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Everyone loves to go out to eat with their family, but when it comes time to actually pick where to go, it can be hard! Then when you finally decide what kind of food everyone wants to eat, it can be even more difficult to know which places are going to have an environment that everyone can enjoy. We want to make things easier for you, so check out these family restaurants in Butler, PA! more 1. Butler Dog House If there's one thing that everyone loves no matter their age, it's a good hot dog. Hot dogs can be as simple as a sausage on a bun, or they can be dressed up with loads of condiments and toppings! That's what makes them a great choice for family meals. And the best place to get a hot dog in Butler is Butler Dog House. Butler Dog House has been open since 2011, and since then it has been thriving due to their delicious food, friendly service, and welcoming environment. And the prices are fantastic! Butler Dog House offers a daily lunch special that includes two hot dogs and a serving of French fries for just $3.99. You won't find prices like that anywhere else! You can visit Butler Dog House every day of the week except Sunday. 2. Snack-N-Pack When we're going out with the whole family, we like to have options. A diverse menu lets everyone find something they want to eat, so nobody leaves unsatisfied. Snack-N-Pack, a real Butler institution, has something for everyone on their menu! They have some Italian options such as pepperoni balls and provolone sticks, but they also have nachos and chicken quesadillas! Our favorite item on the menu has to be the Buffalo Chicken Nachos. They are made with shredded chicken, cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños and are adorned with buffalo and ranch dressing. Yum! For the little ones, the kids' menu features a simple burger, chicken tenders, and a grilled cheese sandwich. Our kids love them! 3. When Pigs Fly 1 Honestly, who can turn down a delicious plate of smoked barbeque? We know we can't! And at When Pigs Fly 1, you're going to enjoy some of the finest barbeque in all of Pennsylvania. Pigs Fly 1's barbeque is all made on-site on their smokers and grills, which fills the air with the delicious aroma of cooking meat. They also offer lunch specials from 11 am to 2 pm, so pay them a visit and eat your fill! To make sure everyone can ride to these restaurants comfortably, drive a spacious vehicle like the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe. Check one out at Mike Kelly Hyundai today! Image via Pixabay

Looking for a great way to spend a weekend? Why not visit one of the state parks near Butler, PA? These five parks are perfect for enjoying nature and getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They offer plenty of outdoor activities, as well as opportunities to see amazing wildlife. So pack up your Hyundai and get ready for some fun. more 1. Pymatuning State Park Pymatuning State Park is a terrific state park to visit near Butler for a number of reasons. The park offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, ducks, geese, and bald eagles. Additionally, the park features beautiful scenery, including a 17-mile-long lake that is perfect for relaxing on a hot summer day. The park is convenient to Butler and is within driving distance of several major cities. Finally, the park offers camping and cabins for visitors who want to stay overnight. With so much to offer, it's no wonder that Pymatuning State Park is one of the most popular parks in Pennsylvania. 2. McConnells Mill State Park McConnells Mill State Park is home to a beautiful waterfall, scenic hiking trails, and a picturesque mill. The park offers a variety of activities, including fishing, and picnicking. Whether you're looking to relax in nature or get active, McConnells Mill State Park is sure to please. 3. Moraine State Park Moraine State Park is another gem located near Butler. The park offers many activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and more. The park also has a variety of wildlife, making it a great place to watch birds and other animals. The park is home to a number of historic sites, including an old mill. It's a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of open space to explore. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Moraine State Park is worth a visit. 4. Presque Isle State Park Presque Isle State Park contains many features that make it a great place to visit, including seven miles of sandy beaches, hiking and biking trails, and an abundance of wildlife. The beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing, and the trails are ideal for exploring the park's natural beauty. The park is home to a variety of birds, animals, and plants, making it a great place for nature lovers. The 2022 Hyundai TUCSON SEL AWD is the perfect vehicle for families who enjoy traveling to parks. With an array of features that provide safety and security, it is ideal for long road trips. The car provides cruise control-steering assist and electronic stability control to help keep the vehicle on track, while the spacious interior provides plenty of room for everyone to relax. Visit us at Mike Kelly Hyundai in Butler to see the Hyundais we have available. Image via Pixabay

