Frequently Asked Questions

Family Weekend is an annual university event to provide families of current undergraduate students a glimpse into their student’s life and experience at Stanford. Family Weekend is open to parents and families of currently enrolled Stanford undergraduate students in all four class years. 

Family Weekend is open to parents and families of currently enrolled Stanford undergraduate students in all four class years. Due to various capacity and logistical limitations, we must ask that you bring no more than four (4) family members to visit your undergraduate student during this weekend. Also, please note that activities are not geared towards young children.

Family Weekend 2025 will be held on February 21st and 22nd. Additional details regarding registration and schedule of events will be published on this website as they are finalized. 

We are excited to offer the opportunity for families to visit campus on Friday and Saturday. The time you have on campus will be less structured to allow you to spend time with your undergraduate student. Some programs may be livestreamed and/or recorded and posted on the website following the event.

Yes. Online registration is required for all those who plan to visit the campus, attend events, and visit buildings in-person for Family Weekend. There will be no on-site, walk-up, day-of registration available. If you do not plan to attend in person, you do not need to register.

Unfortunately, due to venue capacities and event planning logistical needs around dining and venue capacity, on-site registration is not available for Family Weekend. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us plan for a successful weekend experience for all who plan to attend the weekend in-person.

To modify or cancel your registration, click the link included in your confirmation email. If you do not have your confirmation email or number available, click on the “Already Registered” link on the registration page, then click on “Forgot your confirmation number?” and enter the email address used to register. If you still need help with or have questions about your online registration, please submit a support request.

There is no cost to participate in Family Weekend activities, and most campus attractions are free, however there may be other events happening on campus during the weekend that require tickets to be purchased, such as athletic events and arts performances.

The Stanford Opportunity Fund offers support for some expenses associated with parent/guardian/family attendance at Family Weekend. If you would like to learn more, please visit the FLI website.

See the preliminary schedule at a glance for general timing of events during the weekend. A full detailed schedule will be added in 2025 as the events are confirmed and we get closer to the weekend. Keep checking the website for additional updates in the new year.

Parents and guardians listed as contacts for currently enrolled undergraduate students are automatically included on our email list, unless they have opted out of email notifications from the university. Therefore, most individuals do not need to take any action to receive communications. Should you still not be receiving communications, please first check your spam or junk folder, then send an email to mykidis@stanford.edu and ask to be added.

Information about traveling to campus, including directions, nearby airports, public transportation, shuttles and parking details can be found on the Plan Your Visit page.

Stanford does not reserve a room block, though some operators may offer a special rate for Stanford guests. We recommend contacting area hotels directly to inquire about special rates as all pricing and reservations are handled separately through the hotels and not by the university. Links to a general listing of area accommodations can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.

Free parking for the day will be provided in the Galvez Parking lot, located across Campus Drive from the Alumni Center. It is a short distance to the Arrillaga Center for Sports & Recreation, the Family Weekend check in and information headquarters. Additional free overflow parking will be available in the Groves, adjacent to Galvez lot. No special pass is needed to park in these lots on these days. More information about parking and on-campus shuttles can be found on the Plan Your Visit page.

Your first stop on campus should be the Family Weekend Check-in and Information Center, located inside the Arrillaga Center for Sports & Recreation. This is where you will pick up your registration materials and enjoy complimentary light refreshments to start your day. Be sure to wear your Family Weekend badge, included in your registration materials as it is your key to access Family Weekend activities.

Casual attire is acceptable as events are informal. Most events are accessible on foot. Please keep in mind the campus is large, so comfortable shoes are encouraged. A light jacket and umbrella would also be recommended as weather may vary.

The Bay Area can sometimes be rainy and cold in February. Be sure to bring a jacket and an umbrella and note that in the event of inclement weather, some activities may be canceled.

Stanford is a vibrant community and many events are organized by student groups, athletic teams and other campus organizations. Check the Stanford Events Calendar and Stanford Athletics website to see what else is happening during Family Weekend. Please note, these events are not organized by the University Family Weekend Planning Team and any inquiries about these events should be made directly to those event organizers listed. These events may require purchase of tickets or be limited to Stanford students/faculty/staff.

Campus tours will be available on a self-guided basis. You can enjoy these tours at your leisure with your student on either day during the weekend. A Family Weekend brochure with the campus map, highlights of iconic locations, and special QR codes to other Family Weekend website tour links will be available for you to make your touring plans. 

No. Parents and family members are not allowed in official academic classes.

We are planning specially hosted events at the residence halls and will continue to provide updates and protocols regarding access to student residences.

On Friday, February 21 we invite you to enjoy lunch with your student in their dining hall, compliments of Residential & Dining Enterprises. Information about other dining options on campus and in the surrounding area can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.

Disability-related accommodations can be requested online using the link included in your Family Weekend registration confirmation email. See your confirmation email for the request form link. Please see the Disability Access & Accommodations page for additional information, such as disability parking, golf cart and shuttles,  Wheelchair and Mobility Device rentals and Wheelchair-accessible hotels and more.

For questions about disability access, please contact:  
Diversity & Access Office  
For fastest response, email: disability.access@stanford.edu  
Phone: (650) 725-0326

In the interest of health and safety and our Stanford residential community, if you feel sick or test positive for COVID-19, please do not attend any events or visit campus.

Visit the Stanford University Health Alerts website for current guidance and updates. Limited PPE will be available at the Family Weekend Information Center.