Tiny Towne: 11 Fast and Furious Reasons Every Kid Should Visit

We visited Tiny Towne a few years ago when both boys were young. From that fun adventure, we have touted them as an incredible place to have fun, especially on a hot, cold or rainy day.

BUT…now that Cooper is 9 years old, he can experience Tiny Towne in a different, more robust way. So whether your kids are 3 years old, 9 years old, or 15 years old, there is something for them. Read on about why we love this Georgia place – even more now!

TINY TOWNE

What is Tiny Towne?

Tiny Towne in Norcross is an entertainment park that lets kids experience the thrill of driving! The older your kids get, the more advanced their car options get.

In addition to “learning how to drive,” you’ll also find an arcade, a rail-less train ride, a driving school, and food. This place is a popular option for birthday parties and field trips too.

TINY TOWNE TODDLER CAR DRIVERS: AGES 1-3 YEARS OLD

There’s a place here for even the tiniest of motorists. Little ones can drive in a controlled tiny car in a one-way direction on a two-lane street. The goal is to teach them to stay in their lanes, understand the basics of road markings, and respect other drivers.

TINY CAR DRIVERS: AGES 3-8 YEARS OLD

When we visited, my son was only 5 years old. He can’t yet read…so I’m just bringing him for fun, right? Yes and no. He thinks Tiny Towne is fun! He has a blast…but I know that he is learning when he is there, too. He’s learning to identify signs and colors, practicing gross and fine motor skills, and building confidence.

I also love that there is something for him to do while older brother takes it to the next level (see those deets below the video).

Drivers in this age range can drive a freely moving vehicle on the Tiny Track. There is a fence around the track to ensure the kids’ safety. The vehicles on this track drive in a continuous path of motion, at a controlled speed, and within boundaries of the track.

Kiddos will also learn to wear seat belts to avoid crashing into stationary objects.

SMART CAR DRIVERS: AGES 9 YEARS OLD AND UP

Once your kiddo turns 9 years old, they can advance to the Smart Cars, which are bigger and include more features…and they are on a more advanced track.

Age alone does not permit them there, though. To be promoted and access the advanced Traffic Track, drivers must be at least nine years old, 57″ tall, and take a 101 computer driver’s test and a simulator test. After the tests, drivers will receive access to the Tiny Towne Smart Cars used on the advanced track. The advanced Traffic Track for senior drivers consists of road signs, two-way stops, and real-life driving scenarios.

SAFETY COURSES

• 11 Levels of Driver Safety Courses. As I mention above, older kids must take the 101 test before driving the Smart cars. But that’s just the beginning…there are 11 levels of courses to help your child advance their skills.
  
  These tests (and a few other perks) are free to those holding a Tiny Towne ID Card. Interestingly, hubby and I could not have passed the 101 test the first time. It took Cooper twice, though the owner told us it usually takes about four times to pass. The standards of Tiny Towne are high, and we love that!

• Simulators and Smart Cars. After passing the 101 test, kids will move to the simulator where they learn about following the lines on the road, using their right foot for both the gas and break, using turn signals, etc.
  
  From there, they progress to the Smart Car, which they drive on an advanced track. Here kids learn about road markings, road signs, traffic signals and more.

• 7 Levels of Driving Preparedness. When your child first starts on the advanced track, he or she will ride with a staff member for a few laps as they get their bearings. Then they will take to the track on their own for 20-30 minutes.
  
  Once they complete their first 30 minutes, they’ve completed level 1 and can now take a rider with them in level 2, and access a few additional areas of the advanced track. Dan rode with Cooper first, and then I was able to ride around with him. He was so happy and confident, and that made such a HUGE impression on me! I loved seeing him be excited about learning something new and stretch his boundaries outside his comfort zone.
  
  There are 7 levels…each one allows the driver to increase their speed a smidgen. But don’t get to relaxed! Drivers still must follow all the rules of the road, or you’ll be served a “ticket.” Wear your seatbelt! Come to a complete stop at the signs! You know the drill.
  
  The Smart Car uses RFID technology so it knows what level your child is on, how fast they can go – cool, right? It also keeps track of any violations, how they’ve progressed in their driver’s classes and testing, and more.
  

• Interactive Model. With the driver’s permit, kids can practice on the Interactive Model. My boys enjoyed this because it gave them an “in real life” way to understand a number of sign markings. FREE if you have the permit.

I was honored to talk with the owner for a while, and his passion is contagious! I love that he told me that he wants to affects kids by “brainwashing them with awareness.” What a cool mission!

Pierre is working behind the scenes on a number of projects – with the DMV, schools, insurance companies and more. I can’t tell you about anything yet, but he is working to make sure that the efforts kids are taking toward safety here at Tiny Towne are recognized by other authoritative businesses in the industry.

Keep pushing for progress Pierre! We believe in you and Tiny Towne! Like I said, the standards here are high – let’s reward kids for their work!

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS AT TINY TOWNE

Tiny Towne Express.  Elliot loves trains – he always has! Kids and parents can take a ride around the building on the Tiny Town Express train.

Two Levels of Driving Options. For younger kiddos, there are two levels of cars. Kids 3-6 yo are considered Beginner Drivers and can take a slower, smaller car around the short track. They learn about wearing a seat belt and keeping their hands on the wheel.

Kids 6-9 yo are Intermediate Drivers and ride on the same track in a larger car that offers a little more speed. They learn about staying in their own lanes and controlling the car.

Carcade. The “carcade” offers driving-inspired video games for kids. There are also smaller cars that tilt and lean, but they are stationary. Great for really small kids.

TINY TOWNE IS FOR EVERYONE

The Grill. Don’t worry about spending all day here, because there is plenty of food to chow on. Love the healthy selections here like salads and fruits and wraps — and the boys loved the pizza!

Birthday Parties. Looking for a unique place for a birthday party? This is it!

Wifi and Lounge Area. There is FREE Wifi in Tiny Towne, and a lounge area for parents. So, if you’re not following a little one around like I am, then bring your computer and do some work while your older one is progressing through the levels. You can see them driving while your waiting.

GETTING AROUND NORCROSS

TINY TOWNE FAQS

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR GEORGIA VISIT

• YOUR GEORGIA VACATION
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• ATLANTA IN THE SUMMER: 65+ KID-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO THIS SUMMER IN ATLANTA