Everyone deserves a reward from time to time. If you want to reward yourself by doing a bit of shopping, you have come to the right spot. There are so many great local shops in Butler, PA. With the fuel efficiency and spacious interior of the all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson, you will love driving around to all the best shops in town. Here are the locations we recommend you visit first. more 1. Main Street On Main Street, you can access all the best local businesses. At this location, small, locally-owned shops, restaurants, and cafes provide shoppers with a pleasant day out on the town. If you are the kind of shopper who likes to feel a connection to the businesses you support, this is the perfect spot for you. Many shops here value the community that supports them, and when you shop locally, you tend to get better quality and service. Shop for unique gifts and local goodies at George's Unique Gifts & Supplies, Benjamin Beetle, and Branded In Butler. Find your next read at New Dimension Comics or Book Nook. From candy to jewelry, antiques, and much more, you're sure to find something you adore on Main Street. 2. Butler Crossing If you are looking for more big-box-style businesses, you can find those in Butler, too. Butter Crossing is where you will find a variety of large department stores like Walmart and Target, chain restaurants, and other popular shops. Marion Point Plaza is also nearby, where you can shop for groceries, tools, pet supplies, and more. It's the perfect location for when you need to run a few errands and get all the essentials. 3. Clearview Mall Stop by the Clearview Mall for a day of fun and bargain hunting with the kids. Families will love the Altitude Trampoline Park, where the kids can bounce while you shop. They can also play at Ace's Breakaway and Play, where families can find quality nostalgic entertainment and enjoy the best arcade experience in town. There are a variety of big-box stores to browse and plenty of great food to enjoy. Deal hunting can be fun for everyone in the family at the Clearview Mall. 4. Pullman Square Pullman Square is a great spot to check out when you want to find all the best bargains. Here you can shop at Gabe's, where you can find great deals on department store goodies. There's also Dollar General, Joanne's, and various medical supply stores. If you want to do some in-and-out purchasing, you will love finding deals at Pullman Square. We hope you have a great time finding all the best goodies available in Butler. If you are looking for an exceptional vehicle to help you commute in style, we would love to help you with that. Contact us today at Mike Kelly Hyundai, and we can help you find the best vehicle to take home to your garage. We hope to see you soon!   Image via Pixabay

We all love our cars. But taking a walk once in a while can do wonders for a person's health. If you're planning a hike, there are plenty of hiking trails and walking paths in the Butler, PA area, so you can enjoy some time in the great outdoors. 1. E. Bertrum & Esther J. Shaffer Trail A short, paved trail that's perfect for those looking for a short stroll, E. Bertrum & Esther J. Shaffer Trail is fun to walk and easy to access. Running through the campus of Butler Community College's main campus, it's open to all from dawn to dusk. Taking in beautiful scenery including nearby woods and hills, as well as passing through a field and by a pond, it's a peaceful spot that's perfect for a stroll on a summer evening. Parking is available at any of the campus lots, with all except the south lot giving direct access to the trail. You can follow the path right around campus to form a loop. Be sure to follow any posted campus property rules. 2. Butler-Freeport Community Trail One of the most popular walking spots in the area, the Butler-Freeport Community Trail offers folks from both towns a new way to connect with each other. Lying in the corridor of the Buffalo Creek Watershed, the trail follows an old railway line, the Western Pennsylvania Railroad, taking in beautiful forest scenery. In the warmer months, birdsong floats through the air and wildlife abounds in the trees, creating a truly serene atmosphere for a walk. There are plenty of picnic tables, playgrounds, and rest areas along the way, so this trail is a perfect spot for a family day out. It's also a venue hosting marathons, geocaching, and other events throughout the year, so check their website for details of upcoming events. 3. Trails at Moraine State Park This vast park spreads over almost 17,000 acres and is full of gorgeous scenery. With more than 71 miles of trails, it's perfect for a good walk too. Located a short drive northwest of Butler, it's easily accessible for local folks. With over 705 picnic tables spread across the park, there are plenty of places for you to stop and rest. Why not pack a lunch, bring the whole family, and make a day of your trip to the park? 4. Glacier Ridge Trail This 17-mile trail is a real gem, offering a truly immersive hiking experience that will make you feel as if you're trekking through the wilderness. The trail is well-maintained, and while there's some mild elevation, it shouldn't present many issues for an experienced hiker. Visit on a clear fall day for the best results, when the foliage is in full bloom. The entrance is located in Porterville, a short drive from Butler. There's a parking lot at the trailhead. Need a great vehicle to get around all these beautiful walking spots and discover your own favorites? Stop by Mike Kelly Hyundai today for a great deal on a new or used vehicle.

