It’s only June, but we are thinking about Parents and Families Weekend scheduled for September 29 - October 1, 2023. To help you plan your visit, please see the tips below.
Event registration: Registration is required and begins on August 23 at 12:00 p.m. ET. The $25 per family registration fee* covers parking, buses/trolleys, and non-ticketed events including the Ice Cream Social, Welcome Breakfast, and Football Game Watch Party. Other events may require a reservation, fee, and/or ticket purchase. These events may fill up or sell out quickly. We will share those events after you register for the weekend.
Check-in with your student: Students are typically ready for a visit from home by this time in the semester. They may appreciate a little TLC (and treats from home). They may be settled into their new "home" at Penn State and excited to share what they have discovered with you. If this is your first time seeing your student since they moved to school, expect trips to stock up on food, necessities, or even clothes for the coming colder weather.
Plan your visit: We have some exciting events in the works and look forward to sharing the schedule with you in mid-August. Events begin after lunch on Friday and end at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Many families choose to come for the entire weekend, while others may drive in for a day (in that case, we would recommend Saturday). Some events happen only once, while other events such as the Beaver Stadium Tours are held multiple times throughout the weekend. The Off-Campus Housing Fair where you can explore off-campus housing options is hosted on Sunday only. The complete schedule will be posted online by mid-August.
Make lodging arrangements: As soon as you know you are coming, make travel and lodging arrangements. On busy weekends such as Parents and Families Weekend, football games, and graduation, many, if not all, of our local hotels sell out. If you do not have a place to stay, you may want to think outside the box (outside of State College). Bellefonte, Lewistown/Reedsville, Lock Haven/Lamar area, and Altoona are within a 15-45-minute drive from campus. We also recommend that you keep checking local hotel availability – as we get closer to the event, plans change and families sometimes cancel their reservations. There are also several non-traditional options in the area including Airbnb, StateCations, and Rent Like a Champion that offer private homes for rent. The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau may be helpful in finding a place for your family.
Experience something new: While seeing your student is the best part, Parents and Families Weekend is more than a campus open house. We will begin posting events in August and continue adding events throughout the fall. Beaver Stadium Tours, housing sessions, and academic events are hosted throughout the weekend. There will also be varsity athletic competitions and theater performances. You won’t want to miss the incredible talent and skills of Penn State students at many events hosted during the weekend.
Not just for families of first-year students: Most events can be enjoyed by the families of all students. You might be interested in the Career Services event or tour of the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, or maybe you have some items on your Penn State bucket list that you might want to check off (hike Mount Nittany or walk around the arboretum).
Bring your family: Everyone is welcome. Keep in mind that Penn State is a large campus, and you will be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes are a must. Students also love a visit from their dogs, but unless they are a service animal, pets are not allowed in most campus buildings.
Explore university resources: Now that your student has the basics of college figured out — residence hall life, meal plan, roommates, registering for classes, etc. — check out what other resources Penn State has to offer. Study abroad programs, career preparation, sororities and fraternities may be options to look into with your student during Parents and Families Weekend. The Off-Campus Housing Fair and Housing Sessions are always popular. Offices will be open during regular business hours on Friday.
Celebrate your Penn State pride: Wear your blue and white and attend a Penn State athletic event, enjoy the Berkey Creamery’s famous ice cream, and have your family’s photo taken at the Lion Shrine.
More questions? Our FAQ page will help answer your questions. We will be updating this site throughout the summer.
*We are offering registration fee waivers for up to 80 families with students who show financial need. More details will be shared in early August.
