Four places to drive go-karts on Long Island
You can satisfy your inner need for speed this summer without risking those flashing lights blinking in your rearview mirror. Visit one of Long Island's indoor or outdoor go-kart tracks to take a spin on a scaled-down roadway. No bumping, please!
THINGS TO KNOW
Go-karts can be dangerous, so each track has minimum height and age requirements for drivers - and passengers. Be prepared to sign a liability waiver.
WHERE TO GO
KARTS INDOOR RACEWAY
701 Union Pkwy., Ronkonkoma
INFO 800-718-KART, karts1.com
COST $9 first race ($30 for 5 races); junior track is $4 a race ($17 for 5 races); $2 daily driver's license fee
REQUIREMENTS Drivers must be at least 54 inches tall to ride on the adult track (40 inches for junior track)
Hot and humid summer days aren't a problem at this fully air-conditioned indoor facility, which has two go-kart racing tracks. The adult course, where the go-karts can reach speeds up to 32 miles an hour, is rigged to time individual drivers as they zip around the course. The junior course, geared toward ages 5-9, has smaller karts that reach a maximum speed of 11 mph, according to manager Brian Garofalo.
GOOD TO KNOW The go-kart track is open until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
EXTRA LAPS The facility also has two miniature bowling alleys, a 25-game arcade, remote-control slot-car racing and a snack bar.
BOOMERS
655 Long Island Ave., Medford
INFO 631-475-1771, boomersparks.com
COST $6 driver ($2.75 passenger) or $23.95 for unlimited rides in the park
REQUIREMENTS 58 inches for drivers, 40 inches for passengers; must be at least 18 years old to drive with a passenger.
Boomers' outdoor go-kart track has banked turns and straightaways where karts can race up to 20 mph. Riders can race in single or double cars. Boomers' karts attract riders from all age groups - but especially teenage boys.
EXTRA LAPS There's also a bumper boat pool, five main kiddie rides, two carousels (one indoors, one outside), a rock-climbing wall, roller coaster, mini-golf and batting cage.
TIKI ACTION PARK
1878 Middle Country Rd., Centereach
INFO 631-471-1267, tikiactionpark.com
COST $6 ($8 for double kart); $18 for four rides
REQUIREMENTS 57 inches for drivers, 42 inches for passengers; to drive a passenger you must be at least 16 years old.
Formerly known as Castle Golf, Tiki Action Park has recently been revamped, according to owner Paul Ziegler. The go-karts soar around an outdoor figure-eight track that includes a tunnel and hill.
EXTRA LAPS Though the go-karts are the highlight of the park, there's also a mini-golf course and 40-game arcade. The go-kart track is closed when it's wet.
COUNTRY FAIR ENTERTAINMENT PARK
3351 Route 112, Medford
INFO 631-732-0579, countryfairpark.com
COST $6 A ride passengers ride free)
REQUIREMENTS 60 inches for drivers (55 inches rookie cars); under 55 inches must ride with licensed adult
Up to 25 karts can race at a time on this outdoor figure-eight track. Each lap is 1/8 mile.
EXTRA LAPS The sprawling park also has two mini-golf courses, batting cages, a driving range and sheltered picnic area.
comments