Penn State parents are coming back to town, folks!

With Parents and Family Weekend just around the corner, many Penn State students are thinking about how they’re going to entertain their families this weekend.

Last year, we talked about all the places you shouldn’t take your parents for the weekend, so this year, we figured we’d discuss some good alternatives to help you and your family have a good time this weekend.

The Arboretum

Parents love flowers, plants, and trees. Luckily for you, the Penn State Arboretum is still blooming with color. Personally, I’ve never met a parent who doesn’t love a trip to the Arboretum, so take advantage of the projected nice weather this weekend and go for an autumnal stroll through the gardens with your family.

A Women’s Hockey Game

During your time at Penn State, your family will likely make an effort to come to visit for a football game. While experiencing the tailgate lots of a home game at Beaver Stadium is certainly a must-do experience for many parents, how do you get your athletics fix during an away weekend?

Pegula Ice Arena is one of the newest and nicest sports venues on campus. This weekend, the women’s hockey team has a home series against UConn, with one game at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 29, and another at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 30. Let your parents experience the thrill of Hockey Valley with a game at the Peg.

The Grocery Store

Going to the grocery store with your family is a Parent’s Weekend tradition. Especially for students who don’t have a car with them at school, a visit from your parents gives you the ability to make a run to the grocery store.

Most parents will want to make sure their kids are eating well and not starving themselves, and they usually won’t hesitate to buy some groceries, so load up that cart with all the frozen food your little heart desires.

Your Favorite Bar

If you’re part of the over-21 crowd, you’ll probably want to show off your favorite weekend hangout spot. Whether it’s on Friday night after the women’s hockey game or on Saturday afternoon during Penn State football’s away matchup at Northwestern, taking your parents to your favorite bar could be a fun way to show them a slice of your life in Happy Valley. Hopefully, they’ll pick up the tab, too.

The Creamery

If your parents have somehow managed to avoid the best ice cream in Pennsylvania, now’s the time to end that streak.

Even if your parents have been to the Creamery before, it never hurts to revisit a classic. Enjoy the final warm-ish days of the year with a scoop or two of your favorite flavor.

A Sit-Down Restaurant

Many college students avoid dining at sit-down restaurants for budgetary reasons. For instance, a microwave quesadilla with ingredients you bought at McLanahan’s is cheaper than going out to eat.

However, throw that out the window when your parents are in town. They don’t want your frozen food, so take advantage of their higher culinary standards and enjoy a meal out to eat. Whether you enjoy a spot downtown or take a drive up North Atherton Street, there are plenty of good options.