How to Explore Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kid Tours Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) is more than just the home of the Indianapolis 500its a living monument to American motorsport heritage, engineering innovation, and family-friendly education. While many assume the Speedway is only for racing enthusiasts, its curated Kid Tours offer a unique, immersive experience designed specifically for children and young learners. These tours transform a historic racetrack into an interactive classroom, blending history, science, and fun in ways that spark curiosity and lasting memories. Whether youre a local parent looking for an educational outing or a visitor planning a family trip to Indiana, understanding how to explore Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kid Tours is essential to maximizing the experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to ensure your childs visit is safe, engaging, and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Exploring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through its Kid Tours requires thoughtful planning, but the process is straightforward when broken into clear stages. Follow these seven steps to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for your child.

Step 1: Verify Tour Availability and Age Requirements

Not all Speedway tours are designed for children. The official Kid Tours are tailored for guests aged 5 to 12, with content adjusted for developmental stages. Before booking, visit the official Indianapolis Motor Speedway website and navigate to the Tours & Experiences section. Look specifically for Family Tours or Kids Discovery Tours. These are distinct from the standard Grandstand or Pit Lane tours, which may be too advanced or physically demanding for younger children.

Confirm that the tour you select includes interactive elements such as hands-on exhibits, scaled-down race car models, and child-friendly narration. Some tours may require children to be accompanied by at least one adult, and group sizes are often limited to ensure safety and engagement. Always check the minimum and maximum age limitssome programs may allow 4-year-olds with special accommodations, while others cap participation at age 13.

Step 2: Book in Advance Through Official Channels

Kid Tours at IMS are highly popular, especially during spring and summer months when school is out. Walk-in availability is extremely rare. To secure a spot, book your tour at least two to four weeks in advance through the official IMS website. Avoid third-party ticket vendorsonly purchases made directly through the Speedways booking portal guarantee access to the full Kid Tour experience, including exclusive materials and guided access.

During checkout, youll be prompted to select a date, time slot, and number of participants. You may also be asked to provide the names and ages of all children attending. This information helps tour guides tailor explanations and activities to the groups cognitive level. Once confirmed, youll receive a digital ticket via email with a QR code for entry and a pre-visit checklist.

Step 3: Prepare Your Child for the Visit

Children learn best when theyre emotionally and intellectually primed. About three to five days before the tour, introduce your child to the basics of racing in an age-appropriate way. Watch short, animated videos about the Indianapolis 500 on YouTube (search Indianapolis 500 for kids for approved educational clips). Read picture books such as The Fastest Car in the World by Laura Driscoll or Race Car Dreams by Mike Lupica.

Engage them in simple discussions: Why do you think race cars have wide tires? or What do you think happens when a car goes really fast around a curve? This builds anticipation and helps them connect with the tour content. You can even create a mini scavenger hunt listFind a car with four wheels, Spot the checkered flagto make the tour feel like a game.

Step 4: Arrive Early and Check In

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. The Speedways main entrance is located at 4790 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN. Follow signs for Guest Services and Tours. Upon arrival, proceed to the designated Kid Tour check-in counter near the Hall of Fame Pavilion. Have your digital ticket ready on your phone or printed copy.

Staff will verify your reservation, distribute tour badges (each child receives a colorful wristband with their name), and provide a laminated activity booklet. These booklets include coloring pages, simple quizzes, and space to sketch the cars they see. Parents are encouraged to let children lead the explorationthis promotes independence and retention.

Step 5: Participate in the Guided Tour Experience

The Kid Tour typically lasts 60 to 75 minutes and follows a fixed route designed for small feet and curious minds. The tour begins in the Hall of Fame Museums Family Zone, where children can sit in a replica of a 1911 race car and press buttons to hear engine sounds. Guides use storytelling to explain how the Speedway was built in 1909, why its called The Brickyard, and how drivers train.

Key stops include:

• The Starting Grid: Kids stand where drivers line up before the green flag. Guides demonstrate how a race starts with a countdown and light system.
• The Pit Stop Challenge: A simulated pit stop area where children help change a tire using lightweight replica wheels and tools. This teaches teamwork and timing.
• The Science of Speed: An interactive exhibit with ramps, balls, and magnets to show how gravity, friction, and aerodynamics affect motion.
• The Victory Lane: A photo opportunity with a scaled-down BorgWarner Trophy and a chance to win a personalized certificate.

Guides are trained in child communication and use simple language, gestures, and repetition to reinforce learning. They often pause for questions and encourage children to shout out answers. The pace is slow, with frequent breaks for water and movement.

Step 6: Extend the Learning with Interactive Exhibits

After the guided portion, families are invited to explore the Family Discovery Zone, a dedicated area within the Hall of Fame Museum. This space includes:

• A motion simulator that lets kids feel what its like to turn a corner at 200 mph (with safety harnesses and adjustable intensity).
• A build-your-own-car station using magnetic panels and color-coded parts.
• A Design Your Helmet wall with washable markers and stickers.
• A digital touchscreen timeline of Indianapolis 500 winners with voiceovers narrated by children.

