Tips and advice for Family Weekend
Family Weekend is a chance to experience CU Boulder through your student’s eyes. Whether it’s your first visit to campus or you’ve been here before, a little planning can help you make the most of your time together. Here are a few things to do, places to visit and tips for Family Weekend.
Let your student show you around
One of the best campus tours may be the one your student gives you. While there are various tours on the Family Weekend schedule, ask your Buff to show you the places that are part of their everyday life. Visit their classrooms, favorite study spots, residence hall or apartment, go-to dining locations or places they spend time with friends.
Along the way, stop for a family photo at one of these popular campus spots:
- The Farrand Field archway with the Flatirons in the background
- The “Sko Buffs” wall on the second floor of the Center for Community (C4C)
- The Ralphie statue in front of Folsom Field
- The top-floor terrace of the Center for Academic Success and Engagement (CASE)
Following your student’s lead can give you a glimpse into their routines and the places that have become important to them.
Try your student’s favorite dining spot
Sharing a meal is an easy way to experience your student’s everyday life on campus. Ask your Buff to choose a favorite spot or take you somewhere they regularly grab coffee, lunch or a quick bite between classes.
You could stop by the WeatherTech Cafe and Bakery for coffee and pastries, visit Village Center Dining for all-day breakfast or look for Roaming Ralphie, CU Boulder’s mobile dining option offering a grill-style menu.
Check campus dining hours before you go, as hours and availability may vary.
Explore campus attractions
Leave some room in your schedule to explore places that make CU Boulder unique. Catch a show at Fiske Planetarium, visit the CU Art Museum or CU Museum of Natural History, or stop by the Regent Administrative Center to see the CU LEGO model exhibit.
These are great options to add between scheduled activities or explore with your student at your own pace.
Check out free events
There are events and activities throughout Family Weekend that are open to all families. Check the full Family Weekend schedule for details, and consider adding these activities to your plans:
Take Care Street Fair
Friday, Oct. 16 | 2-4 p.m. | University Memorial Center (UMC) fountain area
Join this annual celebration of health and wellness. Learn about campus resources and participate in self-care activities, fitness challenges and more.
Pearl Street Stampede
Friday, Oct. 16 | 7-8 p.m. | Pearl Street
Experience a favorite fall tradition before the home football game. The Pearl Street Stampede features the Golden Buffalo Marching Band, Colorado Spirit Squad and members of the CU Buffs football team.
Plan ahead, but leave some downtime
Review the Family Weekend schedule before you arrive and decide which activities matter most to your family. You don’t need to fill every hour. Leaving some time open gives your student a chance to show you around, introduce you to friends or simply spend time catching up.
However you spend Family Weekend, let your student help shape the visit. Follow their lead, make time to reconnect and enjoy seeing CU Boulder from their perspective.