Sending your child off to college is an overwhelming and exciting feeling. While they're settling into their new dorm, classes, and routines- you're already planning your next visit to campus to see them.
Luckily, most campuses have plenty to do that gives you the perfect excuse to visit.
We put together a guide to Ohio State Parent Weekend and all of the ways that you can get involved with your Buckeye.
Parent Weekend at Ohio State
This year, Parents Weekend will be held November 3-5, 2017.
Friday
Off-Campus Living Expo
Will your student be a junior or a senior next year? The Off-Campus Living Expo will serve as a fun and interactive resource for students to learn about off-campus resources, as well as community engagement and safety.
Ohio Stadium Tours
Take some time to experience the Scarlet and Gray, and go behind the scenes at Ohio Stadium. You will be able to walk on the sidelines where Woody once roamed and the 2002 National Champs call home!
View the field from one of the 81 suites, travel up to one of the nation's largest collegiate press boxes, experience the Yassenoff Recruit Center filled with pictures of current and former Buckeye greats; and see the $1.5 million Steinbrenner Band Center.
Tailgate
The Club invites you to celebrate the kickoff of Parent and Family Weekend with a tailgate before the Buckeyes head to Iowa to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The party will be held on the Patio, overlooking historic Mirror Lake in the heart of campus. There will be food, drink specials, and live entertainment.
Show your team spirit and join in this great event!
A Night at COSI
OSU invites students and their families to experience the COSI science center. The first 1,000 guests will receive $5 in COSI Bucks.
Admission is free with a BuckID or Parents Weekend wristband and there will be limited onsite parking for $5/vehicle. If you would prefer not to drive, a continuous loop bus service will also be available.
Saturday
Tour of CAR
NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE THIS CONFIRMED ON YOUR SCHEDULE TO ATTEND AND DUE TO LIMITED PARKING, YOU MUST TAKE THE SHUTTLE.
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is a research center in sustainable and safe mobility in the United States and an interdisciplinary research center in The Ohio State University’s College of Engineering.
CAR research focuses on energy, safety, and the environment. CAR offers state-of-the-art facilities for students, faculty, research staff and industry partners. Bus departs the Ohio Union 12th Avenue Turnaround at promptly 9 am. Guests must wear closed toe shoes on the tour.
Vice President for Student Life hosts a Breakfast with the College Deans
Come out and meet the Deans and faculty from many colleges who help guide the excellent education students at Ohio State receive. Continental breakfast will be included.
Conversation with Executive Vice President and Provost Bruce A. McPheron
Join Ohio State Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Bruce McPherson for a conversation about the university.
Guests will have the opportunity to gain a new understanding of the student experience, the university’s strategic goals, and mission and future directions for Ohio State.
Ohio State Don Scott Airport Tour
NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE THIS CONFIRMED ON YOUR SCHEDULE TO ATTEND
The Ohio State University Airport is one of the leading general aviation facilities in the nation, providing educational opportunities to the university’s students and aircraft services to many of central Ohio’s pilots and businesses.
The tour includes stops in Flight Education, Aircraft Maintenance, and Customer Service. Visitors will learn about the daily operations of the airport, the history of the airport, and aviation at the university.
OSU Aviation student pilots conduct the tours and share information about aerodynamics, weather, and flight planning.
Culinary Creations: Oktoberfest Lunch
Looking for a fun and interactive lunch option? Join the award winning chefs of the Ohio Union as you learn to make a delicious fall themed lunch.
Ingredients will be provided but you and your family will do all the preparation and cooking. Join other families for some Buckeye bonding over a delicious meal that you all learn to prepare.
Explore Downtown - North Market
The North Market is home to fabulous foodies, persnickety purveyors, and artful artisans peddling the fresh, tasty, exotic, beautiful, and special foods. North Market showcases the best of the best and now guests get to experience it!
Buses will be leaving from the Ohio Union South Loop starting at 11:45am and will run continuously. The last bus will leave North Market at 2:00pm.
Buckeye Family Photos
Looking for that perfect family photo to show off from your time at Parent and Family Weekend? Well, now is your chance! Join in at the Great Hall of the Ohio Union to remember your time at Parent and Family Weekend.
Pictures are first come first served and you can join anytime from 1 – 4 pm.
