Last fall I spent the weekend with my three kids and husband at his college reunion. The university did a nice job of incorporating the kids in a number of activities - and started the brainwashing early!
It made me start thinking that many families are doing just what I did – and also traveling with older children to college campuses nationwide to tour prospective universities for study.
Just this week the LA Times reported that despite the economy, summer tours of schools are having a strong start. This should continue through early fall, when applications are due.
The college tour can be turned into an amazing and memorable family vacation. If you go between now and late October, you will still get nice weather in most places, and even be able to attend a football game or other sporting event to catch the true school spirit. There are also many enriching student events that are offered, from concerts, to dances, to guest speakers. Most of the events are free and you can learn about them in the campus newspaper. Many of the college papers are also available online so you can plan before you go.
I thought I might inspire some of you to actually do some sightseeing on the college circuit– yes, meet with the admissions director and get a school tour…but don’t
miss some of the extras a campus and its surrounding have to offer. I’m talking world class stuff.
Here are some college campuses that are some of my favorites for sightseeing: (Oh and they aren’t bad colleges either J )
Stanford University:
First off, enjoy the gorgeous European feel of this campus with sprawling lawns and stunning architecture.
--Visit the Cantor Arts Center - The sculpture gardens have the largest number of Rodin sculptures outside Paris. I've been to both the Rodin museum in Paris and the sculpture garden on campus - Stanford's is right up there.
--Memorial Church - the crown jewel of campus. The non-denominational church is open to the public, and a guided tour recounting the history is available at certain times. 
--Hoover Tower - Observation deck offers great views.
--Downtown Palo Alto - University Ave offers some nice strolling - lots of cafes and boutiques with a definite college-town vibe.
--San Francisco is a mere 45minutes away - look into taking the train right into the city.
UCLA:
Another looker of a campus - with liveliness in the air.

--My favorite place on campus is the Murphy Sculpture Gardens. So tranquil it's hard to believe frat boys are congregating nearby. Found on the northern edge of campus, it is the perfect place to relax amongst some 70 sculptures. Bring a blanket and a ball for small kids.
--Another favorite in all of Los Angeles - the Geffen Theater. Intimate and inviting, this theater has some great productions and is walking distance from UCLA.
--The Hammer Museum - Also walking distance from campus...holds Armand hammer's collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.
--Walk to Wilshire and take the bus to Wishire and Fairfax to LACMA...and/or the Petersen Automotive Museum. For a meal, head to the classic LA Farmer's Market. Always amazing people watching and interesting choices of food in a VERY casual outdoor setting.
University of Texas: Located in the quintessential town for college students, Austin Texas. On campus and off, there is plenty to do.
--LBJ Library and Museum - Intersting look at his presidency.
--Ranson Center: Holds the world's first photograph and Watergate papers of journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.
--U of T Tower - a 27 story architectural beauty. Go tot he observation deck here also.
In nearby Austin:
--Barton Springs Pool - a bucolic place for a swim that is a favorite amongst the locals.
--See the bats under Congress Bridge. Approx 1.5 bats live in the crevices of the bridge and at sunset they all fly out to look for food.
--South Congress Ave - Funky, eclectic, perfect for the teen ehading off to college. Guero's is my favorite Mexican food...and Jo's Coffee often has interesting events. The last time I was in Austin, there was a concert in the parking lot for dogs and their owners.
--Don't forget the Austin music scene...
More colleges to come later this week...