Hey, kids. Love cars and fun? Join the club!

 

VOLO — Kids 12 and younger are invited to join an exclusive club that will pay off in ice cream treats and much more at the Volo Auto Museum. 

 

The new Volo Auto Museum Kids Club will offer the museum’s youngest car enthusiasts the chance to participate in members-only events, with treats and privileges aplenty. It all kicks off this weekend, July 29-30, with bounce houses, a disc jockey, dance contests, an inflatable obstacle course — and even an inflatable safari for the toddler set. 

 

In conjunction with the Kids Club kick-off, and as part of its Classic Cakes and Classic Cars promotion, Jewel-Osco representatives will hand out free cake slices from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, said Brian Grams, director of the museum at 27582 Volo Village Road.  

 

Children wanting to sign up for the Kids Club can do so this weekend or during any upcoming visit to the museum, where they’ll receive a lanyard with a plastic card pocket in which to keep their “license.” 

 

During each following visit, members present their licenses to receive a sticker. After each fourth visit, the appropriately decorated license is good for a free ice cream treat, Grams said. Then a new license is issued, and the process renews.

 

“We’ll also email news of members-only special events such as a free kiddie rides day or days when we offer free pennies for the penny presses,” Grams said.

 

What once was known primarily as a paradise for antique, classic and muscle car enthusiasts now features something for everyone, Grams added. The polished chrome, elegance and horsepower remain on view. But visitors today also enjoy a history of transportation exhibit, Disney dioramas, snowmobile, bicycle, scooter, aviation and tractor displays. Hollywood car exhibits featuring vehicles from “Alien,” “Star Wars” and much more continue to thrill visitors young and old, he said.

 

“Kids love the place,” Grams said. “Kids Club is an ideal next step for Volo, since it’s truly a family experience. This is one more way families can stretch their entertainment dollar and add even more excitement to their museum visits.” 

 

The Volo Auto Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It features roughly 400 classic, muscle, Hollywood cars and more. Admission is $15 for adults, $9 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. For other information, call 815-385-3644, visit volocars.com or find Volo Auto Museum on Facebook.