Rev Your Engines: 7 Great Outings for Car-Crazy Kids (and Dads!)

Tacoma businessman Harold LeMay made his money building a garbage truck empire, and he spent it on his passion for collecting cars. While LeMay helped start LeMay — America’s Car Museum, the LeMay Family Collection at Marymount houses his personal collection. LeMay died in 2000.

The LeMay Family Collection includes some 2,600 cars, officially the largest collection in the world. This venue is a bit harder for kids to enjoy because nearly everything is for looking, not touching.

Wander through the first building by yourself, then a volunteer docent will personally guide your family through some of the 600 cars on display in two adjacent buildings. The earliest original car at the LeMay Family Collection is an 1899 Baldwin Steamer, and the cars go up through the 2000s, because, as our guide told us, “Just like you and me, it’ll be old someday.”

If you’re with kids who are dying to touch something, some guides will steer you toward a few vehicles that can be touched and explored. Just ask.

Special events: Check the LeMay Family Collection’s events page for upcoming happenings, which include annual summer favorites such as Motorcycle Days and their Annual Show.

Where: 325 152nd St. E., Tacoma

Cost: $15 for adults; $5 for youth ages 6–17; kids ages 5 and younger are free

Next stop: Miniature Car Dealership

^{Image credit: John Lloyd/Flickr CC}