As the newest addition to the Hyundai lineup, the Palisade has quickly gained traction in the three-row SUV market. This vehicle instantly won the hearts of many drivers with its all-encompassing list of standard equipment and affordable starting prices. The 2021 Hyundai Palisade is a strong and practical choice for families of all kinds, while also delivering many luxuries and conveniences that will satisfy every driver and passenger. New for 2021 Hyundai's changes for this model year come with even more standard features for each model. Every trim level now comes equipped with LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and HD radio. Buyers who decide on the SEL Premium package will receive a 10.2-inch touchscreen, integrated navigation, satellite radio, an in-cabin intercom, and an intuitive semi-autonomous driving mode. The Palisade also welcomes a brand-new addition to its lineup with the ultra-luxurious top-of-the-line Calligraphy. Affordable With Great Value The Hyundai vehicles are well-known for their superior value. This automaker knows how to pack a vehicle full of features and still roll it out with a reasonable starting price. The entry-level trim of the Palisade is brimming with popular features, including alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen. This base model also has a Quiet Mode that mutes the back speakers as well as five USB ports strategically placed throughout the cabin. Every model also comes with Hyundai's sophisticated driver-assist technologies that include a driver attention monitor, rear-seat alert, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. Options High-Tech Features The list of standard high-tech features in the Palisade is incredibly impressive. Wireless connectivity means you can stay connected on the road without any distracting clutter in the front seat. The list of available high-tech features offer an even more enhanced driving experience. A Harman Kardon 12-speaker premium audio setup is available as well as wireless device charging, a 12.3-inch fully digital display cluster, and even more USB ports. Families that pride themselves on being tech-savvy are sure to find a trim level and package that suits all of their needs. Comfortable and Spacious Cabin Many automakers take a midsize SUV and cram a third row into the back and advertise that it can seat up to 8 people. But Hyundai actually does the hard work of making sure adults will be comfortable in all three rows. With plenty of headroom and legroom in each row, adults and children alike will be able to be content in any of the seats for an extended period of time. Buyers can choose between the second-row bench seat or captain's chairs, and there are many available upgrades for the Palisade seats, such as genuine leather upholstery, a front-row power adjustment, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Hyundai Palisade is going to be the three-row SUV to beat for years to come. Its long list of standard features is proving to be a huge benefit to every driver. Call and book a test drive today with Mike Kelly Hyundai.

There's plenty to see and do around Butler, PA! Whether you're a fan of history, culture, nature, or anything else, there are some amazing local attractions in the area. Get outdoors and check out some of the amazing attractions in the area! 1. The Maridon Museum The only museum in the region focusing on Chinese and Japanese art and culture, the Maridon Museum is one of Butler's premier attractions. Offering a fascinating range of exhibits, it's a must-visit whether you're an avid orientalist or just someone with a passing interest in other cultures. Art, porcelain, and artifacts combine to paint an interesting picture of life in East Asia. This fascinating museum is located on North McKean Street. It's open from 11am to 4pm, Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is only $4 for adults. 2. Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park This historic baseball field is almost 100 years old and is still in action. Seating 1,400 people, its quaint entryway and old-fashioned bleachers are some of the most notable features in town, and its old-fashioned but serviceable design is sure to inspire a burst of nostalgia in old-school baseball fans. Why not check out a Butler Blue Sox game here? The collegiate team plays throughout the summer, offering local residents a chance to check out future stars of the game and enjoy America's national pastime live. 3. Succop Nature Park For nature fans, Succop Nature Park is the place to be. Located right here in Butler, this Audubon Society-managed property is the perfect spot for enjoying wildlife and cool, fresh air. The walking trails run for miles and you'll likely see colorful and interesting birds and other wildlife whatever time you visit. Watch out for deer, kingbirds, and indigo buntings! Open from dawn til dusk, year-round, the site spreads over 50 acres and features a variety of habitats, including woodland, ponds, and fields. Stop by on a Thursday morning and enjoy a free wildlife walk led by a naturalist. 4. Old Stone House Built in 1822, this historic inn is now preserved as a museum to rural life in the area. With a storied history, including serving as a Civil War muster point, a hideout to gangs of counterfeiters, and as a family farmstead, it's one of the most fascinating historic sites in Pennsylvania. Tours of the museum, led by university students, are available, and the Old Stone House also features regular re-enactments, helping visitors immerse themselves in local history. 5. Allegheny National Forest Sometimes, it's nature that creates the most beautiful sites. Allegheny National Forest is one of those, with this fantastic green space covering over half a million acres. Visitors can enjoy walking the trails that wind through lush woodland and past lakes and streams. There's plenty of wildlife to observe too, including bald eagles and osprey. To get around all these fantastic attractions and more, you'll need a reliable car. Stop by Mike Kelly Hyundai today for an amazing deal on a new or used vehicle.