These exhibits are self-guided, allowing families to spend as much or as little time as they wish. Many children return to favorite stations multiple times. Staff are on hand to assist but do not interrupt playthis encourages autonomy and deep learning through repetition.

Step 7: Take Home a Memory Kit

At the end of the tour, each child receives a complimentary Speedway Explorer Kit. This includes:

• A laminated passport stamped with tour completion
• A mini racing helmet keychain
• A set of 10 racing fact cards (e.g., The fastest lap ever recorded was 237.498 mph!)
• A coupon for 20% off at the Speedway gift shop

Encourage your child to show the passport to family members or teachers. Many schools accept these as part of STEM project documentation. The fact cards can be used for bedtime stories or classroom presentations, extending the educational value long after the visit.

Best Practices

To ensure your childs experience at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Kid Tours is not only enjoyable but also maximally educational and safe, follow these evidence-based best practices.

Choose the Right Time of Year

Spring (AprilMay) and early fall (SeptemberOctober) offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking the 1-mile tour route. Summer months can be hot and humid, so if visiting in June or July, book the earliest morning tour (9:00 a.m.) and bring hats, sunscreen, and refillable water bottles. Avoid holidays like Memorial Day or Independence Day when crowds peak and wait times increase.

Dress for Movement and Comfort

Children should wear closed-toe shoesno sandals or flip-flops. The tour includes uneven surfaces, ramps, and outdoor sections. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal. Avoid bulky jackets; the indoor exhibits are climate-controlled. Consider bringing a small backpack with snacks, a change of clothes (in case of spills or sweat), and a favorite small toy for downtime.

Set Realistic Expectations

Dont expect your child to sit quietly through a 90-minute lecture. The Kid Tours are designed for active participation, not passive listening. Allow for wandering, questions, and moments of excitement. If your child becomes overwhelmed, staff can direct you to a quiet rest area near the museum caf. Theres no pressure to complete every stationfocus on engagement, not completion.

Encourage Questions and Reflection

After the tour, sit down with your child and ask open-ended questions: What surprised you the most? If you could design a race car, what would it look like? Why do you think the drivers wear helmets? These conversations solidify learning and help children articulate their thoughts. Avoid giving answers immediatelylet them think aloud.

Connect the Experience to School

Many teachers incorporate IMS Kid Tours into units on physics, engineering, or American history. Share your childs passport and fact cards with their teacher. You can even request a printable Field Trip Reflection Sheet from the Speedways education department, which aligns with Common Core and NGSS standards.

Limit Screen Time Before and After

Research shows that children retain more from hands-on experiences when theyre not distracted by digital devices. Turn off tablets and phones during the tour. Instead, use the experience as a catalyst for offline creativitydraw the cars, build a cardboard race track at home, or write a short story about being a race car driver.

Practice Inclusive Engagement

Children with sensory sensitivities or mobility challenges are welcome. The Speedway offers sensory-friendly tour versions upon requestthese include reduced audio levels, dimmed lighting, and tactile-only exhibits. Contact the education team at least 72 hours in advance to arrange accommodations. All areas are ADA-compliant, and strollers and wheelchairs are permitted throughout the tour route.

Tools and Resources

Maximize your childs experience with these official and third-party tools designed to enhance learning before, during, and after the visit.

Official IMS Education Portal

Visit indianapolismotorspeedway.com/education for downloadable lesson plans, coloring sheets, and video clips. The portal includes a Kids Curriculum Guide aligned with state science standards for grades K5. It covers topics like motion, force, energy transfer, and historical context of the Speedways founding.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway App

Download the free IMS app (available on iOS and Android). It includes an interactive map of the facility, real-time tour wait times, and a Kid Mode with audio stories narrated by former drivers. The app also has a built-in scavenger hunt feature that syncs with the activity bookletchildren earn digital badges for completing tasks.

STEM at the Speedway (Free Online Module)

Developed in partnership with Purdue University, this 30-minute online module introduces basic physics concepts through racing. It includes animations, drag-and-drop experiments, and a quiz. Children receive a certificate upon completion. Access it at www.speedwaystem.org.

Recommended Books for Ages 410

• Race Car Math by Linda Zecher Teaches counting and patterns using race cars
• The Story of the Indianapolis 500 by John F. Reilly Illustrated history with simple text
• Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry Classic for younger readers
• Fastest Car in the World: The Story of the Indy 500 by Michael D. K. Taylor Perfect for early readers

YouTube Channels for Visual Learners

• Kids Learn Science 5-minute videos on how race cars work
• National Geographic Kids How the Indy 500 Works (animated)
• The Slow Mo Guys Slow-motion footage of tire changes and engine revs (great for visual learners)

Local Resources for Extended Learning

After your visit, consider pairing the experience with other Indianapolis attractions:

• Childrens Museum of Indianapolis Features a permanent Cars of the Future exhibit
• Indianapolis Public Library Offers free STEM kits for checkout, including Build a Race Car engineering sets
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation Hosts monthly Family Science Days with guest engineers and racers

Real Examples

Real stories from families whove participated in the Kid Tours illustrate the impact and versatility of the experience.

