Tiny Towne

Tiny Towne, an indoor family park is the first high-tech driving edutainment park in the United States, is opening this month in Norcross.

We took a spin in mid-June, as the park was finishing up construction. Here’s what you’ll find:
Two driving courses, one for beginners and one for more advanced drivers, with mini-cars sized to ages 3-6, 6-9 and 9-15. Driving courses simulate driving in a town, with buildings, traffic lights and stop signs.
An arcade with games and computer courses to learn about driving rules and to practice on driving simulators.
A mini-train for a fun ride around the complex.
Activities that will appeal to children ages 3-15. Younger children can ride the train or play in the arcade.
The park aims to teach even the youngest drivers some of the rules of the road and how to control steering wheels, pedals and brakes. As children become more adept, and complete questionnaires and driving simulation tests, they’ll graduate to the more difficult course and eventually to the largest cars, which are the size of a small golf cart. To drive the largest cars, kids 9 and older must obtain a Tiny Towne driver’s license, after passing several written and driving tests that include parallel parking and reverse driving.
Admission is free, but activities costs range from 50 cents (for arcade games) to $15 for 20 minutes of driving on the advanced track (beginner track is $5 for 6 minutes). For a limited time, get a $20 voucher at tinytowne.com toward activities on your first visit.

- Laura Powell