10 Things To Do With Your Parents At UMD

Are your parents visiting you while you’re at UMD? Are you stuck wondering where to take them and what to show them? Don’t worry! From tailgates to exploring hidden gems around campus, there’s plenty to do. Keep reading for 10 things to do with your parents at UMD!

1. Take a picture with Testudo.

Teach your parents a little history lesson about our school and show them our school’s most treasured possession: the Testudo statue outside of Mckeldin Library! Let them in on some fun facts like how during exam week, our favorite turtle is overloaded with everything from donuts to mini fridges as sacrifices for luck.

2. Show them all the great things they’re paying for!

Assure your parents that their hard-earned money is going to good use by pointing out some of the awesome facilities we have on campus, such as Eppley Recreation Center. If they’re feeling adventurous, sign up to climb the rock wall or do an obstacle course with them!

3. Show them great places to eat.

Though we may not have any 5 star restaurants around campus, there are still some hidden gems if you want to go out for a nice dinner. For example, Busboys and Poets is a delicious café located in Hyattsville, which is just down the street. They often feature live music and have bookshelves full of good reads to accompany brunch.

4. Take them tailgating!

There is a special section by Lot 1 where families and organizations can set up tailgates. Take your parents around the tents to show them all the variety we have here at UMD or set up your own family tent! It’s one of the things to do with your parents at UMD that can’t be missed!

5. Get them pumped for UMD football!

Deck your parents out in Maryland gear and take them to the football game! Show them the awesome school spirit we have and join them in the stands to cheer on your favorite team to another victory.

6. Explore Washington, D.C.

There are so many awesome free things to do in our nation’s capital, and if your parents made the journey down to Maryland it’s only a quick trip to D.C! Explore the amazing free Smithsonian museums downtown, visit the National Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and White House on a breezy fall day. The National Zoo is right off the metro and is also 100% free! Whether its your first time, or tenth, visiting DC is one of the best things to do with your parents at UMD.

7. Take a walk around campus.

Show your parents all of your favorite spots to do homework, hang out with friends, or people-watch around campus. Sharing these personal places will help your parents picture you at school when they’re home thinking about you, and is also a great bonding experience.

8. Visit Georgetown!

If your parents want to take you shopping or do some fine dining, Georgetown is the perfect place to do it. Packed full of delicious (also at times pricey) restaurants and a huge variety of retail stores, Georgetown is just a quick walk from the metro. There is also the beautiful C&O Towpath, which is a trail that runs alongside the C&O canal. It’s a perfect spot for walking, biking, or jogging with your family and connecting with nature.

9. Introduce them to your friends!

Let your parents meet all the people you always talk about during your phone conversations so they can better understand who they are! They will feel more comfortable knowing exactly who you hang around with when you’re away from home.

10. Spend quality time together.

The most important thing you can do with your parents when they come to visit is to just hang out and catch up. It’s hard for your parents to live without you, and this is an opportunity to ask them what they’ve been up to and have some family bonding time. Show them that you appreciate them coming to visit and that you miss them just as much as they miss you!