Some of the coolest (and most random) places we have ever been are due to Kyle’s work… Prague, Amsterdam, Nashville! So we had another work trip on our hands… to Indianapolis! This time it was a road trip! We spend a lot of time in the car together. Most of the time, Kyle is driving and I am trying to keep the boys entertained (or maybe it’s me who needs the entertainment).
When he mentioned that he may need to go to Indy, I was worried by how close it was to Christmas. We had to go along!
We didn’t want him to go alone and get stuck in an airport or hotel due to bad weather. We had a lot of holiday plans to work around anyway. We went to see his dad in South Carolina, then added this last-minute work trip to Indianapolis. We got home from Indianapolis, spent one night in the comfort of our own Virginia home then turned around the next day and drove to Pennsylvania!
Besides a bit of rain on the way to Indy, the weather cooperated quite well given all of our plans! I had no idea what on earth I would be able to come up with to keep Asher and Brooks busy while their dad was working. Whether or not you are into auto racing, one of the first things that come to mind when you hear “Indianapolis” is “Indianapolis Motor Speedway”. I searched to see if we were able to go visit the track and found out that they have “Lights at the Brickyard”. We bought our vehicle ticket in advance online. If you are staying in a hotel like we were, you can have them scan your ticket on your smartphone instead of trying to find a way to print it out.
We were lined up at the track. We must have picked a wonderful day to visit because there was no wait. I can imagine how packed this would get on a popular night so think about that when deciding which day you want to go. Monday through Wednesday has a small discount compared to Thursday through Sunday.
Over 3 million lights are stretched along 2 miles winding through the track and infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. You will drive through dozens of unique, colorful displays and pass through the world-famous “Yard of Bricks” start-finish line. I could talk about the light displays all day, but the photos are really what you need to see here.
The next day, I took Asher and Brooks back to the track. They have a museum and a gift shop there. The museum was filled with amazing cars from all generations of racing. There were exhibits that showed famous engines, transmissions and other historic car parts. They even had a section that was sure to catch the kids’ eyes with characters like Turbo and an Indy car that they could sit in!
Indy might not be on the top of everyone’s bucket list, but Lights at the Brickyard should be! How cool is it that you get to drive ON the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway?! While in Indiana, be sure to check out all that Indianapolis has to offer. Whether you are a museum enthusiast, epicurean seeking a great culinary experience, or family searching for kid-friendly fun, Indy has something for everyone.
Very cool lights. I’m not into cars but my husband always loves a good car show. He’s love it. Glad the boys liked it!
What a great experience! I would love to take my grandkids to see that. The museum looks like so much fun!
As a former raving fanatical NASCAR fan, I would love going to Indy for any reason. Lights at Christmas just make it more appealing!
We did something like this last year. My kids loved it!
Light shows like this always seem to be a hit with everyone. I know my kids would love it.
This looks fun! We like car racing so this would be something we’d want to see if we were in the area. The lights are gorgeous. I felt seen when I read the part about how it could be you who needs entertaining. So relatable. LOL
I love a good light show and this one sounds awesome. I’ve never been in Indianapolis before, but I’ll definitely add this to my list when I get to visit!
I think my grandkids would love this light display! Christmas is such a fun time to experience holiday lights!
It would be great to get to drive ON the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
What a fun experience to have! A great way to make fun memories 😉 I’m gonna a have to check out those lights!
What a great place to have lights!!
That looks so cool! We love going to look at the light displays. Love the old cars too!
My son would totally love the cars!
Such a cool family experience…love the Christmas lights!
fun! I have family in the area and I’ll tell them about this!
We never went to Indy race track but it would be really cool to do so.
Awww. I love holiday lights no matter where they may be. It is one of the things I look forward to the most at Christmas time.
This looks like so much fun! The holidays always seem to bring out the beauty of even the most unlikely place.. the Brickyard isan amazing place for this type of event!
This looks like so much fun! We would love to drive on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hopefully, we can get a quick trip in to Indianapolis. Thank you for sharing.
This looks like it was a fun place to visit. It seems as if there’s a lot to see and do. Great pictures. Thank you for this post.
How fun! We love cars – and the lights! Perfect combination for an adventure!
How cool! We have family in Indy, I’ll have to check it out!
Our family would LOVE this! Very cool from all angles, from the lights, to the track, to the off-track experiences! So Fun!
Way to find something fun to do! Your boy looks like he enjoyed himself. Well done!
This looks like so much fun and like you guys had a great day!
This looks like a fun experience. I think my boys would especially enjoy it!
So fun! Love the blog!
This looks so fun! We love a good light show!
Those lights are awesome! Love it! Your son is so cute, too:)
Driving around to see Christmas lights are some of my favorite holiday traditions with my kids, even now. 💜
super fun!
How fun! I really love Indianapolis!!! I went to a huge state fair there, and the people were so warm! I also loved hanging out in the downtown area. Thanks for sharing your experience.
This looks like a fantastic place to visit and take the grand kids! Thanks!
Always something magical about the lights. Fun trip!
Christmas is coming faster than we think and I love reading articles about light shows!
Whaaaat?!? We can drive ON the speedway!?! How cool is that! I will be putting it on our list! Good on you for keeping the family together at Christmas 🙂
What a great idea for Christmas! My boys would LOVE all those lights! 😍
So many great pictures! Really helps to highlight was Indianapolis looks like during the holiday season!
My son would love the Indianapolis Motor Museum! He’s such a car fan ..thanks for sharing
What a fun activity for the family!!
I think it’s great that you guys made it a family trip just in case whether would have caused problems for Christmas time separation. Looks like a fun time.
I use to live close to there it is pretty cool.
I’ve never heard of this! What a fun experience.