The Thrilling Arizona Indoor Racing Destination That Looks Like Mario Kart Come To Life

Ever wish you could dive right into a Mario Kart race? Believe it or not, but that might actually be possible! Arizona has always been a little on the wild side when it comes to awesome outdoor activities, from rock climbing and canyoneering in the mountains to zip lining, water rafting, and even hang gliding. If you're travelling with little ones, the state is also packed with family-friendly outdoor adventures. Needless to say, there are endless fun ways to keep your adrenaline pumping in the Grand Canyon State.

What do adrenaline adventures have to do with bringing Mario Kart into the real world? Coming straight from a video game, Andretti Indoor Karting in Chandler feels just like you're in the middle of a Mario Kart game, racing against Mario, Luigi, Toad, and all the other curious characters from the Mushroom Kingdom. "Rainbow Road" was always a favorite with its colorful track, exciting upgrades, and wacky obstacles. What you can experience at Andretti Indoor Karting is surprisingly similar to that nostalgic experience, so expect twisting curves and bright neon lights as you hurtle around the track. 

While the track at Andretti Indoor Karting doesn't come with dangerous banana peels or blue shells to dodge, it does include a dark-themed track with twisting curves and LED lights that amplify the whole video game experience. One of the coolest aspects of the racetrack is that it is laid out across levels, providing a challenging yet fun experience for both experienced and new drivers. It can also take drivers a lap or two to figure out how to manage the karts, although the lack of those banana peels means there is always enough time to make up.

As with all races, this isn't entirely about speed. If you don't maneuver the tight curves, you can easily end up falling behind as more comfortable opponents overtake you. The best approach is to get to know the track and wait until you are comfortable before gunning it. Unlike Mario Kart, the winner is not the first to reach the finish line but the racer with the best lap speed.

Don't worry if it's your first time, as there are different tracks you can try out based on your age, level of expertise, or what type of adventure you are after. The "Mini Mario" track is suitable for ages 4 to 8, while there's a slightly faster Junior track for ages 8 to 12 with karts that go to speeds of 20 mph. If you're 54 inches tall or more, there are intermediate and advanced tracks set out across three stories with ramps, declines, and detours. 

While both tracks use the same cars, the real difference is the speed limits to make sure that intermediate racers don't lose control at the advanced 35 mph speed. With 30 minutes of race time, you can easily get around 10 laps in, giving you just enough time to get the hang of it before putting your foot down in search of that all-important fastest. But don't worry if you lose; there are plenty of other games in this entertainment center, giving you the opportunity to win back your status in the arcade, bowling, racing, and shooting games.