Example 1: The Curious 7-Year-Old

Emma, age 7, from Carmel, Indiana, was fascinated by how fast cars could go. Her parents booked a Saturday morning Kid Tour. During the Pit Stop Challenge, she was chosen to help change a tire and later told her teacher, I learned that even a small mistake can make the car slow down! She created a poster for her class titled Why Race Cars Need Good Tires, using her fact cards as references. Her teacher submitted it to the schools STEM fair, where it won first place.

Example 2: The Non-Verbal Child

Leo, age 6, has autism and struggles with verbal communication. His parents requested a sensory-friendly tour. The guide used visual schedules, hand signals, and tactile props throughout the experience. Leo spent 20 minutes at the Design Your Helmet station, creating a helmet with blue and gold stickers. He didnt speak, but he held the helmet tightly and smiled the entire ride home. His parents later received a letter from the Speedways education team with a photo of Leos helmet displayed in the museums Young Innovators corner.

Example 3: The Out-of-Town Family

The Garcias from Chicago visited IMS during a road trip. They booked a tour on a weekday in late August. Their 9-year-old son, Mateo, was initially uninterested in old cars. But after the motion simulator ride, he asked, Can we come back next year? He spent the drive home explaining aerodynamics to his younger sister using a cereal box as a model car. The family later sent a thank-you note to the Speedway, which was featured in their quarterly newsletter.

Example 4: The Classroom Group

Ms. Riveras 3rd-grade class from Evansville, Indiana, took a field trip to the Speedway as part of their physics unit. Each student received a Speedway Explorer Kit and completed a reflection worksheet. One student wrote: I thought speed was just about going fast, but now I know its about control, balance, and teamwork. The class raised funds to donate a book to the Speedways childrens library in return for the experience.

FAQs

Can toddlers attend the Kid Tours?

Children under 5 are welcome to accompany the group but may not participate in all activities. The tour is designed for ages 512. For younger children, consider visiting the Family Discovery Zone independently after the guided portion.

Are there restrooms and food options during the tour?

Yes. Restrooms are located at the start and end of the tour route. The Speedway Caf offers kid-friendly meals (chicken nuggets, fruit cups, juice boxes) and a gluten-free menu. Outside food is allowed in designated picnic areas but not in exhibit halls.

How long is the walking distance?

The tour covers approximately 1 mile over flat, paved surfaces with ramps. Most children complete it comfortably. Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. A shuttle service is available upon request for those with mobility limitations.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! Photography is encouraged. Flash photography is not permitted near sensitive exhibits. Tripods are not allowed for safety reasons. You may capture your childs reactions at the starting line, in the simulator, or at Victory Lane.

Is the tour available in Spanish or other languages?

Guides are trained to accommodate multilingual families. Printed materials are available in Spanish. You may request a bilingual guide at the time of booking. Audio headsets with translated narration are also available upon request.

What if my child gets scared or overwhelmed?

Staff are trained in child psychology and will immediately redirect your child to a quiet space. You may pause the tour at any time. There is no penalty for leaving early, and you may return on another day with a complimentary re-entry pass.

Do I need to buy a separate ticket for an adult?

One adult is included free with each childs ticket. Additional adults may purchase a discounted Family Companion ticket at $12 each. All adults must remain with the child during the tour.

Are the tours available year-round?

Yes, but hours vary by season. Kid Tours run daily from March through November. During winter months (DecemberFebruary), tours are offered on weekends only. Always check the official calendar before planning.

Can schools or homeschool groups book private tours?

Yes. Private group bookings for 10 or more children are available. Contact the education department for customized curriculum integration and discounted group rates.

What happens if it rains?

The guided portion of the tour is indoors. Outdoor stops (like the starting line) may be skipped or replaced with indoor alternatives. Tours are rarely canceled due to weather. Youll be notified via email if conditions require a reschedule.

Conclusion

Exploring the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through its Kid Tours is more than a family outingits an investment in curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning. By following this guide, youre not just visiting a racetrack; youre opening the door to science, history, and imagination in a way that resonates deeply with young minds. The combination of hands-on activities, real-world context, and expert-led storytelling creates an experience that children remember for years.

Whether your child dreams of becoming a driver, an engineer, or simply loves the roar of engines, the Speedways Kid Tours offer a rare blend of fun and education that few institutions can match. With proper preparation, thoughtful engagement, and the right resources, your visit will become a cornerstone of your childs learning journey.

Plan ahead, arrive with an open mind, and let your child lead the way. The track may be made of brick, but the memories you create will be built to last.