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 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.