Family weekend and homecoming are a special time to reconnect with your student and experience what their campus life is like. Between football games, family brunches and campus tours, your schedule will be packed. But when you step away from the campus buzz, you’ll want a place that feels welcoming, comfortable and easy to get to.
That’s where Loveland comes in. Perfectly positioned along the Front Range, Loveland is an ideal basecamp whether you’re visiting the University of Colorado in Boulder, the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado State University in Fort Collins or the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Denver International Airport (DIA) is only 50 minutes away, and the Northern Colorado Regional Airport is in Loveland, so getting here is easy. Lodging is plentiful compared to campus towns where rooms fill quickly, and you’ll be close enough to head back and forth without hassle. Plus, when you’re ready for a breather, Loveland offers art, dining and outdoor escapes that turn your weekend into more than just a campus visit.
The Ideal Family Weekend Itinerary in Northern Colorado
Friday Afternoon: Settle In
Arrive in Loveland and check into one of the many hotels or cozy vacation rentals. Some of our hotels, like the beautiful Embassy Suites by Hilton, are conveniently located right off Interstate 25, making it quick to get on the road to campus events. After check-in, stretch your legs with a stroll through Chapungu Sculpture Park, home to 82 sculptures in 26 beautifully landscaped acres. It’s free, relaxing and a perfect way to ease into the weekend.
For dinner, the Promenade Shops at Centerra and its surrounding shopping areas offer a variety of restaurants, ranging from fast casual to upscale dining options. If you’re looking to toast the weekend, Loveland’s craft breweries and distilleries offer relaxed atmospheres and plenty of Colorado flavor.
Saturday: Campus Pride + Loveland Gems
Your Saturday will likely be focused on campus, whether that’s a football game, family activities or just quality time with your student. Before or after the main event, use Loveland as your place to recharge.
Morning: Fuel up with coffee and breakfast at Muse Coffee on 1629 W 8th St., a local favorite with a tree-lined patio perfect for fall.
Afternoon downtime: If you have a few hours before dinner, head west to Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Just ten minutes from town, this hike offers striking red rock formations and sweeping Front Range views without the crowds of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Evening: Cap the day with wine and charcuterie at Sweet Heart Winery on 5500 West US-34, where you can sip wine along the Big Thompson River and watch the sun set behind the foothills. If you’d rather keep things casual, Backyard Tap on 323 North Railroad Ave. has food trucks, fire pits and live music on weekends.
Sunday Morning: Lock Your Love Before You Go
Before you check out and head back to campus for a farewell brunch, make one last Loveland memory at a love lock sculpture. Bring your own lock or pick one up at either Visitors Center, customize it with your family name or a special date, and attach it to one of the three sculptures:
- Original “LOVE” Sculpture – Near the East Gateway Visitors Center at 5400 Stone Creek Circle.
- Lake Loveland Sculpture – Southeast corner of Lake Loveland at West Eisenhower Boulevard and Lake Drive.
- New Downtown Sculpture – Outside the Loveland Museum at 503 N. Lincoln Ave.
It’s a simple, meaningful way to mark your weekend and leave a piece of your story in the Sweetheart City.
Why Loveland Works for Family Weekend
Family weekends are about your student first, but they’re also about making memories together. By staying in Loveland, you’ll get the convenience of easy travel, plenty of lodging options and a home base filled with culture, food and outdoor beauty. When the campus crowds quiet down, Loveland gives you space to unwind and enjoy your time in Colorado.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about visiting campus. It’s about creating a weekend you and your student will both remember.