Final day for 2025 Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place

ByDiane Pathieu and Rob Hughes

Monday, February 17, 2025

Families are enjoying the last day of the Auto Show.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- It's the last day of the 117th edition of the Chicago Auto show, the longest running auto show in North America.

Families are taking advantage of the day off and bringing the kids along for the ride this Presidents Day.

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And if you are shopping for a new vehicle, this is the perfect opportunity to try one out.

"You can climb in; you can see how you fit in. This one has three rows; see how your family fits in all three rows. You can see how comfortable you can be in the driver's seat, and also because it's an auto show, you have access to I don't know how many competitors to the Palisade. But, they are all over. So, you can sit in this one. See how you like it. Then run over to the Telluride. Sit in that one and keep going. And see what's right to you," Cars.com Road Test Editor Brian Normile said.

The kids can have some fun, too. From the White Sox exhibit to the road simulator at the Kia exhibit, they can shoot some hoops and enjoy the new family zone.

"This is a great space for families to bring their kids of all ages. We have this new Power Wheels test track. So, kids can actually hop in a take test drives of their own; it's been really fun to see the kids enjoying the real-life experience of driving some cars around, as well," Jim O'Brien of the Chicago Auto Show said.

Nervous dads hovered over their toddlers at the mini Tesla track, praying it wasn't a glimpse of the future.

"I hope not, considering all the crashes and everything. But, it was a lot of fun, though. I think," Hans Deschaaf said.

For some, the Chicago Auto Show is newfound family entertainment. For the Clarks, it means a little more, passing along a love for cars from one generation to the next.

"I just been into cars ever since I was his age. I collect Hot Wheels. I still collect them, even now, and this was a tradition that me and my father and my brothers would do every year. So, I decided to bring my family here," Corran Clark said.

Kids of all ages walked around in awe of the latest and greatest in automotive design.

"Going over the hill, it was a little bit scary because you don't see the hill. You just see the roof," A.J. Verkaik said.

Verkaik and his uncle, Tim, said when they walked onto the showroom floor, the Ford Bronco track immediately grabbed their attention.

"We waited about an hour and 40 minutes, but it was totally worth it. It was definitely something I've never experienced before," Tim Vanderbilt said.

With off-road thrills like the Bronco and Camp Jeep and multiple electric vehicle test tracks, the Chicago Auto Show remains a hands-on, in-person experience in a growing digital age.

"People want to touch, feel, experience a vehicle. You know, that is your second largest purchase compared to your house, and I don't think people want to be buying that directly online," Auto Show General Manager Jennifer Morand said.

And, unlike the lot at the dealership, the Auto Show delivers a comfortable indoor experience, as wind chills drop below zero outside.

"We looking for something to do, and we knew I looked it up. It was last day and all. I didn't get to come last year; so, I made it my business to come today. I just retired from my job; so, I said, 'let's go,'" Pat Dillon said.

The show comes to an end at 8 p.m.

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