Family-friendly trip ideas: Turning college drop-off into a vacation
The lazy days of summer are coming to an end. Make the most of these last few weeks by turning your child’s back-to-school trip into a one-of-a-kind getaway they’ll never forget.
August 13, 2025
As the back-to-school season approaches, families face the challenge of traveling with kids heading to different colleges. Don’t fret, however. With these helpful tips, what began as a straightforward drop-off trip can easily be transformed into a memorable family vacation. All you need is the right planning — and accommodations. By prioritizing comfort, local charm, and activities, families can turn a mundane trip into an exciting adventure. Read on to see how you can level up college drop-off season.
California dreaming
Soon-to-be Stanford students and parents can enjoy the best of the West Coast with a back-to-school trip that doubles as a sightseeing getaway. Add an extra day or two onto your journey to take advantage of Palo Alto and Silicon Valley’s rich attractions, including tech museums, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown area with plenty of dining options. Love the outdoors? A stop at the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve is a must. Need to please younger travelers? Consider adding the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo to your itinerary. For art lovers, the Cantor Arts Center can’t be missed. To make seeing all these sights even easier, choose a centrally located hotel such as Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto. The hotel’s modern amenities and nostalgic vibe (Cardinal red makes an appearance throughout) make it a welcoming base for families seeking comfort and style. Even better, it boasts the only rooftop bar in the area, meaning you can see the sights, rest up, and raise a glass to your child’s new adventure all from the comfort of your hotel.
Don’t knock Knoxville, Tennessee
From historic homes to outdoor adventures, upcoming and current Vols can learn just how sensational the Southeast can be with an extended stay in Knoxville, Tennessee. Before sending your freshman off to school, discover what makes this area so charming: panoramic mountain views from the Sunsphere, a ride on the Three Rivers Rambler steam train, and the stunning collection at the Knoxville Museum of Art, to name a few. All these and more exciting sights are within easy reach when you make Graduate by Hilton Knoxville your home base for your trip. Located near the University of Tennessee, this charming hotel offers a unique blend of modern design and local character. Enjoy Western favorites at Saloon 16 while you relax in comfortable surroundings. It’s a guaranteed way to start your child’s collegiate experience on the right foot.
Make room for Michigan
Students and families can jumpstart their Spartan pride with a long weekend getaway in East Lansing, home to Michigan State University. Explore contemporary art at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, travel to space via the Abrams Planetarium, and tap into the calm and serenity of nature at the Horticulture Gardens. Graduate by Hilton East Lansing is the best place to stay during your back-to-school getaway, offering a conveniently located home base (across the street from MSU) and the chance to immerse yourself in the customs and culture of your soon-to-be school. Fueled by delicious coffee and grab-and-go bites from the hotel’s Pointdexter Coffee or dinner and rooftop views from Graduate Rock Bar, you’ll soon discover everything there is to love about this Midwestern city.
Minneapolis magic
Gopher pride hits its peak with a college drop-off trip turned back-to-school getaway in the City of Lakes, aka Minneapolis. Just a 5-minute walk from Huntington Bank Stadium and Williams Arena, a stay at Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis guarantees you’re in the heart of all the University of Minnesota action while still close to the city’s cultural attractions. Must-see sights include the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden — both less than 20 minutes from the hotel — and don’t forget to pack your swimsuit to take advantage of the area’s numerous water sports and activities. When you’re in need of a break, look no further than your hotel. Rent a hitting bay at the hotel’s Topgolf Swing Suite to practice your drive, or head to The Beacon Public House, which offers hearty American classics and a pool table in a warm, inviting setting. Get your game on and get ready to give your college student an amazing back-to-school trip.
Sending loved ones back to school can be an emotional and challenging time. Make the most of those last few moments together by getting in one last family summer vacation to create a memorable journey that you and your family will cherish — at least until Parents’ Weekend.
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Disclaimer: We used AI assistance to generate this content. All information was reviewed by Hilton's team to ensure it meets our standards for accuracy and ethics, allowing us to better match your travel needs and connect you with the right stay.
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