Best Go Kart Tracks In Chicago

Let's face it: Winding your way through traffic on the Edens, the Kennedy, Lake Shore Drive, or pretty much any major road or expressway in Chicago is no one's idea of a good time. But if you feel the need get the behind the wheel of a car and burn some rubber with your friends or family, then consider making your way to a go kart track in the Chicago area. From indoor tracks to outdoor venues complete with a number of amenities and features, you and your friends or colleagues can spend the afternoon in a race or two. Here are some of the best local go kart tracks in the Chicago area.

Autobahn Country Club
3795 Center Point Way
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 722-2223
www.autobahncc.com

When it comes to get-togethers, you could meet your friends at your favorite watering hole — or you could add some quick turns and add a bit of competition by booking a group open karting at Autobahn Country Club. You and your friends can reserve the go karting track for at least an hour. Food and beverages are available for an additional fee. Don't have a helmet? Don't worry, as Autobahn has full-face helmets.

Chicago Race Factory
6955 S. Harlem Ave.
Bedford Park, IL 60638
(708) 594-5278
www.chicagoracefactory.com

Don't let a little rain, wind or snow stop you from go karting with friends. Chicago Race Factory is an indoor facility that features a track measuring one-quarter of a mile, complete with twists and turns. Go kart drivers can reach top speeds of about 45 miles per hour, adding some thrill for an afternoon out with family and friends. Chicago Race Factory also hosts parties, making it a unique spot for corporate team building sessions, birthday parties, and other milestones. Just keep in mind drivers need to be a minimum height of 55 inches to get behind the wheel.

Enchanted Castle
1103 S. Main St.
Lombard, IL 60148
(630) 953-7860
www.enchanted.com

After spending the day playing laser tag and arcade games, you and your family might want to get in a lap or two on the go kart track at Enchanted Castle. The track, which is indoors, features electric go karts and plenty of curves. Enchanted Castle's karts also accommodate passengers, allowing parents to sit with their child. The venue is available for parties and post-prom destinations, too. If you get hungry, you can grab a snack at the onsite Dragon's Den Restaurant. In addition to Enchanted Castle, Trails Family Entertainment Centers' Haunted Trails in Burbank and Joliet also have go kart racing.

Related: Best Family-Friendly Bike Trails In Chicago

Sport Zone Family Fun Center
1900 Hill Ave.
Aurora, IL 60504
(630) 820-8624
www.sportzonepark.com

Whether you're looking for a family-friendly activity or late-night venue that's not a movie theatre, consider doing a few laps on the go kart track at Sport Zone Family Fun Center. The outdoor venue offers five-minute rides, giving you just enough time to put your pedal to the metal. Children can drive by themselves, but some restrictions apply; for additional information on rules and regulations, take a look at Sport Zone's website. In addition to go karts, Sport Zone offers mini golf, batting cages and indoor golf.

Sugar Grove Family Fun Center
Route 47 and Jericho Road
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
(630) 466-3866
www.sugargrovefamilyfuncenter.com

Let the wind whip through your hair as you race your friends on the go kart track at Sugar Grove Family Fun Center. The outdoor course is one-quarter of a mile and is concrete, giving riders a unique experience. Kids can take part in the fun, too, as a rookie course is available just for children between six and nine years of age. After you're finished with your laps, you and your crew can play a round of mini golf, play a few games, and other activities.

Related: Best Family Hikes Near Chicago

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.