Here are some family-friendly attractions, vendors for fans at the Indianapolis 500

Cate Charron, Indianapolis Star
·3 min read

There's more to the Indianapolis 500 than racecars, right?

As over 300,000 people descend on Speedway, Indiana, for the 500 this May, fans can enjoy more than the "greatest spectacle in racing" happening on the track with various concerts, activities, exhibits and eats to check out in the infield.

The Fan Midway is inside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and north of the Pagoda plaza with a dozen tents for race fans to check out. A map can be found on the speedway website.

Whether looking for a change of scenery during a long caution or trying to soothe a teary-eyed 3-year-old, here are a few family friendly vendors at the Fan Midway to look forward to.

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Take spin around a track

While high-powered IndyCars zoom around them, kids can feel like their favorite drivers by take a spin around the track with IndyCar Nation Rookie Program and their partner, the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.

The kids can "drive' go-kart-like trikes around the track (with their parent's help, if needed). A DJ will also be bumping tunes throughout the day.

Families can stop by the track at the track during most days leading up to the big race.

  • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26 — Carb Day

  • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 27 — Legends Day

  • 6 a.m. to green flag May 28 — Race Day

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Feel like a Navy SEAL

Race fans can experience what a Navy Seal mission is like at various events leading up to the Indianapolis 500.

In a virtual-reality experience called the Nimitz, race fans can feel the intensity of a high-speed Navy SEAL mission while at the track. Strapping on an Oculus Rift headset and a SubPac, which is wearable technology shaped like a backpack that emits audio, participants will use a steering wheel and throttle system replicating a Navy Special Warfare Combatant Craft.

People can catch the traveling 18-wheeled VR experiences at the Fan Midway during several events leading up to the 500:

  • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 26 — Carb Day

  • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 27 — Legends Day

  • 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 28 — Race Day

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Get closer to the action

Attendees won't miss the Firestone attraction, with a large blow-up of the beloved Firehawk mascot and a monster truck.

Race fans can check out the difference between the tires crews put on their favorite driver's cars and what they put on their own cars at home. Under their tent, they'll have tires and racecars to check out.

What else?

Numerous other tents and smaller attractions, from driver merch stands to putt putt with Duke Energy to a display of a dozen Chevrolet vehicles, will fill up the fan zone. Some surprise Q&As with drivers and staff may also pop up as well.

Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Cate Charron at ccharron@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @catecharron.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 2023: Family-friendly attractions, vendors at IMS Fan Midway