Everything you should know before taking kids to the Indy 500 at IMS

The Indy 500 is rooted in tradition — a love affair that gets passed down from one generation to the next. 

"My first race was in the womb," tweeted Bill Yanney when asked what's an appropriate age to take a child to the race.

This informal, unofficial poll with 256 votes broke down like this: 9 percent said children should never attend; 25 percent said they could go anytime; 30 percent suggested they be elementary school-aged; and 36 percent recommended middle school-aged or older.

A post asking the same question on Facebook yielded even more discussion. If you're thinking about taking a child to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, here are some things you should know.

How much are tickets for kids?

A day at the track can be really cheap entertainment. For Practice Days and Qualifications, kids 15 and younger are free with a paid adult admission and can find seating anywhere throughout the Speedway, including the stands. Adult tickets for practice days cost $15. Adult tickets for Qualifications cost $20. Carb Day tickets start at $30 and Legends Day tickets start at $10. There are additional costs for concerts.

Race day is pricier though. Kids 15 and younger are still free with a paid adult general admission, but this only grants access to the infield, viewing mounds and other open areas of the grounds. Everyone, including children, must a purchase a ticket for reserved seating in the stands on race day, you know, where you can actually see the race. The cheapest reserved race day tickets are $75 and can go up to $230.

Cost was a common concern among parents — it could be waste of money if your kid gets bored/tired/cranky/hot and you have to jolt.

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How long does the race last?

On race day, we're talking more than 200,000 people filing into a place larger than all 14 Big Ten football stadiums combined. 

It actually starts around noon, but you've got the drive in (plus traffic), the parade, the songs, the National Anthem, the prayer, the fly-over, a three-hour-long race, a victory lap from the winning driver, and finally the drive home (plus traffic). 

"It can be a 'reasonable' 4-5 hour expedition, or it can be 6-8," said long-time race fan Darla Berry on Facebook. At the most, it could be a 12-hour day.

There is a lot of walking, the cars are loud, the stands are crowded and the weather is unpredictable (this is Indiana).

But, let's not forget, this is also the greatest spectacle in racing.

What will my kid see, or not see?

Sure, there is revelry at the track and experiences vary. 

"I've only been once, and found it surprisingly tame," said Nathan Lucas on Facebook. "We sat on the grass in the infield near one of the turns. Everybody was drinking but nobody got rowdy and/or naked."

However, there are events and areas that kids should avoid. The Carb Day concert can get pretty rowdy. And don't go anywhere near the Snake Pit on race day. In fact, all Snake Pit ticket holders must be 18 or older.

The IMS has also made an effort to reduce smoking, with families in mind. The 2018 Indy 500 was the first where smoking was not allowed in the grandstands. It is still allowed in the infield.

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Should my kids wear ear protection?

Yes, IndyCars are loud. Babies, kids, and even adults, should wear ear protection, says pediatric otolaryngologist at Riley Hospital for Children Ryan Mitchell.

"Some kids just don't like the noise so (ear protection) helps the startle response," said Mitchell. "But even more important, we want to protect their hearing."

Dr. Mitchell has seen a lot of patients with hearing problems after attending a loud concert or sporting event. That ringing or feeling of it being hard of hear after a loud event is a sign that you've done some damage, he said. It might go away in the short-term, but over time the damage can add up.

He recommends ear plugs or noise-cancelling ear muffs, or even a combination of both—because you know your kid might try ripping those things out or off.

So, what is a good age for kids to attend?

To definitely answer your question: somewhere between 0 and 18 years old. You're the parent. 

But most recommended waiting until children were between 6 and 10 years old.

Obviously, racing super fans are going to do better than the kids who really have no interest in being there in the first place. Fans might be able to attend at a younger age.

"I've been a racing fan since I was a kid, so going to a race even when I was little was like Christmas. I'd wake up at 4:30 a.m. with a smile on my face and couldn't wait to get out to the track with my dad," commented David Dearing who is the racing expert for Indianapolis radio station 1070 The Fan.

Others said their kids got bored. It really just depends on your child's attention span and interest in the sport.

Is there another race we can try first?

The IndyCar Grand Prix as a good test race before going to the real deal. The race started in 2014 as the lead-in to the Indy 500. It's on a road course and cars race in the opposite direction. 

It's "less crowded, shorter bathroom lines and family friendly," said Dayna Serbon on Facebook.

Tickets for the Grand Prix start at $25 and kids 15 and younger are free with a paid adult admission.

If the kids make it through the Grand Prix with minimal grumpiness, they might be ready for the Indy 500.

What are some other tips to know before I go?

One of the biggest benefits of the IMS is that you can bring in your own food and drink, so your kids' favorite snacks can make the trip. Remember that bags and coolers must be not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 14 inches. Don't forget about packing essentials like water, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, rain ponchos, scarves, gloves—you get the picture.

IndyStar mobile producer Amy Haneline has a free-spirited 1-year-old daughter. Call her at (317) 444-6281. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @amybhaneline and on Facebook.