Fossil Free WashU disrupted Chancellor Martin’s discussion with parents during a Parent & Family Weekend event, Nov 2.

These tours—especially those to less frequently visited areas of the city—are a concrete, constructive effort on the part of the University to introduce not only students, but also the loved ones who support them, to St. Louis outside of the “Wash. U. Bubble.”

Wash. U. really does look out for its students. But that perpetual kindness and compassion does not mean they never falter, and they did so in regards to the scheduling of Parent and Family Weekend.

A bus jam-packed with Washington University students, parents and visitors made its way around St. Louis this weekend and found its way to Ferguson. Bob Hansman, associate professor in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts and St. Louis native, led the way and what he offered was a contextualized history of the social and economic strife throughout the entirety of the city.

Put on your visors and zip up your khaki shorts! Parent and Family Weekend is upon us! Ah, parents. So eager! So excited! So caffeinated! So excruciatingly difficult to entertain for 48 hours! Don’t worry though—Scene has the lowdown on where to take your parents this weekend.

If you were annoyed by the timing of Parent and Family Weekend, you weren’t alone. Traditionally, the First Year Center has held this weekend either the week before or after fall break, which we believe is an inopportune time for students, who are held down by school and club obligations, to host their parents for a weekend.

Whether your parents will be attending Parents’ Weekend or not, the couple of days tend to offer a respite from the few downsides of college. You trade in ramen for a nice dinner out, and if you don’t have a car, it generally provides a chance to get out and see some more of St. Louis. Here, Scene staff will offer their best tips for making the most of Parents’ Weekend.