So your parents just shared the great news that they’re coming for Parent’s Weekend. Yay? Even if you are less than elated about the prospect of sacrificing one of your precious weekends to spend quality time with your parents, here are some suggestions that will keep your parents occupied and ease the stress of planning an impressive itinerary for your family. Who knows — you might have some fun after all!

Saturday

I recommend starting off your weekend with a nice brunch. Why not take advantage of your parents being in town and get the royal treatment? Some of my favorites include Sunnyside Café and Gather on Oxford, Rick and Ann’s across from the Claremont Hotel, or Ann’s Kitchen on the corner of Dwight and Telegraph.

Next, spend some time perusing and showing off Berkeley’s beautiful campus. Check out the view of the Bay from the Campanile, trek up to the Big C, or walk around the marbled halls of Doe Library. Along the way be sure to listen to a Men’s Octet performance to get in the Cal spirit (they’re everywhere on Parent’s Weekend) and get a taste of the local flavor while you admire the eclectic jewelry offerings from steet vendors on Telegraph.

Another way to see all of the Berkeley landmark is through the Homecoming Instagram Photo Contest and Scavenger Hunt. Sign up at the Homecoming Headquarters, west of the Campanile, and compete with your family and friends to finish the hunt first.

 

There are several sporting events on Saturday before the game such as the Cal vs UCLA Water Polo game at Spieker Pool and the Cal Quidditch Team is playing on Memorial Glade. Warm up your cheers and Cal songs for the football game later in the night!

I would also recommend sitting in on seminars throughout the weekend given by notable faculty. Arrive early and let your parents get a glimpse of what classes are like here at Cal. Usually these seminars address pertinent and controversial topics so be sure to check them out.

The highlight of the day of course, is the game! Kickoff for the Homecoming Game against UCLA is at 7pm so be sure to get tickets for your parents to root on the Bears and admire the impressive new stadium.

Check out the restaurants on College or North Berkeley, Zachary’s is a personal favorite, for dinner either before or after the game and grab Ici with their chocolate-filled cones for dessert.

Sunday

Spend the day relaxing and browsing museums such as the Berkeley Art Museum or the lesser known but just as cool Phoebe A. Hearst Anthroplogy Museum in Kroeber.

Or if museums aren’t your style, Berkeley also has some great bookstores such as Moe’s or Shakespeare and Co. that you can get lost in.

If you have time, Tilden Park, just a few minutes from campus is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and take advantage of some of the great hiking trails Berkeley has to offer.

Unfortunately by the time you’re done, your parents may never want to leave. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, up to you.

 

For a complete list of Homecoming and Parent’s Weekend Events see, http://homecoming.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/12-Complete-Program.pdf.

Trending Articles: