In April I posted about a unique and FREE event for families in the Twin Cities area. It’s at a place called Extreme Sandbox in Hastings, MN, where you can operate real construction equipment. It’s family-owned and they even were on the popular show, Shark Tank! (Check it out – it turned out well!)
Unfortunately, Extreme Sandbox had to close this spring to regular visits due to COVID-19, but they came up with an alternative – Heavy Metal Drive-Thru, a FREE drive-thru show where you can park your car in their lot and watch their heavy construction equipment at work!
Then the show became so popular they added more shows, now through the end of June!
You can also pay to get a front row spot for the best view. The cost ranges from $10 for a basic front row seat to $50 for a premium VIP spot.
Our Experience
I was excited to bring my kids so thanks to Extreme Sandbox we received a front row ticket to come and experience the show firsthand!
We visited on a Saturday in May, and the lot was mostly full at the start of the show. Our seat had a great view but it looked like there were many other good spots both in the front row and behind. Many people parked so they could sit in the back of their vehicle or even open it up.
Here is a premium VIP spot! They get personal interaction with construction equipment – this one even delivered a gift to this car. (It looked like a birthday gift.)
The show started with construction equipment hauling dirt, lifting tires and doing other various tasks.
It was fun to watch several vehicles doing different things, and sometimes working together. My kids enjoyed it, and there were many little kids in the crowd watching and fascinated.
This perhaps was the most impressive stunt – this SUV was carried around, then dropped, then carried, then dropped, etc. It got many honks from the crowd! I almost thought my car was traumatized…haha.
Here it goes!
This wasn’t the same vehicle, but it definitely got smashed up, then put on a stack of tires.
Watching the show from the comfort of our car!
Overview
The whole show lasted about an hour. It included a variety of stunts and dramatic moments (holding up a car or tire as people honked, then dropping the item).
We enjoyed it – it was definitely something different! And it wasn’t just like watching a construction site. The equipment drivers were intentionally making everything entertaining to watch, and showing off what they could do.
I think littler kids enjoyed it best. My kids are older – 12 and 9, and it was fun for them. But I definitely recommend it best for younger kids who love anything having to do with construction, or for anyone who just is looking for something unique and different.
Cost
Again, it’s FREE for a second row spot or back further. Front row or VIP spots require a paid ticket (one ticket per vehicle, NOT person). The cheapest spot is $10 but varies by the event – some shows have more stunts.
The next Drive-Thru shows!
Check their website for upcoming shows! They currently have shows on weekends AND weekdays through June 2020.
There are 3 different versions of the show.
Other options at Extreme Sandbox
You can do a lot at Extreme Sandbox besides watch the Drive-Thru show! You can drive an excavator, bulldozer or wheel loader, or even duel it out with a friend!
And yes, they’re open for these now!
DEAL ALERT!
I have an EXCLUSIVE Deal for you! Save $50 off any of their packages when you use my coupon code FrugalMom.
(Discount valid for Minnesota location only.)
Here’s a link with info about their packages.
They also have Father’s Day deals:
The Father’s Day Triple Play package let Dad experience all 3 pieces of equipment – excavator, bulldozer & wheel loader – starting at only $395!
Father’s Day Triple Play – 2 Hour Adventure
(30 min classroom – 30 min on each piece of equipment)
1 Person: $395
2 People: $595
Father’s Day Triple Play “XL” – 3 1/2 Hour Adventure
(30 min classroom – 60 min on each piece of equipment)
1 Person: $645
2 People: $845
The Father’s Day deals are only available for a limited time, but my deal currently has no expiration date.
Visit their website for more info!
(Disclosure: We received a complimentary visit in exchange for sharing our honest experience. All opinions are 100% mine.)