Family Guide
Indianapolis 500
Tips and Tricks for your family to have a successful Indy 500!
General Knowledge
- The race itself is around 3.5 hours, but the duration changes every year. What remains constant is the green flag around 12:30 pm on race day. Kids of all ages enjoy pre-race activities which start an hour before the race. You should plan for at least 45 minutes to get through the gate and to your seat, outside of walking time from your car and inside the facility. The Indy 500 Race Day Schedule can be found here.
- Expect big crowds! The Indianapolis 500 is the largest single day sporting event in the world. Expect hundreds of thousands of fellow spectators on the big day. On Race Day, Indianapolis Motor Speedway becomes the second largest city in Indiana! Make sure to keep an eye on your family.
- Stay hydrated! Race days are known for being long and hot, combat this by drinking a lot of water. Cooling stations and water refill stations are available on site. You are welcome to bring your own coolers to the track. You can find cooler and gate regulations here.
- Bring your own food and beverages to the Speedway. Coolers smaller than 18" x 15" x 15" are welcome as long as they don't contain glass. You can find cooler and gate regulations here.
- Sunscreen is a must during a long day in the sun. Save yourself from potential sunburn.
- Protect your ears! NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars are loud. Professionals recommend fans of all ages wear hearing protection during the Indianapolis 500. You can bring your own ear protection, but it is also available to rent or buy at the track.
- Scope out the map. IMS is a large venue so plan where you will be parking, locate where you will be watching the race and what gate you will be entering through. View Facility Map
- Race Day Parking is now sold out, but you can find other options here.
- Be prepared to walk. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a huge facility. Make sure to wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes. IMS sits on about 253 acres and the track itself is 2.5 miles. ADA Accessibility information can be found here.
- If your children are stroller age, bringing a stroller or wagon is a great idea and a good way to help carry your gear. Strollers and wagons can be parked under or in front of grandstands. Strollers and Wagons must be collapsable on Indy 500 Race Day.
- Make a designated meeting point. If you are traveling in multiple cars, be prepared by making a designated meeting point in advance. Having a designated meeting point for your group is always a good idea.
- Nursing stations are available at the track; they are located in the basement of the administration building, gate 9 plaza near J stand section 18 and under Tower Terrace Grandstand near the service elevator. Nursing mothers should store their milk in personal coolers.
- Stay healthy! First Aid Stations can be found at various locations around IMS.
- Lost and found form can be found here.
- IMS can be overstimulating, contact a member of the safety patrol to get a sensory deprivation bag.
Indy 500 Kid's Merchandise
Grab your gear before Race Weekend and represent the Racing Capital of the World!
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What to Bring
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Stay hydrated! Make sure to bring water on Race Day to help with hot temperatures. Cooling stations and water refill stations are available on site.
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Bring your own food and beverages to the Speedway. Lines can be long for concessions. Pack as much food as you would like to avoid the lines, but if you would like to travel light pack snacks and most basic food items can be found on site. Cooler and gate regulations can be found here.
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Sunscreen is a must during a long day in the sun. Save yourself from potential sunburn. Other sun protection, such as hats or sunglasses, is also encouraged.
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Protect your ears! NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars are loud.
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Be prepared to walk! Make sure to wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
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Strollers are welcome at IMS. Wagons are permitted every day, but they must be collapsable the day of the Indianapolis 500. Guests are responsible for making sure items are secured under the grandstands.
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Sitting in the stands for four hours can be uncomfortable. Seat cushions are available to rent or buy, but you can also bring one from home.
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Diaper bags are permitted as long as they do not contain glass.
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Items prohibited at the track can be found here.
Family Fun at IMS
Trackside Amusement
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IMS Museum. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum recently reopened after an extensive renovation. It is a great way to entertain kids before the green flag, and it has air conditioning. Kids 5 & under are admitted free to the museum, Youth (6-16) are $18, and adults are $25. Book tickets here. The museum gift shop is open to the public.
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Fan Midway: Fan Midway is an exciting way to interact with INDYCAR on event days. Learn more about the Midway here.
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Kid Zone: the Kid Zone is a section of the Fan Midway just for kids! Learn more about the Kid Zone here.
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Pick a favorite driver. Rooting on your favorite driver makes the race more exciting to follow. Find your favorite driver here.
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Savor the victory. Pack mini bottles of milk to celebrate with the winner after the race. Learn about the history of milk at the Indianapolis 500 here.
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Bring a stopwatch to keep track of lap times.
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A Pen and paper can help you record how many times your favorite driver has gone to the pits.
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Scanners and radios let you listen to broadcasts and get more information about the race. You can bring your own scanner, but they are also available to rent at IMS.
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Binoculars assist in seeing the cars better from your race watching location.
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Shop until you drop! IMS has multiple gift shops around the track that are open on event days, but the gift shop is always open online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Kids are more than welcome to the race. Kids 15 & under are admitted free in general admission areas with a paying adult.
If you are looking for something less crowded the Sonsio Grand Prix, PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying and Indy 500 practice days also make for great family time.
A schedule of events at the track in May can be found here.
The link to ADA services such as assistance carts and elevators and ADA parking and seating can be found here.
Also, Sensory deprivation bags are available. They can be found with members of the safety patrol.
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Name
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Age
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Last location seen
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What they are wearing
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Any other descriptive details: race, height/weight, hair color, etc
Strollers and wagons are welcome at the track.
Strollers and wagons must be collapsable the day of the Indianapolis 500.
IMS does have uneven terrain which can lead to bumpy conditions for the strollers and wagons.
If you choose not to bring a stroller, another option is our free IMS Tram.
GA Mounds: There is room to move around and spread out, but all spots first come first serve. You are welcome to bring your own blankets and chairs for the mounds as well. There is limited shade except under a few large trees on the grounds. The atmosphere is similar to a picnic or tailgating.
Reserved Seats: You do not have to worry about finding a seat because it is reserved.
For reserved seats everyone requires a ticket regardless of age. Prepare for a large number of stairs.
Families are welcome at the Sonsio Grand Prix, PPG Presents Armed Forces Qualifying and Indianapolis 500 Practice days. The schedule for these events can be found here. These days are less crowded but do have cars on track and can be a good introduction to INDYCAR.
Families are also encouraged to attend different community events happening around the city and state. The schedule for community events can be found here.
Children under nine are not permitted in the garages.
Children ages 9-17 can get into the garages if they purchase a Junior Garage Credential and are accompanied by a credentialed adult.
IMS
Official Activity Book
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