On Track For Fun
Zoom past boredom at COTA's action-packed playground Speed City
There’s only one place in Austin where you can race high-speed go-karts, putt your way through two wildly different mini golf courses, zipline above an F1 track, and throw a party that’ll be talked about all year, and that place is Speed City at Circuit of The Americas.
This family-friendly destination has transformed COTA into more than just a motorsports mecca. It's now a summer-ready entertainment hub that mixes competition, play, and serious thrills for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or just looking to escape the heat with something more exciting than a movie theater, Speed City offers a dynamic lineup of attractions, all in one place.
Photo courtesy of COTA
Karting for every age
At the heart of the experience is karting, with tracks and karts tailored to drivers of every age group to ensure no one is left on the sidelines.
Kids can get their first taste of the racing world in safe, easy-to-handle karts, while teens and adults can put the pedal down on faster, more powerful models. COTA’s main karting track is designed to challenge and thrill, with sweeping turns and long straightaways that mirror the intensity of its world-famous F1 circuit.
You can even join a three-week course, where seasoned instructors guide you from the spectator stand to a confident karting driver. Each class is one hour long for three consecutive weeks, with the next group starting on Tuesday, June 24, at 5 pm.
In week one, you'll learn the basics of karts, driving lines, and racing before delving into the finer details of kart control in week two. By week three, you'll be ready to arm yourself with all the racing and overtaking skills to become a COTA karting league racer.
Photo courtesy of COTA
Swing your clubs
The fun doesn’t stop when you step off the track. Speed City’s brand-new mini golf area is a two-course escape that offers something for both competitive spirits and laid-back players.
The 18-hole Circuit Course celebrates the legacy of the venue with nods to COTA’s motorsport roots, including an F1 car on display and a scaled-down version of the iconic COTA tower. Every hole feels like part of a themed adventure through the track’s most recognizable landmarks.
On the other side of the green is the Champions Course, a refined nine-hole layout inspired by legendary golf courses. It swaps whimsy for sophistication, with elevated crests and carefully placed sand bunkers offering a true test of mini-golf precision. It’s the kind of place where parents and kids can compete on even footing — and both walk away with bragging rights.
Pair one or both with a kart session to double the fun and double the memories.
Photo courtesy of COTA
Flyin' high
If your feet are still on the ground at this point, that’s about to change. The Soarin’ Eagle zipride launches guests high above the karting complex and stretches over COTA’s main straight.
Riders are harnessed into a side-by-side seat and pulled backward to the top of the ride before being released to soar forward, gaining speed and taking in sweeping views of the entire complex. It’s a short, thrilling ride with big energy, perfect as a finale or kickoff to your day.
Photo courtesy of COTA
Birthday parties that zoom
Speed City is more than just a playground for adrenaline junkies — it’s also an ideal spot for birthday parties, group outings, and summer gatherings.
Private party packages come with everything you need: a reserved space, races, mini golf, food options, and even time on the winners’ podium for one-of-a-kind photo opps. Add in easy access to the zipline and a setting unlike anywhere else in Austin, and you've got a celebration that skips the clichés.
Final lap: Summer adventure starts here
Open every day of the week with extended weekend hours, Speed City is designed for maximum flexibility. Whether you’re making a quick weekday visit or planning a full Saturday of fun, the venue can accommodate groups big or small, spontaneous outings or planned events.
So this summer, if you're looking to beat the heat with something a little more fast-paced, head out to Speed City and make some memories. Whether you're eight or eighty, there's a thrill waiting for you on the track, the green, or 100 feet in the air.