I attended the North American International Auto Show as a member of the media with with A Girls Guide To Cars and the Steel Market Development Institute. All opinions expressed belong to me.
Nothing says Detroit quite like the automobile, right?
I attended the 2018 Detroit Auto Show earlier this week and got a taste of what’s to come during the show’s public days, which run Jan. 20 – Jan. 28, 2018.
I had a blast walking around the show floor and learning what’s to come with vehicles in the year ahead. Despite having very little knowledge of the inner workings of cars, I still LOVE attending the show, and I learned a ton.
The displays are gorgeous, there are some great interactive activities to enjoy, and it’s fun seeing luxury cars up close. It’s the perfect opportunity to load up the family and head to Detroit for some fun!
7+ Things For Kids To See At The 2018 Detroit Auto Show:
Building a Ford racer from LEGO
Visit the Ford display to build your own LEGO race car driver. I had a blast making one for each of my kids. How fun are these?
Experience Carpool Karaoke
Visit the Cadillac display and have your chance to do some karaoke with iconic host James Corden. This was a hoot! You can check me out singing Cake By The Ocean with my friend Korie HERE.
Drive a Ford Mustang Bullitt
This fun interactive activity allows users to re-inact the famous 1968 movie featuring Steve McQueen. Note: This is for ages 12 and up.
Check Out Auto Show Poster Winners
If you want to inspire the kids with art, have them check out the display in the hall of all the winners of the poster contest. The work is all done by 10th-12th grade students. Each and every one was amazing! To learn more about how to enter, check out this link.
Experience Virtual Reality
The trend was definitely all things VR, and many of the booths had some neat things to check out. Visit the Volkswagen, Chevy and Ford displays for some virtual reality fun.
See Cars From The Movies
Check out the Lexus from Black Panther or the Veloster from Ant-Man and The Wasp. So cool for any super hero movie lover! {Big shout out to Tatanisha from This Worthey Life for the Lexus photo!}
Special Events Galore
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.
Tigers Winter Caravan:
Visit the show on January 26 at 2:45 p.m. to see players from the Detroit Tigers and even Tigers mascot PAWS when the team stops by the Chevrolet Display.
WXYZ-TV Family Day:
On January 26 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., visit Cobo’s Atrium for a fun-filled lineup of celebrities and family activities. FREE for all attendees.
Sensory-Friendly Sunday:
Visit on Sunday, January 28 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. for a sensory-friendly version of the show. During this time, exhibitors will greatly reduce flashing lights in their areas and volume will be turned to very low levels.
Visit HERE for all the special events happening this year.
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, but be ready to pay — 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! The show opens at 9 a.m.
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 get ready to pay some major $$$ for mediocre food. 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, Wahlburgers or Pagasus in Greektown {street/lot parking nearby}
Plan more January fun at my monthly events calendar HERE.
Have fun if you attend!
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