(This article may or may not contain affiliate links. What does that mean?)
College tours are the rite of passage for high schoolers and their ever-enthusiastic parents. But who says your kid’s college search has to be a tedious chore? Work your mom magic; in other words, multitask like the pro you are and transform that college tour into a family vacation! With a sprinkle of creative planning and a dash of humor, you can turn those weekends spent trudging through campuses into a full-fledged family getaway.
[lwptoc]
NO TIME TO ENJOY THIS ARTICLE NOW? PIN IT OR BOOKMARK FOR LATER!
When Should You Start Visiting Colleges?
Ideally, you should start visiting colleges when your high schooler is a sophomore or junior. However, if you’re like me, you didn’t get the memo! Or, if you’re really on it, you started dreaming of college tours when your kiddos were in middle school. Either way, if you want to pack the 1-2 punch with tours and vacation, it’s important to create a vacation schedule that works for everyone and makes the most of the time you have.
Graduation is almost here. How many colleges have you toured? Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash
Plan Your Destinations Wisely
For instance, instead of just visiting one or two campuses, consider making a mini-road trip out of it! California colleges are a popular choice, and let’s face it: who wouldn’t want to explore sunny California while checking out university and state colleges along with private colleges? Grab a map, plot out your route, and make a list of the best family vacation spots along the way. Visiting UC Berkeley? Take a day trip to the UC Botanical Garden and stroll under native redwoods, and take in views of San Francisco. Drive the scenic Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu and tour Pepperdine University. Head to UC San Diego, and after touring the massive campus, reward your family with a trip to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.
DON’T MISS: The Best Student Friendly Countries to Visit
Weekend Tours vs. Weekdays
If possible, aim for weekend tours. But be warned: these can be crowded, and there’s nothing quite like a group of overzealous parents trying to outsmart each other in the admissions game. Weekdays are often quieter but require a bit more juggling of your family’s vacation schedule.
Turn a College Tour into Family Fun
Capture the Memories
Bring along a camera, AKA your smartphone, to document the journey. Not only will it give you something to show off later, It’s a good way to remember the stand out features of different colleges. Plus, you can create a fun scrapbook that highlights both the college and your family shenanigans. “Look, there’s little Timmy pretending to study while the rest of us are at the beach!”
Incorporate Educational Pit Stops
To keep the academic spirit alive, add in some educational pit stops on your way to college tours. Who knows, maybe your high schooler will come home with newfound knowledge and a desire to pursue an MBA degree instead of a bachelor’s degree!
Mix College Tours with Fun Activities
College tours can feel like drinking from a fire hose. To keep your high schoolers and their siblings from completely losing their minds during the tours, balance the information overload with plenty of breaks and some family fun.
Tour the college, buy the gear, and cheer as a family for your favorite college team. Photo by Laura Kent
[ctt template=”8″ link=”Wdi9b” via=”no” ]If you’re visiting a popular college town, put on your tourist hat and check out the famous local attractions, museums, or parks.[/ctt]
Popular College Tours
Seattle, Washington
The University of Washington, with its gorgeous campus and extremely smart and talented student body, is in Seattle, home to Pike Place Market. Spend your morning at the University campus and then head down to the water’s edge of Elliot Bay at Puget Sound to experience the magic of Seattle’s quirky shops, flower vendors, fresh seafood, and fun wharf activities like the Great Wheel.
There is so much to see, do and taste at the Pike Place Public Market. Photo by Doctor Tinieblas on Unsplash
Where to Stay
Hotel Theodore is a classic downtown hotel that dates back to 1929 but is anything but old or outdated. The rooms are meticulously clean, modern, and warmly decorated. Theodore’s location offers quick, convenient access to Seattle’s best attractions. A short 9-minute walk gets you to Pike Place Market, and Seattle’s central business and commercial district is an easy 11-minute walk.
Georgetown, DC
A visit to Georgetown University calls for a visit to Georgetown (and the law center where the Pelican Brief was filmed, of course!). G-Town is a shopper and foodie’s delight! The fam can also head down to the banks of the Potomac for kayaking or picturesque strolls.
