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Kiddin' Around: Philadelphia Auto Show

Games, Jeeps, Legos, and cars and trucks to explore at the 2015 Philadelphia Auto Show at the PA Convention Center.

The Philly Auto Show takes place January 31 through February 8, and includes a kids’ portion of “Camp Jeep,” with drivable toy Jeeps and a climbing wall.
The Philly Auto Show takes place January 31 through February 8, and includes a kids’ portion of “Camp Jeep,” with drivable toy Jeeps and a climbing wall.Read more

The long: Parents bring kids to see how they'll fit into a new minivan or SUV, said Kevin Mazzucola, of the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia.

The short: Kids - about 25,000 of them - might have other reasons for attending. (What toddler shouldn't be behind the wheel of a brand-new Escalade?)

Please touch: Of the 700 vehicles in the show's 700,000 square feet, most are fine to climb in.

Please don't: Hands off exotics - Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, etc.

New this year: Mini Jeeps to drive (ages 3 and up, under 130 pounds) and a rock-climbing wall at Camp Jeep.

This weekend: Franklin Institute plugs upcoming LEGO exhibit with blocks, games and the Green Man, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Refreshments: Super Pretzels et al in the main hall; grilled cheeses from Melt Kraft or roast pork from DiNic's worth the wait at Reading Terminal.

Stay found: "With 250,000 people coming through in nine days, we have our share of lost kids," said Mazzucola. Entrances have wristbands for little ones with a place to write cell numbers. Older kids: Pick a rendezvous spot in advance. Worst case scenario: Security will take them to lost and found between Honda and Nissan exhibits.

Screen time: Gaming opps includes Hyundai's Genesis Coupe version of Gran Turismo 6 for PlayStation.

When to go: Less crowded Super Bowl Sunday after 2 p.m., or Monday and Tuesday.

If you SEPTA: Jefferson (Market East) Station; Broad Street line to Race-Vine; 4 or 23 bus.

The basics: Pa. Convention Center, 1101 Arch St., 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Feb. 7, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 8, noon-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, $13, $6 age 7-12, free under 7, 610-279-5229, phillyautoshow.com.