Butler, Pennsylvania has been named as one of the Top Ten Best Small Towns in America by the Smithsonian Magazine. This town of around 14,000 residents has been the industrial hub of the area and the town's downtown shopping and restaurant district is thriving. Butler, PA also has a wide selection of wonderful parks in and around the town. 1. Alameda Park Alameda Park is a wonderful place to spend the day! With playgrounds, picnic areas, a mountain bike trail, a community waterpark, and several shelter facilities, the park has a lot to offer. Alameda Waterpark has two enclosed tube slides, two toddler entries, and the Pirate's Cove Splash Pad while the diving well has an Aqua Rock wall, two diving boards, and a drop slide. Alameda Park was originally opened in 1901 by the Butler Traction Company and received 7,000 visitors on opening day. The park was purchased by Butler County in 1967 with the help of federal grants. 2. Moraine State Park Moraine State Park in Portersville, Pennsylvania receives over one million boaters, hikers, knickers, and swimmers each year. The park is full of hills, forests, and beautiful bodies of water that help make it a great place for several outdoor activities. Pontoon boats, kayaks, and canoes are available to rent and explore the 3,225-acre lake and a paved, seven-mile bike trail runs from the bicycle rental store to the Davis Hollow Marina. The park also has a fun 18-hole disc golf course and houses several species of birds like ducks, loons, osprey, bald eagles, and great blue herons. The Glacier Ridge Trail is an excellent hike with gorgeous scenic overlooks and the Sunken Garden Trail can be traversed on cross-country skis in the winter. 3. Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area The Wolf Creek Narrows Natural Area is 243 acres large with several hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching opportunities. Belted kingfishers, ospreys, bald eagles, wood thrush, Louisiana waterthrush, salamanders, and snakes can all be seen here. The park is also known for its beautiful spring wildflowers, mature northern hardwood forest, and scenic cliffs. Wolf Creek Narrows, a steep and narrow gorge, is thought to have originally formed when an ice-age cave's ceiling eroded and collapsed leaving behind 50-foot tall cliffs and a stream that runs between them. 4. Succop Nature Park Succop Nature Park has two ponds, many dog-friendly walking trails, and natural spaces for both outdoor activities and education. It's one of the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania's reserves and can host business meetings, retreats, classes, weddings, art exhibits, and receptions in addition to facilitating connections between people and nature. The main farmhouse was built in 1830 and owned by the Maharg family while the bank barn was built in 1886 before the home and the property were sold to T. W. Philips, Jr. in 1921. Margaret Phillips Succop and A. Craig Succop bought the land and updated the house and, once they passed away, their eldest son moved back. In 2001, Tom and Jo Ann donated the estate to the Butler County Community College Education Foundation, and, in 2011, the Audubon gained control of the area. Audubon started renovations and upgrades that year which have added dedicated spaces for natural programming and other events as well as a vertical wind turbine. If you need a car to reach these parks, visit Mike Kelly Hyundai! We offer a wide variety of finance programs, services, and vehicles, including certified pre-owned Hyundai cars.

