choose to attend Reunion weekend without their children, we know that others will want to share this special weekend with their entire family. Reunion offers a great opportunity for alumni to introduce their children to campus and the surrounding area.

All Class of '91 events are casual and child-friendly. Children are sure to enjoy the concerts, tours, meals, outdoor education activities (e.g., zipline across Beebe gorge, climbing wall and more) and a multitude of other campus activities and events. Family specific events are also being developed for our class, including a Saturday afternoon Fun-in-the-Sun extravaganza (see below). Throughout the weekend we will have a special area set up in headquarters with assorted children's activities (though adult supervision will be required). While much of Reunion takes place on campus, don't forget to visit all the great sites for families off campus as well.

Approximately 15% of all alumni bring their children to Reunion, although historically, this number is much higher for the 20th year Reunion class (~30-40%). This results in ~600-800 children at Reunion from all of the classes in attendance (and over 200 for the 20th year Reunion class).

Fun-in-the-Sun

In addition to university programs, the Class of '91 has planned family friendly activities with the highlight being the Saturday afternoon "Fun in the Sun" carnival on the Arts Quad. Saturday afternoon the Arts Quad will be filled with fun activities for kids of all ages. Activities will include a DJ, giant obstacle course with slide, trackless train, special appearances by the Big Red Pep Band and the Big Red Bear, demonstrations by the Cornell Raptor Program (live birds of prey), tree climbing with the Cornell Outdoor Education Program, arts and crafts, face painting, a water balloon toss, relay races, and ice cream for all.

Child care options:

  1. 1For Children 6 to 15 years: the university sponsored Youth Program on Friday and Saturday is available from 4:00 - 11:00 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Download the informational brochure, and register online.
    1No longer available after May 27th
  2. 1For Children 12 weeks to 10 years: evening childcare is available an 8 minute drive from campus at the Ithaca Community Childcare Center (IC3) from 6:00 - 11:00 p.m. Download the registration form and additional information. Note that online registration is not available.
    1No longer available after May 27th
  3. Other options to consider:
    • Because the university does not allow us to provide babysitting services at class headquarters, we encourage you to bring your own babysitter (who must be 16 or older). This is a great opportunity for a high school aged friend to see the campus, or for an older relative or nanny to do the same. We are offering a special BYOB (Bring Your Own Babysitter) reduced fee package for the weekend.
    • The American Red Cross maintains a list of sitters in the Ithaca area who have completed its training program. You may obtain this list by calling 607-273-1900, ext.14. Note: the class has not investigated this service nor the suitability of the people on the list, and due to liability issues we cannot make individual babysitter referrals.

      A few notes:
      • New York State law prohibits anyone under the age of 21, including infants, from entering the Arts Quad entertainment tents in the evenings, even if accompanied by a parent.
      • If you are bringing children under the age of 16 to campus, they must be supervised at all times, and you will need to sign a university release agreement.

A final thought:

You may find yourself limited in your activities at Reunion if you do not arrange for childcare. On the other hand, Reunion is a wonderful time to share your Cornell experience with your entire family. Either way, we'd love to see you all in Ithaca!