Baby, You Can (Pretend) Drive My Car

O finally gets to takes the wheel at the 2011 Washington Auto Show

 

The 2012 Washington Auto Show begins this Friday, January 27, and runs through Sunday, February 5.  And before you dismiss this information, thinking you can’t bring your kids to this adult event, keep an open mind and read on.

Beep, beep... outta my way!

Sure, the show is intended for adults to see all kinds of makes and models of cars, but if there’s any “grown-up” event that is equally fun for all ages, the Washington Auto Show is it. I know this from firsthand experience; our family went to the show last year, and we practically had to drag the kids out of there when it was finally time to go.

It’s like a Truck Touch, but with autombiles — more than 700 of them! — on display for guests to check out.  This means you and the kids can take the wheel, inspect dashboard details up close, be backseat drivers, go on a pretend road trip, and maybe even find your family’s next ride. At the event last January, Owen and Sasha had a blast crawling into the front seats of all kind of vehicles, pretending to take us ‘rents for a drive, and pushing all the buttons we don’t let them play with in our car.

But checking out the cars is just the main part of the event.  On weekends and weeknights, kids can also enjoy Playland, a special area filled with games, toys, videos, and cuddly mascots, including some from the PBS show SuperWhy! Last year, there were also fun interactive shows for kids, that included magic tricks and a dance contest, which (I can’t help but boast) Owen won.

Super fun with SuperWhy!

These characters will also be making special appearances throughout the Auto Show, along with several other celebrities who adults will be excited meet, Washington Capitals and Redskins players among them. And this weekend, guests can enjoy Lion & Dragon Dancers to celebrate the Chinese New Year. See the website for the full schedule of performances and celebrity appearances.

Wait, there’s even more!  Guests will have Ride N’Drive Opportunities to test out select cars (passengers must be at least 8 years old), plus chances to win prizes in contests and giveaways.

The way I’m pushing this event, you’d think that I was getting paid to promote it, but I can assure you that’s not the case. It’s simply a really fun time, so I wanted to share the details.

This all takes place at Washington Convention Center January 27 – February 5.  Tickets are $12/adults, $5/ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under.   The Convention Center is located at 801 Mount Vernon Place NW.  Go here for parking and Metro information.

 

1 Comment

Filed under All ages, Annual, DC, Live Entertainment, Weekdays, Weekend, Winter

One Response to Baby, You Can (Pretend) Drive My Car

  1. Great article and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.

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