Allentown's America on Wheels Introduces Automobile Service Center for Kids

Jan. 22, 2018
America on Wheels Executive Director Linda Merkel (left) with Chris Paxson, Tracey Piechocki and Barry Cary, fabricators from Illustrated Designs, who created The Kids' Car Service & Restoration Center at the museum for ages 12 and under. (America on Wheels Museum) Children can learn lots of things about car service at a new exhibit at the America on Wheels museum in Allentown. The Kids’ Car Service & Restoration Center replicates an automobile service center. Children ages 12 and under can learn about the stages of vehicle service, including writing the work order, making time estimates and performing service procedures.
America on Wheels Executive Director Linda Merkel (left) with Chris Paxson, Tracey Piechocki and Barry Cary, fabricators from Illustrated Designs, who created The Kids' Car Service & Restoration Center at the museum for ages 12 and under. (America on Wheels Museum)

Children can learn lots of things about car service at a new exhibit at the America on Wheels museum in Allentown. The Kids’ Car Service & Restoration Center replicates an automobile service center.

Children ages 12 and under can learn about the stages of vehicle service, including writing the work order, making time estimates and performing service procedures. The activities help develop gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and organizational skills. They foster teamwork and introduce scientific automotive principles to young minds.

Kids can learn about what’s under the hood, replace a rusty muffler and tailpipe, and learn about tire rotation. They will trigger a variety of sound effects as they change the air filter, add fluids and check the battery and oil.

Kids will learn that it takes a tremendous amount of time searching online or calling people to find parts that are needed to repair cars.

The museum, at 5 N. Front St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10; $8, seniors; $6, ages 6-16; free, under 5 and on Sundays for ages 12 and under. Info: www.americaonwheels.org, 610-432-4200.

This story, by Jessica Johnson, first appeared on mcall.com