Charming neighborhoods, cobblestone streets and historic buildings, Georgetown has it all. Photo by Ana Lanza on Unsplash
Where to Stay
The Georgetown Inn blends history with luxury. This classic contemporary hotel is located in the historic area of Georgetown, with a plethora of posh shops and eateries to suit everyone’s needs, wants, and cravings. Plus, it’s just steps from Georgetown Waterfront Park.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Home to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill boasts stunning scenery and great food. After a day of touring, be sure to treat the family to some local BBQ. If you ask a local (and even if you don’t), they will certainly tell you their favorite BBQ joint.
Where to Stay
The Graduate by Hilton is a local favorite. This downtown hotel is just one block from the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. The Graduate offers a true college experience, decorated in the Tar Heel spirit using creative interiors and college nostalgia for a one-of-a-kind stay.
Boulder, Colorado
With the University of Colorado Boulder nestled against the foothills of the Rockies, this town is a natural beauty. Spend your mornings touring the campus and your afternoons biking with the family along the 300+ miles of bike lanes and paths. Plus, the spectacular views will have you considering just how many parent visits you can make without being called “a hover mother.”
The Rockies sure do make for a great study spot. Photo by Adam Rinehart on Unsplash
Where to Stay
When in Boulder, stay at none other than the Boulderado. The Victorian-styled rooms are charmingly decorated, but the showstopper is the incredible views of Downtown Boulder, the Rocky Mountain foothills, and the Boulder Flatirons. Plus, it’s located in a hip, vibrant neighborhood that is close to the campus.
Austin, Texas
Known for its vibrant music scene and delicious food trucks, Austin offers a perfect mix of fun and education. Tour the University of Texas, perfect your “horns up” hand signal, and then dive into some live music or tacos—because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love tacos from Texas?
How do longhorns do in the heat? Austin is big, beautiful, and hot, hot, hot. Photo by MJ Tangonan on Unsplash
Where to Stay
The AT&T Hotel and Conference Center is the grand hotel of the University of Texas at Austin. Its limestone exterior mimics that of the University, and each room is luxuriously appointed. The AT&T hotel also offers a menu of package deals, depending on what you’re looking for.
DON’T MISS: Food Tours with Teens
Gainesville, Florida
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is not only a great place to explore but also offers plenty of family-friendly activities. After checking out the campus, take the family to Poe Springs for paddleboarding or a refreshing swim. You can even catch a Gators game if you’re feeling sporty!
Where to Stay
When you’re in Florida, you’re gonna need a pool. Book your stay at the AC Hotel by Marriott Gainesville Downtown. This hotel is a 4-minute walk to the university and a short walk to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home of Gators football.
Boston, Massachusetts
If you’re up for a historic adventure, consider Boston. With numerous universities and colleges, you can spend days exploring. From Harvard to MIT, you’ll have your pick. And once you’re done, hit up the Freedom Trail to relive the revolutionary days, stuff your face with a lobster roll, or take in a Celtics or Red Sox game.
Where to Stay
Located just a few miles from Boston and Cambridge and Harvard, Four Points by Sheraton Boston Newton is a casual hotel with comfy rooms and a pool that offers visitors access to Newton’s quaint villages and the excitement of Boston.
Wrapping Up Your Family College Vacation
With a little planning, a good pair of shoes, and some creative thinking, you can turn a series of college tours into an unforgettable family vacation. Remember to embrace the chaos and celebrate the small victories, like hitting your step milestone with the enormous number of steps you racked up. Most importantly, enjoy this family time and each other’s company. Now, go conquer those college tours—and maybe snag a beach day or two along the way!
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONSIDER PINNING OR SHARING IT!
Laura Kent
. I am a master brand storyteller, creative ringleader and kick-a content creator, based in Park City, Utah, where I live with my three incredible kiddos, my guy, and three of the goofiest doodle doggies you’ll ever meet. My specialties include copywriting, content creation, word smithing, editing, proofreading, SEO marketing, brainstorming, and picking brains. I’m also very good at multitasking, single-tasking, and “I’ll just do it myself” tasking. Last, but certainly not least, I specialize in spontaneous bursts of sheer brilliance. I traded life near the Pacific Ocean for mountain town living in Park City, which actually feels like a chill beach town…so, it’s a pretty even trade, except for the snow – obvi!