This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SMU chapter.
It’s Family Weekend on the Hilltop again! You parents’ flight lands tonight, and you have to entertain them for the next three days, while showing them that your’re still focusing on your studies. Maybe you’ve planned things to do with your family and maybe you have no clue at all what to fill two days with. Either way, here’s a loose schedule of events for you to show your family and friends what SMU—and Dallas—is all about!
Friday
- Begin the day with a healthy and tasty breakfast. Grab a quick sandwich or burrito from Start before the schedule full of activities and events begins.
- If you have class, have your family check out one of the events on campus! From school open houses, to meeting faculty, to learning more about studying abroad, there’s so much for your family to do.
- Thinking about going through Recruitment? From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. there is an Fraternity and Sorority info session in Harold Simmons 101. If your mom is still on the fence or if you’re still not sure what you’re in for, make sure that you head to these.
- Go to Umphrey Lee or Arnold for lunch with your family! Introduce them to your dining hall favorites and let them experience the daily meal of a college student.
- If that’s not your speed, try the Family Weekend Luncheon (Hughes-Trigg Ballroom) from 12:00-1:30 pm.
- Show your family around Deep Ellum. Whether it’s thrift shops or quirky restaurants, get some shopping done, grab some food to snack on or just walk around and check out the outdoor art and murals.
- Take a break from the heat and visit the Meadows Museum. Don’t miss the current Dali exhibition, which has been extremely popular since it began its display.
- See if your residential commons has an event for families! These are a great time for your parents to meet your friends and roommates.
- Looking for dinner opportunities?From 6-8 p.m. there is the Taste of Dallas Dinner (Hughes-Trigg Ballroom) and from 5-7 p.m. there is a Fish Fry (Hughes-Trigg Varsity).
- Go watch “Spring Awakening,” the student musical that will be on at 8 p.m. in the Greer Garson Theatre.
Saturday
- Grab breakfast at one of the many great brunch places off campus. For something quick and energizing, try some açaí bowls from Nekter. Or, if you want a traditional Dallas brunch, head to Bread Winners, Yolk, Snooze or The Rustic! From breakfast tacos, to hearty waffles, to every flavor of pancakes for the whole family, these places will be sure to fill your stomachs.
- If you have time, pay a visit to the Deep Ellum Outdoor Market. Your family can experience all the vendors there, listen to live music and check out local artists’ work.
- If you missed “Spring Awakening” last night, there’s another show today at 3 p.m. and at 8 p.m.
- Head back to campus to boulevard and check out The Tent! Hosted by Program Council, there will be Bahama Buck’s and Raising Cane’s for the whole family. Get a picture on SMU red couch, too!
- Starting at 3:30 p.m., get some BBQ at Clements Hall lawn before the big game. Meet some of the other families visiting and enjoy a yummy Texas meal.
- Take a family picture with our mascot, Peruna (a can’t-miss memento for the books).
- Head to Ford Stadium and cheer on the Mustangs against Houston Baptist! Kickoff is at 6 p.m.
Sunday
- Get breakfast at BIRD Bakery, where you can get everything from a pastry with coffee to avocado toast with a sunny-side up egg. The venue is cute and your family will love the atmosphere!
- Teach your parents how we brunch. Get your mom a mimosa and give your dad as much bacon as he can handle. If they’ll let you, load up on both (In Texas, it is legal for people under 21 to drink with their parents). There are so many great brunch places in Dallas, so pick your favorite and drag the whole family.
- Explore the Dallas Arts District. The buildings in this part of town are beautiful and there are sculptures on almost every street. Bishop Arts District also had Emporium Pies, which is a can’t miss in terms of Dallas food.
- See the Dallas sights! Stop at Reunion Tower for a great view of the entire city, rest in Klyde Warren Park or tour the Dallas Museum of Art.
- Say goodbye to your family and thank them for coming to see you and your school! After this weekend, they’ll leave with the confirmation that they dropped you off at the best school for you.
Some General Tips!
- Print out a map of campus for any family and friends to avoid getting lost.
- Remember the clear bag policy at Ford Stadium.
- Good dinner places nearby for the whole family include The Porch, True Food, Knife Dallas, and Henry’s Majestic.
- Introduce your family to the friends you’ve made the past few weeks (it puts faces to the names you’ve been telling them about).
- Don’t forget to tell your parents you miss them! Even though you’re having the best time in college, remind them that they’re appreciated.