Got kids bouncing off the walls come Saturday? Channel that energy into something way more fun—go karting. Just outside the city, you’ll find a solid lineup of tracks for go-karting near NYC, where young (and not-so-young) drivers can put the pedal to the metal. Whether it's an indoor setup packed with tight corners and electric karts, or an open-air track built for speed and sunshine, these spots deliver serious thrills. Ideal for a rainy-day escape or just mixing up your weekend routine, many of these venues are part of larger amusement complexes, so you can make a whole day of it. Next time your crew is craving action, skip the screens—strap in, hit the gas and race for bragging rights.
If you’re planning to spend some time ride-hopping at Luna Park this summer, it’d be a huge mistake to miss the Coney Island Raceway, a 24-kart outdoor track. Here, you can race around a curvy 900-foot course to your heart’s desire (well, until the race is over). Karts can fit up to two people.
Address: 1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Expect to pay: All-day wristbands $54-$99
Speed demons with the use of a car will delight in this day trip-worthy destination: the country’s largest multi-level go-karting track. You can book Pro (for the older kids/more experienced drivers) and Semi-Pro heats (for the newbies) online on two massive tracks at the venue. On special racing days, the tracks are joined together for one humongous Supertrack.
Address: 1 Sachatello Industrial Dr, Oakdale, CT 06370
Expect to pay: $25.95-$99.95
If you're into outdoor go karting, NJMP Karting in Millville, NJ, is worth the trip. The challenging track layout will thrill experienced go karters, and the venue and hosts a series of go karting events throughout the year.
Address: 8000 Dividing Creek Rd, Millville, NJ 08332
Expect to pay: $35-$80
Multiple locations in the NYC area make RPM a great go-to for local families, not to mention its Italian state-of-the-art go-karts and courses intended to mimic real formula courses. Families can try “arrive and drive” options where you’re paired with others to compete for the fastest lap, or schedule in advance with a group of eight or more, to do two, three or four-race events with your own crew.
Address: Multiple locations in NY, NJ and CT
Expect to pay: $30-$90
The rebranded Staten Island Funpark lives up to its name with the Staten Island Raceway, plus mini golf, batting cages and the Water Blast (where kids can launch tons of water balloons). At the Raceway, families can zip along a 800-foot race course to their heart’s desire (line permitting) at one of the most affordable rates in the area.
Address: 215 Schmidts Ln, Staten Island, NY 10314
Expect to pay: $5.50-$9.50
This Westchester venue offers go-kart racing, a 12-lane bowling alley and a 6,000-square-foot arcade—all perfect for playing the day away. Like many go-karting venues, you can simply show up, sign up and get in for a race, but check the times first for peak and off-peak pricing. It's also highly recommended that visitors use the racing reservation system to ensure plenty of time for zooming around.
Address: 333 N Bedford Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549
Expect to pay: $28.95-$67.95
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