From school buses, to excavators, to cement mixers, to red fire engines, many vehicles are out and about during the summertime. Normally, kids only get to admire them from afar. However, summer touch-a-truck events lets kids hop aboard real vehicles that they normally might only dream of someday driving. Luckily you will not have to drive too far or wait too long to get inside one of these big rigs.

Summer Touch-A-Truck Events in Lake County

Wednesdays in June, 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Touch-a-Truck
Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein
Explore the vehicles that you see around town. See different trucks each week from Public Works, the Police Department and the Fire Department. This event is held in conjunction with Food Truck Wednesdays.

June 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Kid’s Identification and Safety Seat Day KISS
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview
Our partners at Illinois Tollway are joining us for a Kids Identification and Safety Seat (K.I.S.S.) Day! Certified passenger safety technicians will provide safety seat inspections and installation. In addition, specially trained professionals will take kids’ photographs and fingerprints of children 3 and older, and gather vital information to include on an ID card that can be referenced in an emergency. Two ID cards will be provided – one for home and one for a wallet or purse. No child information will be stored.Weather permitting, Illinois Tollway will also bring a tollway snowplow for guests to enjoy.

July 28, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Touch a Truck & Child Safety Day
Waukegan Lakefront, 2328 N. Green Bay Rd., Waukegan
More information coming soon.

July 28, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Blue & You
Lake Zurich Police Station, 200 Mohawk Trail, Lake Zurich
Come interact with police officers, learn about police technology and equipment, and touch police vehicles at this fun, family-oriented event.

July 29, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Classic Car Show and Touch-a-Truck
Heritage Park Performance Pavilion, 333 E. Dundee Rd., Wheeling
Kids will love seeing the world from the driver’s seat of fire trucks, police cars, and other equipment. Afterwards, check out the second-annual Classic Car Show and vote for your favorite cars in the following categories: antique, classic, modified, muscle car, import and sports car.  There will be musical entertainment as well.

August 5, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Big Trucks
Ron Beese Park, Barrington
Dozens of “Big Trucks” will be parked in the lot at Ron Beese Park for children to climb in and explore! Fire engines, garbage trucks, village vehicles, tow trucks and more will be on hand to help your children have fun while learning about each truck, watching demonstrations, and climbing behind the wheel. Compete in big wheel races, ride the trackless train and have fun on the inflatable.

September 9 – 10, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Law Enforcement Exhibtion 
Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills
Mark your calendar for the 13th annual Law Enforcement Exhibition hosted by the Vernon Hills Police Department and Hawthorn Mall. Many, many police (and related) agencies are expected to participate.

What is your child’s favorite truck? Leave us a comment below!