As schools finish for the summer, are you wracking your brains for ways to keep the kids entertained? Parents of car crazy boys and girls need worry no longer. Whether they like to watch TV shows starring vintage cars like Brum, or are desperate to get behind the wheel themselves, here are some treats for car fans of all ages.
See Roary live or meet him in person
Are your little ones budding F1 fanatics? If they are, they probably adore watching Roary the Racing Car on Channel 5. Whilst you can’t visit Silver Hatch to watch Roary, Maxi, Cici and Tin Top race, you can see Roary performing live in UK theatres this summer. For racing thrills and spills on stage, catch the Milkshake! tour at a venue near you.
Alternatively meet Roary in the flesh (or is it carbon fiber?) at the Silverstone Classic between 26 and 28 July 2013. Roary, Big Chris and Marsha the Mashall will be greeting little ones at AA World. There’s also a soft play area and Roary’s racing track to keep them entertained too.
Visit Brum at the Cotswold Motoring Museum
Head to The Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton on the Water and visit Brum, the star of the BBC TV series of the same name. As well as seeing the original vehicle featured in the show, visitors can take a ride on a special version of Brum and make a brass-rubbing of this cute car to take home as a souvenir.
Other attractions at the museum include an exhibition about the history of motor sport, featuring rally cars and sports motorbikes. A day out at the museum won’t break the bank either. A family of four can visit for less than £15.
Book a karting session
Older kids probably won’t be content with simply looking at cars, and instead may want to get behind the wheel and try their hand at racing. If this sounds like your son or daughter, and you’ve got the cash to spare, why not take them karting? There are plenty of tracks around the UK where you can book taster sessions for around £20. Even Mums and Dads can get behind the wheel too.
Kids have to be at least eight to try karting. If you think your son or daughter is a budding Michael Schumacher or Lewis Hamilton, you’re no doubt considering buying a kart so they can pursue the sport seriously. The Association of British Kart Clubs offers help and advice for parents who want to get their kids started in the sport.
Check out Top Gear’s craziest creations
Want to see the Robin Reliant that James and Richard tried to launch into space? Or the Lotus submarine? Or the aquatic car that Jeremy Clarkson crossed the channel in? Then head for Beaulieu Motor Museum in Hampshire where some of the best-loved creations from this world-famous TV programme are on display.
But it’s not just Clarkson and Co’s bizarre hybrid vehicles that make a trip to Beaulieu a great day out. Other attractions include original Bond cars, the ‘flying’ Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and a go-kart track where visitors can try their hand at racing.
Pixar’s Cars at Disneyland Paris
You don’t have to go all the way to Radiator Springs to see Lightening McQueen and his friends, although you will have to cross the channel and head for Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris. Fans of the Pixar film can ride aboard The Cars Rally Race, as well as enjoying themed attractions featuring other Pixar favourites from Toy Story and Finding Nemo.
Over at Disneyland Park (the original Disneyland Paris theme park) there are two more car treats for the family. Autopia features a 1950s inspired track with miniature vehicles of the time for little one to drive. Then head over to the Moteurs… Action! Stunt Show and watch a real-life, action-packed car chase.
Disclosure: This post was brought to you in collaboration with Adrian Flux
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