DeKALB — A variety of different activities brought hundreds of families swarming to campus for Family Weekend as students and their loved ones explored the many things NIU and the surrounding area have to offer.

While a number of special events, such as trips to Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Road, took place off-campus, some events gave students a chance to see what they can do on campus even after Family Weekend.

One such event was Bowling and Billiards, held from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, which provided a chance for students to experience the Huskies Den at a special offer. For $10, families received access to as many games of bowling, pool and console gaming as they desired.

Family Connections representative Kesha Williams said a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Huskie Food Pantry, which recently suffered a power outage resulting in the loss of some of their supplies, according to their Facebook page.

“There is a constant flow,” Huskies Den Manager Jeffry Royce said. “It’s rare that we get to see the students come down with their younger siblings, older siblings and parents.”

Saturday, the Den offered cosmic bowling, as it does every Saturday, giving students a chance to experience something they can find regularly on campus. The lights get dimmed and a black light and disco lights are turned on, creating a “cosmic” galaxy effect.

“We can still talk and do stuff at the same time,” NIU parent, Missy Adair, whose student is a freshman, said.

Adair said she felt the event was an excellent opportunity for families who wanted to be able to socialize while participating in a fun activity. Adair said she would love to come back next year and do it all again.

The Huskies Den is a place for students to go not only for family weekend, but year-round with friends and family. Whether it be when family comes to visit or after a long study session, the Den always has something to offer.