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The end of May in Indianapolis smells like freshly cut grass, sun-warmed lilac, and race-fuel exhaust. It’s the time of year when spring hasn’t quite let go, but the excitement of summer shimmers on the horizon. At the heart of the buzz is what is largely considered “the Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indianapolis 500. For over a century, it has drawn race fans and celebrities from all over the world. As someone who’s lived just outside of Indy for more than 40 years, I can confidently say that it is the best time to visit the city. For families who are willing to plan ahead, race-day weekend is one of the most memorable experiences Indy has to offer.
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What to Expect at the Indianapolis 500
The first Indy 500, a 500-mile automobile race that lasted a little over 6 hours, drew around 85,000 spectators to The Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Today, nearly 350,000 people (about how many reside in St. Louis) attend what is consistently called the largest single-day sporting event in the world. (And because the cars got faster (230 mph faster!), the race today only takes around 3 hours.)
What a crowd this size means for families is that the trip from the parking spot to a seat in the Speedway can take up to an hour, so planning ahead is nonnegotiable. It’s the difference between a stressful day and a memorable one.
Race day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the crowds are loud, the engines are louder, and somehow this crew is still smiling. ©John Grainda
Indy 500 Race Day Schedule (Build Your Day Around This)
Here’s what race day looks like on the last Sunday in May, when races are held, during Memorial Day weekend (all times are Eastern):
- 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM → Gates open
- 11:47 AM → Driver Introductions
- 12:24 PM → National Anthem
- 12:29 PM → “Drivers, to your cars”
- 12:36 PM → Back Home Again in Indiana
- 12:38 PM → Start engines
- 12:45 PM → Green Flag (race begins)
How to Make the Indy 500 Fun for Kids
During The Race
While the Indy 500 is super exciting all on its own, parents can help build engagement through intentional planning.
Before the race starts, review the drivers who are competing. Ask kids to choose their favorite to follow. This gives them a reason to stay invested in the race and someone to look for after each lap. You can even build a race-day notebook so they can keep track of the race by recording lap times, pit stops, and so on.
The Day Before The Race
Don’t skip the pre-race events. The day before the actual race, visit the Kid Zone at The Rule the Road Fan Midway.
The Kid Zone features:
- Coloring Activities
- Friendship Bracelet making
- Build a Race Car
- Balance Bike Inflatable Racetrack
If time allows, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which recently reopened after an extensive renovation. It is a great way to entertain kids before the green flag, and it has air conditioning.
Children 5 and under are free. Tickets for children 6-16 are $18.00.
Future race-day legend in the making, waving that checkered flag like the finish line depends on it. ©Paul Hurley
Family Safety at The Indy 500
Before any outing that involves crowds this size (whether it’s a sporting event or a theme park), it’s important to discuss safety protocols with children.
Contact Information
Make sure that everyone knows important contact information. Kids should have their parents’ cell phone numbers memorized. If they can’t do that, then it isn’t a good time to take them into a large crowd. Because it’s easy to forget important information during stressful moments, items like ID Bracelets or AirTags can be very helpful.
Give the Family a Plan
Before heading into a large crowd, talk about what to do if you become separated. Establish a central meeting location. Here is my family’s go-to plan: 1. Stop walking. 2. Find a worker, a police person, or a mom. 3. Go to the meeting location.
Dress for Safety (and Snap a Picture)
Wear bright colors that are easy to spot. Before heading into the event, take a family picture. Share the picture with your family, so that the picture can be used by staff in the event of a lost little one. They will be able to see exactly what they were wearing, because it can be hard to remember these details when in a stressful situation.
A sea of fans, a whole lot of energy, and one place everyone wants to be, Indy 500 race day. © Joe Skibinski
Health and Wellness at the Race
The Motor Speedway is huge, around 250 acres huge. The track itself is 2.5 miles. Be ready to walk. If you have little ones, bring a collapsible stroller or wagon. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layers. In May, the day might start cool, but end hot.
Protect Ears
IndyCars are LOUD. Really, really loud. Protect everyone’s hearing by bringing hearing protection. They might refuse at first, but bring those ear muffs in a bag anyway. Once they hear how loud those engines roar, they will want those ear muffs!
Weather in May
It’s important to note that this race takes place outside. The sun burns bright on the race track. Be prepared with plenty of high-quality sunscreen. Nothing ruins a great day quicker than a bad sunburn. And… because it takes place outside, check the weather, and be sure to pack ponchos if rain is in the forecast.
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Food and Drink
At the gate, race spectators can expect a quick bag check. Small coolers are allowed, just leave the glass at home. Be sure to pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks to keep the kids from getting hangry. Nobody likes a hangry little race fan. There will be concession items for purchase, but don’t expect to be able to buy the kind of food that will keep a little guy satiated for 4-5 hours of racing.
When You Go
Getting to Indianapolis from LA
The most efficient way to get from Los Angeles to Indianapolis is by air, with nonstop flights taking about 4 hours and multiple daily options to Indianapolis International Airport. From the airport, it’s a quick 20–25 minute drive to downtown, though race weekend traffic can add time. Renting a car is the easiest option for families, especially when navigating parking and getting to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For those who prefer to drive the full route, expect a two-day road trip of roughly 2,000 miles.
Where to Stay By Indianapolis 500
JW Marriott in Indianapolis is a Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Winner. With luxury rooms overlooking the very walkable White River State Park it is easy to see why families will love it here. An indoor pool, free breakfast, and fitness center make this hotel our top choice for a visit to Indy anytime, but especially during race weekend.
Hampton Inn and Suites Indianapolis West Speedway is a great spot for families who are just coming to Indy for the race. It is walkable from the track, which means traffic won’t really be an issue. Families will also enjoy an indoor pool and free breakfast.
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