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Topic: 2013 Nationals
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Page 1 of 2 of 22 replies
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May 17, 2013 at
11:25:06 PM
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Not gonna lie I'm pretty excited for my first ever trip to Knoxville for the Nationals. My question is what types of things are there to do during the day for kids? I know it's been asked a few times in general but I will be taking my son and am curious what fun things kids can do during the day.
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May 17, 2013 at
11:31:40 PM
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Look into Slideways Karting Center and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
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May 17, 2013 at
11:38:04 PM
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This message was edited on
May 17, 2013 at
11:47:47 PM by jholz2002
I haven't been here for years but will more than likely be making a trip (Taking our 11 year old this year for his first trip to the Nationals).
http://www.adventureland-usa.com/
Also, take a look at Lake Red Rock just outside Knoxville. Swimming beaches on a huge lake which is great if you are on a tight budget. I spent almost every day there when I was younger.
Plenty to see in and around the track during the day as well. There is usually a couple sprint car and late model simulators set up as well as a bunch of vendors.
Take a stroll back to the camp ground off of turns 3 and 4. A lot of the drivers camp back there as well as a ton of the cars are back there getting prepped for the night. The little guy might get a kick out of seeing the crews working on the cars before the nights action.
You have Slideways Karting Center just on the edge of town for a little hands on action.
The Nationals Parade Saturday morning.
I can't for the life of me remember the name, but there are some quarter scale races going on at a go-kart track not to far from Knoxville as well during the day. I think it's called English Creek Speedway.
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May 17, 2013 at
11:40:06 PM
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Just make sure you budget for a steak dinner at Udders. Great place to eat and near the track.
I LEARNED ESP FROM MY MOM
"PUT YOUR SWEATER ON: DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW WHEN
YOU'RE COLD?"
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May 17, 2013 at
11:57:07 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: opnwhlr on May 17 2013 at 11:40:06 PM
Just make sure you budget for a steak dinner at Udders. Great place to eat and near the track.
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Sorry to inform, but Udders is no more. There's a For Sale sign out side the place.
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May 18, 2013 at
12:30:15 AM
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The Iowa State Fair runs August 8-18 so plan a full day for that. Not sure where you're from, but Iowa State Fair isn't like most fairs. Huge grounds, huge Midway, attractions, exhibits, food, concerts, shows.
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May 18, 2013 at
12:59:12 AM
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Reply to:
Posted By: pitguy14 on May 17 2013 at 11:57:07 PM
Sorry to inform, but Udders is no more. There's a For Sale sign out side the place.
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Awww Shit! That ain't good.
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May 18, 2013 at
02:10:44 AM
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wonder thro the exhibits and pits during the racers down time (all week), Saturday there is a small parade downtown, take the kiddo's to English Creek most youngsters get a kick out of those Karts there, and their seriously fast, (just for spectating mind you) , Kick it for Cancer ball game is a good event to support and attend, Pancake feeds, The bowling ally "Fairlane Bowl" is a good cool spot to smash some pins for a couple hours, the hall of fame is a nice visit very historic, usually there is race simulators set up in a couple locations,A Absolute must, is the "Rib Shack" I just cant stay away from that place , and I wear the BBQ sauce proudly.. #1..
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May 18, 2013 at
09:49:27 AM
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Dingus
Still love husets
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May 18, 2013 at
09:58:09 AM
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Pella, a very short distance away has a nice water park that is a great way to spend the day if it is hot out as it usually is. They use to have a 1/4 scale nationals downtown on the square but I'm not sure if they still do that!
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May 18, 2013 at
10:31:02 AM
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There is a restaurant in West Des Moines that my wife and I visit at least a couple of times every Nationals: The Machine Shed. You will not be disappointed
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May 18, 2013 at
11:48:31 AM
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If you & your child are into fishing, hunting, etc. make a trip to the huge Bass Pro Shop in Altoona. Besides all the equipment and boats to look at there is an aquarium, restaurant, bowling alley...great time & tons to see. It is definitely worth the drive to spend the day, especially if the temps are extremely hot and you are looking for something in the air conditioning & shade.
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May 18, 2013 at
12:42:07 PM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Paintboss on May 18 2013 at 09:58:09 AM
Pella, a very short distance away has a nice water park that is a great way to spend the day if it is hot out as it usually is. They use to have a 1/4 scale nationals downtown on the square but I'm not sure if they still do that!
