Vacations for Families with Toddlers who Love Pixar’s Cars

Cars 3 was a smash hit!

It’s hard to believe how long it’s been since the release of the first Cars, the Pixar movie that taught me DVDs could actually be worn out. My nephews LOVED it, and Bub received a copy for his second Christmas and was instantly hooked. For better or for worse, as a family we can still recite the movie line for line, and were all more than a little excited about Cars 3!

So if your child is a huge Lightning McQueen fan too, these vacations for families with toddlers who love the Cars movies might be a way to start getting your kids involved with making your family vacation plans…

Vacations for Families with Toddlers who Love Cars: Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina’s largest city is home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame and, even though I haven’t watched one second of an actual NASCAR race, our Charlotte Motor Speedway tour was a total highlight of our road trip across North Carolina.

The Motor Speedway of the South, the location of the Dinoco 400 race that opens the first Cars movie, is based on Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the film had its gala premiere there back in 2006.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Tours are surprisingly affordable. We did the “Feel the Thrill” tour, at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and kids under 13. Your tour guide greets you and brings you to a van, where you go through the ZMAX Dragway and drive around the surrounding area, including the Dirt Track. And when you come through the tunnel into the main level of the main speedway track, it’s an absolutely incredible view.

We learned the history of the speedway while checking out the inner tracks, pit area, and got out for a picture in Winner’s Circle.

But the absolute best part about the Feel the Thrill Tour is going around the track in the tour van.

It’s important when planning vacations for families with toddlers that your activities and outings are inclusive for every family member. Your booster- or car-seated toddler can absolutely be a part of this activity. There are a handful of booster seats available for use in the vans, but actual car seats should be provided by you.

**During Covid-19, Charlotte Motor Speedway is running touchless “Fast Pass” tours. For $30 per vehicle, you drive your own car through the tour. Your guide communicates with you via your car’s radio.**

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Charlotte Motor Speedway at Tripadvisor

Vacations for Families with Toddlers who Love Cars: Cuba

Travel restrictions for Americans hoping to visit Cuba have tightened up again, but the rest of the world is still heading there in droves. As a family we have traveled to Cuba many times. Cuba is safe, clean, and Cubans adore children. It is truly one of the best vacations for families with toddlers… ESPECIALLY  if they love the Cars movies!

You may end up taking a modern taxi or coach bus to your resort, but along the way you’ll likely hear exclamations of, “Doc Hudson!” “Ramone!” (Or, in this case, ” Ramón!”) and “Flo!” The bright hues and shiny chrome of Cuba‘s signature ’50s cars delight everyone.

Many are private taxis, but most–most likely all–do not have rear seat belts. In Cuba, children under 12 are not allowed to ride in the front seats of cars, but (as with most taxis everywhere) car seats are not mandatory in Cuba. Even the more modern cabs often have their rear seat belts cut out in the less popular tourist destinations, so you may need to ask around if you’re looking to hire a taxi for the day to explore. In Varadero and Havana, most taxis are modern and air-conditioned with fully functional seat belts, but most likely no tether anchors 🙂

But even if you don’t go for a spin, most drivers are proud of their cars and are happy to pose for pictures with your Cars enthusiast. Tips may or may not be expected, but definitely appreciated.

Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about Santiago de Cuba at Tripadvisor

Vacations for Families with Toddlers who Love Cars: Cars Land, California Adventure Park

Disney magic is alive and well in Anaheim, California. A trip to a Disney park is one of the top dream vacations for families with toddlers. And a visit to Cars Land in Disney’s California Adventure Park is truly likep stepping into the movie.

Strolling down the main drag in Radiator Springs is amazing. Strolling down the main drag in Radiator Springs once the sun sets is nothing short of incredible.

My son was five on our visit, and I think I could actually see the circuits in his brain click into overdrive.

Not only can you have your picture taken with Lightning McQueen…

• HE. TALKS.
• THEN. HE. DRIVES. DOWN. THE. STREET.
• AND. THEN. COMES. MATER.

At one point, DJ rolled up and started playing music. Soon, there was a dance party on the street and DJ busted out some moves of his own. If you look closely at the picture below, you can see how a Kindergartener looks when his mind is officially blown…

One of our favourite things about the first Cars movie was that it was a Disney movie that was new to us , too. We have come to know and love the characters and their stories together, and being inspired by movies we love has added a new level of wonder to our family vacations.

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Lightning McQueen photo courtesy Disney/Pixar 

See Also:

• Best Disney World Rides for Babies & Toddlers
• Theme Park Guide for Walt Disney World with Babies & Toddlers
• Tips for Visiting Disney World with a Toddler
• Can You Enjoy a Disney Vacation if You Hate Theme Parks?
• North Carolina Travel Guide for Parents
• North Carolina with Kids: Charlotte Motor Speedway Tours
• Cuba: Fast Facts for Families
• Have Kids Will Travel: The Resort on Cocoa Beach with Kids
• Have Kids Will Travel: Visit Wakanda! Black Panther-Inspired Travel
• Baby Travel Destinations