Parent Weekends: Top Ways to Have Fun

Hello, parents of Miami University students! Welcome back to Oxford, Ohio. Your student no doubt knows all the fun things to do on campus for your visit but how about what's going on beyond Campus Avenue? That's where we come in. We have suggestions on where to go and what to do to make the most of your time off-campus in Oxford.

We've broken down the following ways to have fun into two categories. The first is all about relaxing and de-stressing. The second is about getting out and active. Mix and match as you please or go ahead and do everything on each list! If you don't have time to do it all, you just have another reason to come back to our great little town (in addition to seeing your kid, of course).

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Relax and De-stress

You're Fired

6 N. Beech St.

We talk about You're Fired a lot, and there's a reason! This paint-your-own-pottery studio is a great way to take a load off and get creative all at the same time. Choose from a wide variety of pottery pieces (mugs, vases, animal figurines, you name it), pick your paint and tools, and get started. It can take up to a week to get the pieces fired, so you'll either want to get your pieces shipped to you or simply send your student back to the studio to pick up your work when it's ready.

Expect to spend one to two hours here.

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Luna Blu

115 W. Spring St.

The Luna Blu salon and spa is the epitome of relaxation. Get pampered with an exfoliating facial or rosemary mint body wrap. Try a 30-minute massage ($48) or really treat yourself and go for The Blu Massage (60-minute classic massage AND a 30 min Pure Focus Facial for $115). Or maybe you and your student just want to sit side by side and catch up while you get your nails done. No matter what you choose, there's no doubt you'll walk out of there feeling like you're floating on air.

Expect to spend anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half here.

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Museums

Oxford has several amazing museums to choose from if you want to spend a slow-paced afternoon strolling through a quiet, relaxing atmosphere.

Miami University Art Museum (801 S. Patterson Ave.)

An impressive permanent collection of original art, as well as new exhibits every year. Learn more here.

Karl E. Limper Geology Museum (126 Shideler Hall)

Fantastic displays and hundreds of fossils, minerals, rocks, and meteorites from all over the world. Learn more here.

Hefner Zoology Museum (100 Upham Hall)

Exhibits, collections and specimens, and interactive programs to help engage visitors of all ages. Learn more here.

Expect to spend one hour in each museum.

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Get Up and Get Active

Oxford Lanes

4340 Oxford Reily Rd.

Feeling competitive? Or maybe you're just looking to get on your feet and knock down some pins in a friendly game of bowling. Look no further than the Oxford Lanes. They host leagues and tournaments so you'll want to make sure to check out their Open Bowling schedule before dropping in. Once you're there, you'll each only have to pay $14.99/hr/lane, and if you need shoes, that's only $3.29. And what's bowling without something to eat? Oxford Lanes sells burgers, hot dogs, chicken and fish, and more.

Expect to spend two hours here.

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Shop Local

There are places to support local all throughout Oxford, but our uptown district is home to the majority! Whether you're looking to buy some funky gifts at Wildberry (15 W. High St.) some interesting old knickknacks from Birdhouse Antiques (114 W. High St.), or some new items for your wardrobe at Juniper (9 E. High St.), Leeli and Lou (24 E. High St.), Apple Tree (28 E. High St.), or Walkers (1 W. High St.), our uptown district is going to have what you're looking for. Spend the afternoon getting your steps in as you wander in and out of the shops on High Street. For a full list of shopping options, check out our shopping directory.

Expect to spend a couple of hours here.

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Hiking

Oxford is proud to be home to the Miami University natural areas, which are made up of 1,000 acres of land and 17 miles of hiking trails. Some of the trails are vigorous while others are perfect for a leisurely stroll with your family. (Click here to learn more about each trail and whether it fits your hiking style or skill level.) Trailheads are hidden all throughout Oxford so make sure to download the map before you get started. Wear comfortable shoes and keep your eyes alert for sightings of rare birds, rabbits, deer, and more.

Expect to spend several hours here.

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Disc Golf

Have you ever played disc golf? It's a fun sport wherein you throw a flying disc (which you can buy at Walmart) at a target. The rules are similar to golf, hence the name. Sound fun? You're in luck because Miami University has a large disc golf course and all you need in order to enjoy it is a disc, a scorecard, and a course map. (You can download the latter two here.) Not only is this is a great way to get outside and get moving, but you'll also be simultaneously exploring the gorgeous Miami campus, specifically the Western campus.

Expect to spend several hours here.

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Oxford Community Park

6801 Fairfield Rd.

Grab a soccer ball, a basketball ball, or just your walking shoes and head out to the Oxford Community Park. This spacious park has soccer fields, basketball courts, a playground, and nature trails. Take your time walking around or bring a picnic and enjoy your meal in the sunshine. The park is open all day from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM. During warmer months, enjoy the new award-winning Aquatic Center located inside the OCP (Best new aquatic center in the state of Ohio in 2019!).

Expect to spend a couple of hours here.

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Hueston Woods

5201 College Corner Pike

Hueston Woods is just five miles (about a twelve-minute ride) outside of Oxford, and it's definitely worth the drive. The park has over 12 miles of walking trails, as well as a 96-room lodge with a gorgeous lobby featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Acton Lake. If you want to get out on the water you can rent pontoon, motorboats, rowboats, canoes and paddle boats at the marina.

Expect to spend several hours here.