A Complete Family Guide to the Auto Expo

Why the Expo works for families

The NC International Auto Expo is designed to welcome visitors of every age. Children under 6 are admitted free, and preteens aged 6 to 12 pay only $4. Parking is free, so the cost of bringing a family is low compared with many outings.

Inside, there is a lot to see without needing to buy anything. Children enjoy sitting in vehicles, looking at shiny new models and exploring the displays. Parents can combine a fun day with practical research for their next car.

Meet Scooby-Doo

Family fun with Scooby-Doo is one of the show’s most popular features. The character greets children, poses for photos and gives younger visitors something special to look forward to. Many families make this the highlight of their visit.

Check the schedule when you arrive so you know when appearances happen. Arrive a little early to find a good spot, and have your camera ready. A photo with a favorite character is a simple way to turn the visit into a lasting memory.

Classic cars for every age

On Saturday and Sunday, the Classic Car Show takes place at Dorton Arena. Older children and teenagers often love the chrome, colors and sounds of restored vehicles, and parents enjoy remembering cars from their own youth.

Grandparents can join the fun too. Many people have a story about their first car or a family vehicle from decades ago. Classic cars create natural conversations across generations, and owners are usually glad to explain the history of their vehicles.

Safety lessons with the Highway Patrol

The North Carolina Highway Patrol takes part in the Expo and shares safe-driving information with visitors. Teenagers who are learning to drive can benefit from hearing directly from troopers, and younger children can learn about seat belts and child seats.

Talking about safety at a car show feels natural, because vehicles are everywhere. Ask questions, collect brochures and discuss what you learn on the drive home. Small habits such as buckling up every time can protect your family for years.

Tips for visiting with young children

Plan your day around nap times and meals. Bring snacks, water and a small bag with wipes, and consider a stroller for toddlers because the building is large. Choose a meeting point in case anyone wanders off, and keep children close in busy aisles.

Take breaks often. Sit in a vehicle, step to a quieter corner or visit the entertainment area. Short, relaxed stops keep everyone happier than a long, tiring march through every booth.

Tips for teenagers and older children

Give older children a role in the visit. Ask them to compare two vehicles, find a feature they like or take photos of favorite models. Involving them makes the day more interesting and can lead to helpful conversations about safety, cost and responsibility.

If a teenager is close to getting a license, the show is a fine place to talk about what makes a good first car. Look at size, safety features and fuel use together, and listen to their ideas.

Food, rest and comfort

Hungry children and tired parents do not make for a good outing, so plan your meals in advance. Eat a good breakfast or lunch before you arrive, and bring water and a few simple snacks. A short break in the middle of the day gives everyone time to recover.

Choose comfortable clothing and shoes for the whole family. Large halls can feel cool, and long walks tire small legs quickly. A light jacket and a small bag with essentials can make a big difference.

If someone becomes overwhelmed by noise or crowds, find a quieter corner for a few minutes. A short pause is better than pushing on. It is perfectly fine to see only part of the show and return another day.

Keep children engaged with simple games

Turn the visit into a game. Ask children to find a red car, a vehicle with three rows of seats or a logo they recognize. Younger ones enjoy counting wheels or spotting different shapes, while older children can search for the most unusual feature they see.

You can also create a scavenger list before you arrive. Include things such as a classic car, a motorcycle, a police logo and a favorite character. Checking items off keeps children focused and gives them a sense of achievement.

These games take almost no effort, yet they keep curiosity alive. They also encourage children to look closely at details, which is a good habit for any visit.

Photos and keepsakes

Take photos throughout the day. A picture with a favorite character, a child sitting behind the wheel of a car and a family group in front of a classic vehicle all become treasured keepsakes. Ask a staff member or another visitor to take a group photo so that everyone is included.

Collect a small souvenir such as a brochure, a floorplan or a ticket stub. Children enjoy keeping these items in a scrapbook, and the pages become a record of the day.

When you get home, print one or two photos and write the date on the back. Small traditions like this help a single afternoon turn into a lasting family story.

Plan the whole weekend

If you visit on Saturday or Sunday, you can build a full weekend around the Expo. Start with the main show floor in the morning, take a lunch break and then walk to Dorton Arena for the Classic Car Show in the afternoon. Remember that Sunday closes at 5 PM.

Leave some time for rest. Many families find that two to four hours at the show is enough for young children, and older children may enjoy a longer stay. Listen to your family and adjust the plan as the day goes on.

Finish with a short talk about your favorite moments. Asking each person what they enjoyed most is a simple way to end the day on a happy note and to plan a return next year.

Teaching children about community

The Expo is a good place to talk with children about how communities work. Police and sheriff’s displays, highway safety lessons and charity support all show that many people work together to keep neighbors safe and cared for.

Ask children what they notice. They may point out the uniforms, logos or helpful volunteers. Listening to their observations and explaining how each group helps others teaches respect and gratitude, and it turns a fun outing into a lesson they will remember.

A checklist for parents

Before you leave home, check the hours, pack snacks and water, charge your phone and agree on a meeting point. Bring a small amount of cash or a card for tickets at the kiosks, and remember that there are no advance ticket sales.

During the visit, take breaks, keep children close in busy aisles and ask staff if you need help. Before you go home, take a final photo, collect any brochures and talk about what everyone liked best. A few simple habits make the whole day smoother for everyone involved.

A simple rule for happy outings

Keep expectations realistic and flexible. You do not need to see everything. If the children are happy and the family is enjoying itself, the day is a success. Choose two or three favorite features, enjoy them fully and head home before anyone is exhausted.

Make it a day of giving back

The Expo is also about community. Over the last five years, it has donated more than $150,000 to local organizations through the Wake County New Vehicle Dealers Association. Children can learn that a fun event can also help neighbors in need.

Take a moment to visit the Charities page together and read about the groups that benefit, such as youth programs, health organizations and public safety partners. It is an easy way to talk about kindness and community service.