Our Guide to Planning Family Weekend 2022

Family Weekend is back, and with the arrival of parents and siblings comes expectations for planning an unforgettable SMU weekend. In a city as lively as Dallas, it’s hard to narrow down the best parent-worthy spots and craft an itinerary that’s fun for all. If you’re starting to scramble, stress no more. Here are our top picks for delivering the best of SMU and Dallas for your families this weekend!

Dining in Dallas

Let’s start with what’s most important: food! A prime-time reservation will not happen at this point, but luckily, Dallas has amazing options where no reservation is necessary. Here are some of the best:

• The Rustic – The Rustic is the perfect casual spot to bring some home to Dallas. Spend an evening under the stars on their backyard-style patio listening to free live music, playing cornhole, and indulging in their home-style meals.
• Highland Park Village – For something on the fancier side, Highland Park Village offers four unique dining options that are reservation-free. Enjoy authentic Tex-Mex at Mi Cocina or margs and tapas at Monkey Bar. Next door, Lounge 31 is perfect for sushi lovers. The Honor Bar boasts an impressive wine list and delicious American dishes.
• Katy Trail Ice House – The Katy Trail Ice House is a favorite local hot spot perfect for enjoying a nice Dallas day. Take advantage of their expansive, shaded patio after the early game this Saturday. Then cool down with a Summer Beer and BBQ Plate.

Experiencing SMU

• Boulevarding – The main event on campus this weekend is the much-anticipated Iron Skillet football game between the SMU Mustangs and TCU Horned Frogs. Pre-game boulevarding is an SMU staple, and your family definitely won’t want to miss out. Tell your families to wear red, white, or blue (and maybe some cowboy boots) and get ready to meet Peruna and mingle down the Boulevard around 9 am.
• Campus Museums – SMU hosts two incredible museums on campus and one of the 13 presidential libraries in the nation: Meadows Museum and the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Simultaneously immerse yourself and your family in Dallas’s and SMU’s cultural scene by visiting the impressive Spanish art collection at Meadows Museum or the presidential archives of the Bush Administration.
• My SMU – Show your parents and siblings what SMU means to you! Stroll through the freshmen dorm courtyards while reminiscing your favorite memories. Show your parents your favorite spots on campus to study or hang out with friends. Take some family pictures at Dallas Hall or the Bronze Mustangs Sculpture!

The campus is an integral part of the SMU experience. There are so many aspects to share with your families this weekend. Click here for more Family Weekend events hosted by the Student Foundation.

A Few More Favorites…

If you still have time (and energy), try-out these Dallas activities:

• Dog-watch and walk on The Katy Trail
• Explore Deep Ellum
• Indulge in retail therapy at NorthPark Mall or Wild Bill’s Western Store
• Visit the Reunion Tower’s Observation Deck

No matter what you plan, the weekend highlight for your parents and siblings will still be seeing you. So, remember to relax and enjoy this time sharing SMU with your families!

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