Families, start your engines.

Every year thousands of race fans descend on the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a huge multi-track facility east of Toronto, to cheer on the top stock car drivers from across the country in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series. And hey, you don’t need to be a NASCAR know-it-all to join in.

Part of the Victoria Day SpeedFest, the non-stop on-track action begins Friday, May 16th and runs until Sunday, May 18th. Yes, there are zooming cars revving to be the speediest around the 3.975-km track. But there are tons of family-friendly activities to keep the everyone’s motor running, even if you don’t have lil car fanatics in TOw. Here are some sure-to-please activities:

  • Hit the Canadian Tire Action Zone for play time for the whole family: accuracy games, mini-golf, obstacle courses, bouncy castle and face painting. (Sat 10 am – 6 pm / Sun from 10am – 5pm.)
  • Head to the Canadian Tire Fan Zone to watch the on-track action. These are the best seats so arrive early. The three grandstands (shaded and with complimentary snacks) are first come first served. (Sat 10 am – 6pm / Sun 10 am – 5pm.) *
  • Stick around for fireworks. (Sat at 9 pm.)
  • Meet the drivers, get their autographs and check out their cars. (Sun at 11:30 am.)
  • Don’t miss the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series final — 31 drivers do 51 laps (Sun 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm.)

TRIP TIPS:

Getting there: Driving, it’s about an hour east of Toronto near Bowmanville. Check out the directions. Parking included with admission.

Admission: Full-weekend ($60 at gate) or day tickets (from $20-$35). Kids 12-and-under are free with paid adult admission. Check out the race schedule.

Kid-friendly: In addition to the to-do suggestions above, there is also a playground in the family camping area.

Stroller-friendly: Yes.

Tired feet: Get a ride with one of the Jumpstart Courtesy Shuttles with a donation to the Jumpstart Foundation.

Snacks: Restaurant and food and drink vendors onsite. You may also bring in your own food and drinks.

Potty time: Family washrooms (with baby change table) and quiet area in the family camping area.

*Ear-plugs: It gets noisy close to the track so its strongly recommended to bring ear plugs or baby/toddler-sized head phones to dampen the sound.

Camp: There is a special family campground. Just purchase a Weekend SuperTicket ($60) to purchase a camping pass. Special family campground.

DETAILS:

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park
3233 Concession Road 10
Bowmanville, ON L1C 3K6