Race go-karts as a family at one of these thrilling tracks in the St. Louis area

Looking for an off-screen activity that excites your kids? These go-kart tracks in and around St. Louis are made to thrill. Enjoy climate-controlled indoor tracks, or catch a breeze on an outdoor course. Just be sure to check the facility’s website for current hours and potential weather-related closings, and note that height restrictions might override age requirements. 

For individual racers 6 and older with a competitive edge

Victory Raceway St. Louis’ one-fourth mile, indoor track, and electric go-karts allow for an action-packed experience, rain or shine. Victory Raceway pricing starts at $19.99 for one junior race and charges by the number and type of races in which you’ll participate, with races split up by age groups and speed limitations. The fastest group, adults and teens 16 and older, can reach speeds up to 45 mph. 

For individual racers 14 and older with a need for speed

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Courtesy of Gateway Kartplex

The Gateway Kartplex just over the border in Madison, Illinois, is part of the World Wide Technology Raceway that’s hosted NASCAR and INDYCAR races, and its go-karts are no joke. “The Kartplex’s Sodi GT5 rental karts are not like your average indoor rental go-kart,” the website states. “These gas-powered outdoor karts are the fastest in the St. Louis area, reaching speeds of up to 55 miles per hour down our 700-foot back straight and encountering up to two lateral g-forces on the 11-turn, half-mile road course.” The outdoor track offers competitive racing series and Arrive & Drive sessions at various prices and time limits, starting at $36 for a nonmember, 10-minute session.

For families seeking an outdoor adventure with younger children

Not all go-karting facilities in the area offer a passenger seat option for kids who like the wind in their hair but aren’t keen to drive themselves. Boschertown Go-Karts in St. Charles has two-seaters, in addition to standard karts, for kids 10 and up, faster “sprint-karts” for those 16 and older, and the fastest “super-karts” for adults. Rides start at $13.

Swing-A-Round’s Fenton location has an open-air track for two-seat go-karts with a driver 16 years or older and individual karts with drivers 10 and up. The family-fun center also offers a designated Kiddie Kart track for kids 3 to 7 years old with vehicles designed to be more user-friendly and safe for the little ones. Five-minute rides cost $9, or buy a Fun Pass starting at $12.99 for one hour of go-karts, bumper cars and boats, batting cages, mini golf, and indoor playground access.

For families wanting a myriad of indoor entertainment options

Amp Up Action Park in Town and Country also offers two-seat karts and junior karts for younger kids, but this entertainment destination is made so that teens and adults can thoroughly enjoy themselves, too. The park’s new fleet of electric go-karts race on an indoor track and “challenge friends, family, or colleagues … featuring the push to pass ‘boost’ and F1-style steering,” its website states. Go-kart pricing starts at $14.99 for a junior race or $19.99 for older drivers, with bundles available to add activities like axe throwing, laser tag, and the high ropes course.

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Courtesy of Piccadilly Palace

Piccadilly Palace in Union is expanding its family-fun offerings just before temperatures drop this fall. Scheduled to open in October are a two-level track for teens and adults and a single-level track for younger kids. The business opened in the summer of 2023 with a skate rink as its main attraction and has since added mini golf, a virtual reality arena, and an e-gaming area.