Chicago Auto Show 2023 wraps up with Family Day
Auto show in Chicago comes to an end Monday
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Auto Show ends with Family Day Monday.
This is your last chance to check out thousands of vehicles. Auto show officials say about two-third of the show's attendance happens on the second to last and last days.
Family Day is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free children's activities right by the Honda display in the North Hall.
"It's typically cold and dreary, and it's just a great way to shake off the winter blues, get your family out," said Jennifer Morand, co-general manager of the Chicago Auto Show.
Morand reflected on the success of the Auto Show this year, highlighting the many indoor test ride tracks, the sudden popularity of the rise in EVs and how the show continues to evolve each year.
"Just the variety of activities that parents can come out, you can bring your kids," she said. "My husband was out here last week with our two kids and they love everything the auto show has to offer."
The daylong event at McCormick Place is presented by Meet Chicago Northwest, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting tourism in some western suburbs.
Activities this year are sponsored by Topgolf, Game Show Gurus, Beyond Gaming, the Schaumburg Boomers baseball team, the Schaumburg Park District, Opera in Focus, Forest Preserves of Cook County, My Party Princess and more.
SEE MORE: Chicago Auto Show 2023 at McCormick Place, Feb. 11-20
Bright and early, families flooded the Chicago Auto Show on its final day. Freedlund and her kiddos made the trip from Bourbonnais together.
"We're actually looking for an EV I think, so we kind of have our sights set on a Rivian," Freedlund said. "However, I feel like everyone has an EV so we're looking at the alternates today."
For Villa Park's Scott Leu, spending the day at the Auto Show with his kids was a special, full circle moment.
"When I was a kid, my dad used to bring me to the Auto Show, so I wanted to bring them out," Leu said. "It's fun. There's so much to see out here, cars from all different makes. I love it."
LaTisha Franklin's crew also took some time at the Auto Show to check out the many EVs hitting the market.
"I love the Cadillac LYRIQ. I'm a Cadillac girl, that's what I grew up in," Franklin said. "However, financially, we are also looking at the Kia and the Hyundai."
Michael Baker made the trip with his wife and three young ones from Whiting, Indiana, to hopefully find a big car for their next family adventure.
"We're just checking out the Suburban that we already have to see if there's any upgrades to it," Baker said. "So, we'll check that out and larger vehicles for the family."
Meet Chicago Northwest also had plenty of activities to keep some of the youngest Auto Show guests occupied, with special performances from Elsa and Anna from Frozen.
NASCAR enthusiasts also had a chance to get an up close look at the No. 6 Ford Mustang, which will drive this summer during the NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
"It's a busy day all of the kids are off school, so the parents brought them," said Heather Larson, president of Meet Chicago Northwest. "They are taking a look at the NASCAR vehicle here."
But for Connor Dorsch of Crown Point, Indiana, Monday was his day to check out his sleek, future ride.
"I'm just here to look at the cars," Dorsch said. "I like them, but the Lamborghini is my favorite because they're nice. That's my dream car to have."
The Chicago Auto Show wraps up Monday night at 8 p.m.
