A Day at the Races
If you have a little boy in the house, you know that boys of all ages love anything with wheels…and the faster the better! My son has spent countless hours racing Matchbox cars and Lightning McQueen all over our house since the minute he could walk. So what kid wouldn’t love to see those super-fast racecars up close? Though NASCAR is not usually the first sporting event that comes to mind when you consider family-friendly outings, it is in many ways a perfect way to spend a day as a family! We are so lucky to have the Kansas Speedway right in our backyard…why not give it a try?
TIP: Your family can enjoy special FREE events Apr. 18 - 21 in support of the races. Learn more about Walmart Stores Bring NASCAR Driver Appearances, Fan Events and Unique Race Time Experiences to Kansas and Missouri!
NASCAR isn’t for families!
Wrong! NASCAR is a very family-friendly sport and the Kansas Speedway welcomes families. They strive for a family-friendly atmosphere and there is plenty to do for kids of all ages at the track. Besides the races themselves, kids and families can visit the Sprint Fan Walk, an interactive area within Kansas Speedway's infield near the garages that the teams use. Fans can watch as inspectors look over the cars and the crews get the cars ready for the race. Kids and parents may also hang out in Autograph Alley to try to get their favorite driver's autograph or watch award presentations from the main stage. (Tickets to Fan Walk are $15).
There are also sponsor displays around the track where kids can participate in activities like simulator booths and remote control car racing. And don’t forget about the pre-race flyovers, concerts, and other exciting events that will entertain kids (and parents!) all day long.
Plus we all know that Kansas City loves to tailgate and NASCAR is no exception…make a whole day of it by setting up your own or “tailgate” at the Legends shopping and dining area (T-Rex and Dave & Busters are both close by) if that is more your speed.
But it’s going to be too loud/hot!
Yes, it’s going to be loud. But by being prepared and taking advantage of some of the options at the track, it is manageable for kids. Local race fan Tina Leitzel says, “Ear protection is an absolute must. You can purchase simple ear plugs, but my nephews loved sharing the scanner [available for rent at the Speedway] with me. The headsets not only provide them with some entertainment trying to listen to their favorite driver, but they also help calm the noise. Parents can also rent headsets just for ear protection, without the scanners.”
Tina also recommends being prepared for heat and sun by bringing sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing/hats, and maybe even a foam cushion or small blanket for the metal benches. However, with the major NASCAR races scheduled for April and October this year at the Kansas Speedway, the chances for mild weather are much better than for races in the middle of the summer. As with any outdoor family outing…be prepared for all types of weather. You can visit the Kansas Speedway website at www.kansasspeedway.com for more tips for first-time fans.
So get in the fast lane and spend an exhilarating day at the races with your kids this year! It is a memory they will never forget!
Sara Keenan is excited to attend her first NASCAR race this spring with her family.