Sorority and Fraternity House Tours
Far from the days of Animal House, many of the sorority and fraternity houses at Ohio State offer some of the best living conditions off-campus. Take a tour of many of the historic and newly renovated chapter facilities.
Touring some of the facilities will give parents the opportunity to see where their student could be living, and learn about the benefits of living in Greek housing.
Multicultural Center Program: Buckeye Family Feud
Bring the entire family and other guests for a fun game of Buckeye Family Feud. Family Feud is a game show in which families compete against each other in a contest to name the most popular responses to survey questions.
Here at the Multicultural Center, we’re all family so come join the fun!
School of Music Family Weekend Concert
The School of Music has numerous ensembles students can get involved in, including large bands, orchestras, and choirs at every level of ability, as well as a number of smaller chamber opportunities for vocalists, instrumentalists and composers.
This concert is presented in conjunction with Parent & Family Weekend.
Parent and Family Weekend Marshmallow / Hot Dog Roast with Recreational Sports
Nothing says Fall like an early evening bonfire and hot dog roast. Bring the family out and join the staff from Recreational Sports for a free hot dog or marshmallow roast at Ohio State's Outdoor Adventure Center.
Food is somewhat limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Culinary Creations: Autumn Harvest Dinner
Join the awarding winning chefs of the Ohio Union and learn to make a delicious dinner. Ingredients will be provided but you and your family will do all the preparation and cooking.
Join other families for some Buckeye bonding over a delicious meal that you all learn to prepare.
Men's Ice Hockey vs. Notre Dame
See the Ohio State Men’s Ice Hockey Team begin their 2017-2018 home schedule as they compete Notre Dame. Admission is an additional cost and requires pre-registration.
Buckeye Fan Festival
No football game would be complete without an energizing pre-game performance from the Ohio State Marching Band.
Nothing sets the tone for a big win for the Buckeyes like being LOUD and PROUD as you get ready to cheer on the Buckeyes!
Game Watch Tailgate: Ohio State vs. Iowa
Are you looking for the excitement of an Ohio State Football Game Day? Head to the Ohio Union to experience Buckeye pride and spirit as the Buckeyes take on the Iowa Hawkeyes!
You can watch the game in any location in the Union, including the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom, Performance Hall, Woody's Tavern, or weather dependent, the West Plaza. Snacks will be served during the game.
Sunday
OSU Faculty Club Brunch
The Club extends a warm welcome to Parents and Family Weekend Visitors to enjoy our monthly Sunday Brunch. Includes Mouth Watering Action Stations, Breakfast Favorites, Sinfully Sweet Treats, and More.
RSVP Required. You will be contacted by a club representative to confirm your desired seating times between the hours of 10AM and 1PM.
Ohio State 4-Miler Post-Race Tailgate Party
The Ohio State Four-Miler will return to the Ohio State campus for the fourth-annual event.
The race is sold out but even if you are not running, the race will have a Post-Race Tailgate Party from 11:00am to 1:00pm in the parking lot on the Southwest side of Ohio Stadium.
The Post-Race Tailgate Party will feature vendor booths, music and fun, including:
- Buckeye Cruise For Cancer Duck Pond
- Bring $20 for a chance to win prizes values at between $25 and $2,500! All proceeds benefit the Buckeye Cruise For Cancer and the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund For Cancer Research.
- Photo with Brutus and other Buckeye Greats
- Scheduled to participate in 2016 include Brutus Buckeye, Jake Ballard, Zach Boren, Bobby Carpenter, Terence Dials, Craig Krenzel, Shelley Meyer, Ryan Miller, Lauren Shenk Miller, Scoonie Penn, Anthony Schlegel, JJ Sullinger, William White and Justin Zwick.
- Family Fun Zone
- Inflatable games will be available for the kids, including a football toss and obstacle course. Also featured will be full-size cut outs of Urban Meyer, Ohio State Heisman Trophy winners and Brutus Buckeye for photographs.
This is only a brief list of many of the great events that will be hosted for Parents Weekend at OSU. You can find the full list, as well as times, pricing, and registration for events here.
No matter what you're interested in, Ohio State Parents Weekend has something for everyone to enjoy with their Buckeye. Can't make it to Columbus for Parents Weekend? Check out these hot spots around OSU to check out next time you make it to campus.