Visiting the University of Kansas: A Parent’s Guide to Lawrence, KS
If you’re visiting the University of Kansas to move your student in, attend graduation, come for family weekend, or just check in, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Lawrence — including fun things to do together besides just eating out.
When Do Parents Usually Visit KU?
- Move-in / back-to-school week
- Family weekends and campus events
- Graduation
- Game days
- Random “check-in” visits throughout the year
And almost every parent ends up asking the same question:
“Okay… what should we do while we’re in town?”
Beyond Lunch: Fun Things To Do With Your College Student
Most visits include:
- A meal near campus or downtown
- A walk around KU
- Some shopping or exploring Mass St.
But a lot of parents also want:
- Something interactive
- Something indoors (especially during hot summers or cold winters)
- Something that feels like an “experience”
- Something their student will actually enjoy doing
Escape Rooms: A Perfect Parent + Student Activity Near KU
Breakout Lawrence is located in downtown Lawrence near the University of Kansas and offers immersive escape rooms that are perfect for parent visits.
Why it works so well:
- You do it together — not just sit and talk
- No awkward “what do you want to do?”
- It creates a shared memory
- It works for mixed ages
- It’s indoors — great during move-in heat or winter cold
Best Times to Do This (Move-In, Graduation, and Weekends)
Move-in / back-to-school week
Move-in week is busy, hot, and exhausting. Escape rooms are a great way to take a break and do something fun together without more walking around.
Graduation weekend
Graduation weekend is packed with meals and events. An escape room is a perfect “one hour” activity that feels special and gives everyone something to talk about.
Family weekend / game day weekends
When Lawrence is busy, it helps to have a booked activity planned in advance.
Where Is Breakout Lawrence Located?
Breakout Lawrence is located in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, near the University of Kansas — perfect for pairing with a full day of KU activities and Mass St. dining.
Other Popular Parent Activities in Lawrence
- Walking the KU campus
- Exploring downtown Lawrence
- Shopping and dining on Mass St.
- Visiting during events and game days
But if you want something that actually feels like a shared activity you did together, an escape room is one of the best options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this good for families with multiple kids?
Yes. Escape rooms are great for families and groups.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes — especially during move-in week, graduation, and busy KU weekends.
How long does it take?
Most escape room experiences last about 60 minutes.
So, What Should Parents Do When Visiting the University of Kansas?
If you want to do something fun, interactive, and genuinely memorable with your student, Breakout Lawrence is one of the best experiences for parents visiting KU.