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I was going to mention the 1/4 scale races, kids always enjoy that, they are very detailed and unique cars, can someone chime in to the location of this event? it seems to have moved a couple times from my memory, I believe there is a 1/4 scale IA chapter that hoasts this? The "Machine shed" sounds interesting.. what type venue is that? menu? I try take in the Dingus daily entertainment, trike races, Bikini comp, ect but this individual was looking for kids entertainment, funny how when I get to Knoxville I feel like a kid in a candy store, find something for the Kids to do (if their old enuff) and sneek over to the Dingus..
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May 18, 2013 at
03:15:28 PM
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manipulate them in to playing in the sun all day. they'll be passed out in no time! just keep plenty of sunblock & water. LOL
Follow me on the social medias! ; twitter -
larryitis Facebook - Michael Collins
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May 18, 2013 at
03:16:08 PM
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seriously though, I can't wait to bring my daughter. she's barely 1 year old now though, so it's gonna be a bit.
Follow me on the social medias! ; twitter -
larryitis Facebook - Michael Collins
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May 18, 2013 at
03:34:51 PM
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Can't even read about Nationals 3 months away without getting excited. Best week in the world for sprint car fans.
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May 19, 2013 at
09:39:13 AM
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Reply to:
Posted By: Rip Off on May 18 2013 at 10:31:02 AM
There is a restaurant in West Des Moines that my wife and I visit at least a couple of times every Nationals: The Machine Shed. You will not be disappointed
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Awesome tip. I have heard about this place. Thanks for sharing.
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May 19, 2013 at
10:30:52 AM
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No Udders? I'll start my 30 days of mourning! 
I LEARNED ESP FROM MY MOM
"PUT YOUR SWEATER ON: DON'T YOU THINK I KNOW WHEN
YOU'RE COLD?"
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May 20, 2013 at
08:44:51 AM
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09/20/2005
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Keep a watch for drunk firemen...
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May 20, 2013 at
09:56:16 AM
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Reply to:
Posted By: bhshowcattle on May 17 2013 at 11:25:06 PM
Not gonna lie I'm pretty excited for my first ever trip to Knoxville for the Nationals. My question is what types of things are there to do during the day for kids? I know it's been asked a few times in general but I will be taking my son and am curious what fun things kids can do during the day.
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Depends on how old your son is.
If he's a teenager, Slideways Karting Center is good for a while (while your $$$ lasts anyway). If he's not tall enough (58" I think it is), you can't drive the karts, so take that into consideration.
Skyzone in Grimes (45 minute drive from K'ville) - large trampoline type indoor factility, my teenage daughter and her friends went a couple weeks ago and had a blast (lots of teenage boys there as well, so they must think it's a good time).
Iowa State Fair - plenty to do to keep you busy at least 1 day, and possibly more.
Post race concerts - depending on your son's age, you can go down to the turn 4 pit entrance after the races every night and there is a band playing (and the chicken feed on Thursday night following the races as well). -- this makes it so you go to bed really late, but then you sleep until noon the next day
Nationals Parade on Saturday of Nationals @ 10:00 AM
Vendors/trade show daily
Walk the grounds and talk to drivers and teams (usually about 80% of the field has their cars out every day all day prior to heading to the pit area (free and you can be up close and personal with some drivers and teams during their biggest week of the year).
Science Center of Iowa in DesMoines (40 minute drive) - both of my kids enjoy it (13 and 9 years old)
Lake Red Rock - go fishing, hiking, watch the wildlife
Water parks in Pella (15 mins), Chariton (30 mins), Indianola (30 mins) or the Knoxville Recreation Center (in town)
Depending on age, the park (Auld Park, Marion County Park, Young's Park (Kiwani's Miracle Playground should be partially completed by then (all ages handicap accessible playground)
The Kick-It for Childhood Cancer Kickball game @ Young's Park Friday @ noon (to watch the drivers play each other and raise $$$ for cancer research)
The Tony Stewart Go-Kart Challenge @ Slideways Karting Center Wednesday - watch 50 fans take on Tony Stewart in go-kart racing (top 10 finishers make up a team for the kick-ball event on Friday) -- should be fun to watch -- I believe all the fan spots are filled already
Be a kid and enjoy walking around looking at T-shirts, collectibles and the racecars
The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum
Historic Pella (bakeries, Pella Historical Village, you might be able to call and get a tour of Vermeer (large industrial and agricultural equipment manufacturer), Weiler (industrial equipment manufacturer) or Pella Corporation (Pella Windows and Doors).
Bring your bikes (if you can) and bike around the town, through the campgounds, or out at Lake Red Rock on the biketrails.
Hope you enjoy your first ever visit, I'm lucky enough to live in Knoxville, but happy to say my 9 year old son has become a huge fan of racing because of the Nationals (this will be his 4th year and he loves it).
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