We want to go to the Minis On The Dragon in May, 2007 and we're already planning (my wife is a goddess that way), but we were wondering about what people do with kids?

Our son will be 5 by then, and while he loves driving in the car that's quite a BIT of driving, if you know what I mean.

Do other people usually show up with kids in tow for the event? I know he'd have a lot more fun if he could take breaks with other kids so he can play.

Also, are there lots of events packed into every day, or could we still have fun if we, say, show up around mid-day on Friday and leave at a reasonable tiome on Sunday?

 

I can't answer your question, but you'll get more traction in the MOTD forum.

 

I don't recall seeing too many at this last previous event. There were a handful, but not too many. I know Fontana provides some activies for younger kids, but I'm not sure to what extent.

 

Kids + back seat + winding roads = Car Sick.

 

I think that's way too long a drive & too much car stuff for most kids. I know it would've been for mine. He's 19 now so that's no longer a problem. I've met your son & he's a nice kid, but maybe a long weekend with Grandma & Grandpa is in order. You & your wife need quality MINI time together.

 

It depends on what you want to do with your Dragon time.

Leif and I kind of did our own thing (i.e. we drove) during the day, then went to the dinners in the evening. We didn't even do an organized group drive. It was nice that way. So, instead of driving around all day every day you could hike or something.

 

We wish we had access to a Grandma/Grandpa thing, but unfortunately we don't- my family is out of state and my wife's is not capable of taking care of an energetic 4 year old. Sucks, but...

I was hopping that perhaps some others would show up with kids and we could arrange an informal rotating "play group" type thing where the parents could swap off- I've done things like that in the past and it usually works great, as the kids amuse each other for the most part. If people don't usually bother bringing them, though, then that's sort of moot point.

 

My two cents: If you have a baby sitter, I'd go that route. If you don't then a Dragon with kids is better than no Dragon at all.

My daugther was 13 last year, we left her home with Grandma. It freed up some necessary room for packing and gave my wife and I some great time alone.

But if that's not a option, then come on down and do what ya gotta do. For me the Dragon itself was the least of my weekend. It was more about the beauty of area, the companionship of my fellow miniacs. So as long as the drive to the Dragon won't be too much, I wouldn't sweat driving the Dragon itself, it the little one can't handle it. I'm thinking of hosting a drive to Tuckalesgee caverns for 2007, I think that would be a great kid friendly event.

 

In all my years being a part of (and running) and MG club, it occurs to me that I rarely ever saw kids under 12 at any events.