Experiencing the Seattle International Auto Show with kids

Hey, Seattle! The Seattle International Auto Show opens its doors tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 9. Like previous years, it will be packed with all the auto industry has to offer including electric and alternative fuel vehicles, ultra-high-end exotics, luxury rides, test drives and so much more. Thinking about taking the kids this year? I highly recommend it! And, going to the show is extremely affordable for families as children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, compliments of BECU. There’s also discounted parking ($8) available on Saturday and Sunday, at the Union Garage with the purchase of an e-ticket. An added bonus, E-ticket holders can avoid waiting in box office ticket lines by using the E-ticket entrance at the show.

And, we can even test drive vehicles if we want, although we tend to skip this because it’s awkward to juggle the kids and I prefer to drive together so we can all discuss the features. But, I know that in a few years we’re going to be alllll over that and we’re going to be test driving everything. While I can’t wait for that time, I also love that for the time being we can just spend our time in the free Kids Test Drive in the Kids Zone. I must admit, it’s pretty adorable watching kids ages 3 – 7 test driving a variety of battery-powered cars on a special track just for them. On Saturday and Sunday we can have fun painting and creating wooden cars, having a portrait done by a Muggshotz caricaturist, getting the kiddo’s faces painted, or taking some fun and crazy photos in the Selfie Photo Booth to share on social media apps or print. Also in the Kids Zone this weekend, located in the East Hall, is a variety of family-friendly video games will be available in a 26-foot gaming truck on Saturday and Sunday. This area will include a virtual reality racing console that is sure to bring you right into the action!

After we’re done in the Kids Zone, we will make our way to the North parking lot where hubby and I will get to drive if we want to. We can pile the whole family in and have fun putting a variety of SUVs through the paces on the obstacle course track designed to simulate various on- and off-road terrain situations, while testing the features and performance of a variety of SUVs. #ArtInMotionForKids– Nine popular Seattle artists were challenged to unleash their imagination and talent to create one-of-a-kind works of art using wheels or tires as their inspiration. The stunning works of art range from a vintage Ford Model T wood spoke wheel, hand-detailed with copper paint, to a hubcap transformed into a blossoming flower, to a burning tire made of glass and all will be on display at the show.

The Seattle International Auto Show will be open to the public Thursday, November 9 through Sunday, November 12, 2017 at the CenturyLink Field Event Center, located at 800 Occidental Drive South, in Seattle. Show hours are Thursday, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults at the gate (13 & over); and $15 if purchased on the show website,$14 for senior citizens (62 and older) and $14 for Military (with any D.O.D. ID). Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult, compliments of BECU. Attendees can sign up for a FREE one-year subscription to Motor Trend, courtesy of the Washington State Automobile Dealers Association. Advance sale discount adult E-tickets can be purchased online at SeattleAutoShow.com.