It's a source of constant debate here in our town: where can you get the very best pizza in the area? We've got plenty of great pizzerias to choose from here in Butler, PA, so the question can be a controversial one. To add our voice to this ongoing argument, we decided to put together a list of our five favorite spots to grab a slice here in town. Check them out for a pie that is sure to please. 1. Mac's Brick Oven Pizzeria If you've never experienced the difference a brick oven makes in the taste of your pie's crust, you've got to get down to Mac's to give their authentic brick-oven style pies. Their White Traditional pie shows you that you don't need tomato sauce to make a decent slice, topped with fresh garlic, oregano, basil, a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a refreshing flavor. 2. Villa Grande Ristorante and Pizzeria While any of the Italian classics served up at Villa Grande are worth checking out, it's hard to beat the pies they bake up here. Our favorite is their Ricotta and Meatballs pie, with homemade meatballs complimented perfectly by dollops of ricotta cheese and fresh mozzarella, all served on a base of San Marzano tomato sauce. Get yours with a side of their tasty tomato bruschetta. 3. Tani's Conveniently located just off of Butler Street, Tani's is the go-to spot for many locals when they're craving a slice. After trying it out for ourselves, we can certainly see why. We tried the Florence pie, and were treated to some zesty flavors from the ricotta cheese, spinach, and fresh tomatoes that come on it. Be sure you save enough room to try their cannoli dish for desert. 4. Natili North Family owned and operated since 1973, Natili North will serve you a slice that you'll taste the years of family tradition in with every bite. Start out with an order of their famous French-fried mushrooms for a real treat to get your tastebuds going. When it comes time for your pie, we like their Buffalo Chicken the best. Provolone cheese combines with perfectly seasoned buffalo chicken with just the right amount of spicy kick. 5. Anna Maria's The team at Anna Maria's takes pride in making their pies the old-fashioned way: hand-tossed and home-made. The result is some seriously impressive flavors. You'll love the sweet and savory combination of their Hawaiian pie, with pineapple and ham working together beautifully to make a one-of-a-kind taste. For a decadent treat afterwards, order a fresh-baked peanut butter filled brownie. We really appreciated the friendly service these pizzerias gave to us on our visit and that they give every day to members of our community. We keep that same sort of community spirit alive at our dealership, striving to treat every customer like the neighbors you are. Come on in to Mike Kelly Hyundai to experience the local difference!

Do you enjoy getting scared? Is Halloween your favorite time of year? If so, the area surrounding Butler, Pennsylvania, is a perfect location to visit, as you'll find three haunted houses worth checking out. That is if you're not too scared. more The Beacon Haunt Situated on Beacon Road in Renfrew, The Beacon Haunt is on the grounds of The Beacon Hotel. Included with the Haunt are a 15-acre haunted corn maze and tractor rides to and from the haunted house. The first tractor ride leaves around dusk, while the last one leaves at around 10 p.m. When you're not checking out the attractions, stay warm by the bonfire and enjoy some food from the concession stand. It's open Fridays and Saturdays throughout October with an admission price of  $20 per person. There's no age limit for those wanting to be scared, but it does offer No Scare Family Days from 1 to 4 p.m. on select dates. Tickets for this event are $10 for adults and kids over the age of 5, while it's $5 for those 5 years and under. For the cost of admission to this special event, you can walk through the corn maze, pet animals at the petting zoo, and enjoy a pony ride. Cheeseman Fright Farm Found in Portersville off Kennedy Road, the Cheeseman Fright Farm is part of a 650-acre family farm. This haunted house has been in operation for more than a decade, and you can now join the haunted hayride, corn mazes, and numerous walkthrough attractions. The farm employs more than 100 actors to scare guests. The haunted house is open for all ages, but children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Stop in Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout October with activities beginning at dark and lasting until 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $20, while the Fright Pass that lets you skip the general admission line is $50. Eerie Acres Farm The idea for this haunted house dates back about 20 years to a time when two families would throw Halloween parties in an old Victorian barn. They later converted the barn into a haunted house, eventually making children walk through it to get their Halloween candy. A decade later, they created the Eerie Acres Farm, and they work here year-round so they can operate the privately owned, family-run attraction. Located on Eagle Mill Road, Eerie Acres Farm is an outdoor haunted house that takes about 20 to 40 minutes to complete. It allows people of all ages to enjoy the experience, although, be warned, you may be scared. There are food trucks, vendors, and a bonfire if children feel more comfortable hanging out there. It costs $15 for general admission or $25 for a fast pass that lets you skip the line, and the hours of operation are Friday and Saturday during October from 7 to 11 p.m., rain or shine. If you're someone who enjoys zombies jumping out at you from behind the corner or ghosts haunting you throughout a corn maze, these three Butler-area haunted houses are definitely must-visit places. Don't wait too long though, because Halloween is almost here.   Image via Pixabay.com by Free-Photos

