The North American International Auto Show is Kid-Friendly
The North American International Auto Show Detroit is loaded with tons of family friendly activities for kids of all ages. The simulators and social media tie-ins make the Auto Show young and cool. It’s the perfect opportunity to load up the family and head to Detroit for some fun!
While you are at the show make sure to check out some of these family friendly booths.
1. Experience a Virtual Reality Race
The trend was definitely all things VR this year at the NAIAS. While visiting the Chevy booth both children and adults are given the opportunity to experience three different types of race course adventures.
2. Building a Ford Racer from Lego
Visit the Ford display to build your own LEGO race car driver. The kids had a blast creating their own racer. How fun are these?
3. Cars on Parade
Each day at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., see Cars on Parade. The daily parade on the show floor will include luxury vehicles, local personalities and clowns and props from The Parade Company.
4. Concept Vehicles
Catch a glimpse of the car of the future with the Toyota Concept-i. See what makes this concept car so personal by taking a ride with your family.
5. Hands on Experience
Throughout the entire floor of Cobo Hall there are several hundred types of vehicles to experience from the inside out. The kids truly enjoyed being able to climb inside and touch, turn and push all the vehicles buttons and gadgets.
6. Famous Vehicles
For comic book fans of all ages, you have to stop by and see the Hyundai Veloster featured in the upcoming Marvel film “Ant-Man and the Wasp.” Also in the Chevy booth is the Hot Wheels edition of the popular Camaro painted in bright orange and featuring Hot Wheels insignias on the car.
7. Online Educational Materials
Take time to visit the Education Day page on the NAIAS website. It provides activity sheets and lessons plans that are a great way to extend your visit to the auto show.
#NAIAS Public Days Event Details
The North American International Auto Show is located in Cobo Center, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226.
DATES:
- Saturday, January 20 – Saturday, January 27, 2018: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. {no admittance after 9 p.m.}
- Sunday, January 28, 2018: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (no admittance after 6 p.m.)
TICKET PRICING:
- Adults: $14 per person
- Seniors {65+}: $7
- Children {Ages 7-12; 6 and under are free}: $7
Get an eTicket to avoid the lines with kids!
PARKING:
There are many lots surrounding Cobo, — most structures take credit cards, but the surface lots will need cash, so make sure to bring it just in case. When I visited, I nabbed Cobo roof parking for $15, so if that lot isn’t full, it may be your best option. With kids, I’d try to get there early!
Another option is to park in a different area of the city and take the People Mover to Cobo.
Learn more by visiting naias.com.
KID-FRIENDLY FOOD:
There is a food court on the premises, but it is expensive. My top suggestions for family-friendly options:
Walkable {for older kids}: Lafayette or American Coney Island, Avalon Bakery
Driveable with Easy Parking: Green Dot Stables, Mudgie’s Deli, Polish Cafe or Polonia in Hamtramck
Close to the People Mover: Food court inside the GM Renaissance Center, Punch Bowl Social {park in the nearby Z Lot}, Pizza Pappalis, Hard Rock Cafe {parking structure on Farmer at Campus Martius} Wahlburgers or Pagasus in Greektown {street/lot parking nearby}
