As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, it’s time for one of the most anticipated events on the University of Michigan calendar: Parents Weekend. For parents, this is a chance to visit their child, see where they live and learn, and get a taste of the U-M experience. For students, it’s an opportunity to show off their campus, introduce their parents to their friends, and take a break from the rigors of academic life.

Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Parents Weekend at the University of Michigan:
When is Parents Weekend?
Parents Weekend 2023 will be held from Friday, September 29th to Sunday, October 1st.
Where is Parents Weekend held?
Parents Weekend activities will be held all over the University of Michigan campus, from the Diag to the Big House. A full schedule of events will be available closer to the date.
What to do during Parents Weekend?
There’s something for everyone during Parents Weekend at U-M. Here are a few of the most popular activities:
- Visit your child’s dorm room. This is a great way to see where your child lives and get a sense of their daily life.
- Attend a class with your child. This is a unique opportunity to see your child in their academic environment.
- Go to a football game. Michigan football is a big part of campus culture, and Parents Weekend is a great time to experience it.
- Take a tour of the campus. This is a great way to see all that U-M has to offer.
- Visit the Ann Arbor Art Fair. This world-renowned art fair features over 1,000 artists from around the world.
Where to stay during Parents Weekend?
There are a number of hotels in the Ann Arbor area, including many that offer special rates for Parents Weekend. You can also book a room on campus at the University Club Hotel.
What to bring to Parents Weekend?
Here are a few things you might want to bring to Parents Weekend:
- Comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
- A camera. You’ll want to capture all the memories of your visit.
- Money. You’ll need money for food, drinks, and activities.
- A positive attitude. Parents Weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with your child and see all that U-M has to offer. Make the most of it!
Tips for Parents
Here are a few tips for parents attending Parents Weekend at the University of Michigan:
- Plan ahead. Book your hotel and activities in advance, especially if you’re visiting during a popular time of year.
- Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan, so be prepared to adjust your schedule if necessary.
- Respect your child’s space. Your child is an adult, so give them some space to hang out with their friends and do their own thing.
- Have fun! Parents Weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with your child and see all that U-M has to offer. Make the most of it!
Tips for Students
Here are a few tips for students hosting their parents for Parents Weekend:
- Be a good host. Show your parents around campus, introduce them to your friends, and make sure they have a good time.
- Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your parents want to see the real you.
- Be honest. If you’re struggling with something, don’t be afraid to talk to your parents about it. They’re there to support you.
- Have fun! Parents Weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with your parents and show them all that U-M has to offer. Make the most of it!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid during Parents Weekend:
- Don’t overschedule. It’s tempting to try to cram as much as possible into Parents Weekend, but it’s important to leave some time for relaxation.
- Don’t drink too much. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Parents Weekend, but it’s important to drink responsibly.
- Don’t spend too much money. Parents Weekend can be expensive, so it’s important to budget wisely.
- Don’t forget to have fun! Parents Weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with your loved ones and see all that U-M has to offer. Make the most of it!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Parents Weekend
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your Parents Weekend visit:
- Book your hotel and activities. Do this as early as possible, especially if you’re visiting during a popular time of year.
- Create a schedule. Plan out your activities for each day of Parents Weekend. This will help you make the most of your time.
- Confirm your plans with your child. Make sure your child is aware of your plans and that they’re okay with them.
- Pack your bags. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, money, and a positive attitude.
- Arrive at U-M. Check into your hotel and start exploring campus.
- Meet up with your child. Spend some time with your child and get to know their friends.
- Attend a class with your child. This is a great way to see your child in their academic environment.
- Go to a football game. Michigan football is a big part of campus culture, and Parents Weekend is a great time to experience it.
- Take a tour of the campus. This is a great way to see all that U-M has to offer.
- Visit the Ann Arbor Art Fair. This world-renowned art fair features over 1,000 artists from around the world.
- Have fun! Parents Weekend is a great opportunity to spend time with your child and see all that U-M has to offer. Make the most of it!
Useful Tables
Activity | Cost | Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Visit your child’s dorm room | Free | 30 minutes | Your child’s dorm |
Attend a class with your child | Free | 50 minutes | Your child’s classroom |
Go to a football game | $100 | 3 hours | Michigan Stadium |
Take a tour of the campus | Free | 1 hour | Visitor Center |
Visit the Ann Arbor Art Fair | Free | 3 hours | Downtown Ann Arbor |
Hotel | Cost | Location | Amenities |
---|---|---|---|
University Club Hotel | $250/night | On campus | Restaurant, bar, fitness center, pool |
The Graduate Ann Arbor | $200/night | Downtown Ann Arbor | Restaurant, bar, fitness center, rooftop terrace |
The Westin Ann Arbor | $150/night | Downtown Ann Arbor | Restaurant, bar, fitness center, pool |
Restaurant | Cost | Location | Type of cuisine |
---|---|---|---|
Zingerman’s Deli | $15 | Downtown Ann Arbor | Deli |
The Gandy Dancer | $20 | Depot Town | American |
Sava’s | $25 | Kerrytown | Mediterranean |
Activity | Age range | Cost | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum | 0-12 | $10 | Downtown Ann Arbor |
Matthaei Botanical Gardens | All ages | $15 | Nichols Arboretum |
University of Michigan Museum of Natural History | All ages | Free | Central Campus |