As the temperatures begin to dip and the trees show their colors, it's time to think about the fall. Get out and enjoy some great fall events around Butler County. Apple Picking Harvesting apples has been a right of fall since the first crop was grown. Are you looking for apples for baking or a healthy after school snack? Take a trip to Tarentum and visit Norman's Orchard at 2318 Logan Road. Apple season begins in late August and continues through October. You can enjoy picking your own Wednesday through Sunday during the growing season. If you are looking for a specific type of apple, call them before you leave to check on the availability.  You can also enjoy homemade apple butter and honey throughout the season. Apple cider is available throughout October. Alameda Septemberfest Spend a relaxing day with your friends and family at the Alameda Septemberfest at 184 Alameda Park Road in Butler. The festival is Sunday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 4p.m. There are free admission and parking. There are also free shuttle rides to the gates so you can enjoy the day. The festival includes many events for the entire family. Classic car enthusiasts enjoy the Car Cruise. Kids can bring their fishing pole and participate in the annual Youth Fishing Derby from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. It's open to anglers from ages 2 to 15. You'll need to bring your own pole, tackle, and bait. Note you are not allowed to overhand cast during the event. There is a registration fee for the derby. If you register before September 4, it's $7. After the fourth, the price increases to $9. After you enjoy the cars and fishing, you can spend time visiting the different artists and vendors throughout the festival. Fall Festival Another fun fall festival in the area is the Fall Festival at Freedom Farms. The farm is at 795 Pittsburgh Rd. in Butler. Don't rush as the festival is every weekend throughout October. Bring the entire family with you as there is something for everyone to enjoy. Admission is $10 for everyone over age 3. If you have children under 3, they are free. Saturday, October 24, is Military Appreciation Day. If you are active duty, a veteran, or a first responder, you and your family get in free. Saturday, October 31, is Mom Appreciation Day. All moms get in free. Once you are inside, you can enjoy a hayride before you pick your favorite pumpkins for baking, carving, or decorating at the pumpkin patch. Challenge your friends and family members to see who can finish the corn maze first. There is also a sunflower maze to explore. Children enjoy the face painting as well as playing in the corn pit and climbing the hay mountain. There is also a petting zoo. Before you leave, you can pick up some farm-fresh produce. As you get in the spirit of the season, make sure you wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Bring your camera and your friends and family to enjoy these fantastic events with you.   Image via Pixabay.com by pepperminting

At some point in our lives, we may have to teach a teenager how to drive. As a parent, older sibling, older relative, or someone familiar to the teenager, it's good to provide the guidance they will need as they prepare to take the driver's test and earn their license. Here are a few tips that will guide you as you teach a teen how to drive. more Give a Tour of the Vehicle Before you start using any machine or device, you need to know what it is and how it works — the same principle applies to cars. Begin your driving lessons by giving your teen a tour of the vehicle. Show them some of the essential parts under the hood such as the engine which powers the car, the radiator which keeps the engine cool, the battery which powers all the electrical components, and the different oil receptacles which lubricate the moving parts. Also take them through the interior of the car — the hand brake and the foot brake for stopping the vehicle, the gas pedal for accelerating, the clutch if you're driving a manual transmission, and the gear stick. In doing so, your teen will have a basic understanding of how the car works and what they need in different driving situations. Start Slow Don't rush out onto the highway on your first lesson. Start in a spot with zero vehicular traffic like an empty parking lot or a deserted street. This is a good time for the teenager to learn how to control the steering and manage their speed. They can also learn how to come to a smooth stop and stay in their lane. Once they have mastered these skills, you can move them onto a busier street with a few cars and pedestrians. Build Good Driving Habits Good driving requires practice and it's important to build those habits early on. Teach your teenager to use the driving mirrors — one on each side of the car and the rearview mirror above the dashboard — when making a turn or backing into or out of a tight spot. They should also check the mirrors periodically to monitor oncoming traffic. Ensure that the teenager is driving with both hands on the wheel. Keep all phones out of sight and refrain from eating or drinking while driving. In addition, encourage the use of turn signals. Teach Them Road Signs New drivers need to learn to recognize road signs. It's good practice to take the time to point them out. The shape and color of each sign have specific meanings. Common signs include stop, yield, one way, pedestrian crossing, speed limits, and left or right exits. Explain these carefully so your teen can avoid violating traffic rules. Use Constructive Criticism Learning to drive is not very easy, therefore it's important to go easy on your teenage learner. Don't be harsh when correcting them, but provide constructive feedback. It also helps to deliver your warnings in a calm and measured tone to avoid startling them into an accident.   Image via Pixabay.com by greymatters