Hey, Mario Kart 8 is out and that means there's no real reason for any person to go outside except to acquire food for a good long while. But kids, did you know that go-karts are a real thing that you can totally go and do for real? I mean, there are no blue shells involved, but go-kart racing is all over Houston. Want to try it out? Check out...
10. Gulf Coast Karters 29726 Stockdick Road
I'm ranking GCK so low because it's really a class by itself and shouldn't really be compared to the others on this list. Located in Katy, this track is the closest thing you'll actually get to Mario Kart. The track is nearly a mile long and can be run clockwise and counterclockwise for variety. It was totally repaved in 2003 with specially designed karting asphalt, so the ride is smooth and safe. So what's wrong with it?
Nothing, except that it's a professional motorsport track. You need a $300 yearly membership to join and you bring your own kart and pit crew. Alternatively, you can go watch the races for $5, which makes it pretty cheap for a spectator motorsport. Oh, and you have to be 18 to join. So unless you're more of a watcher than a driver or have the sort of money to plug into an expensive tiny car GCK probably isn't for you. If those do apply to you, though, it's the best.
9. Zuma Fun Center 6767 Southwest Freeway
Zuma doesn't specialize in karting, and it shows. Some of the karts are in desperate need of attention and actually require push starts from attendants. The course is also nothing special. That said, it is centrally located and there is a lot to do at Zuma if you want to make karting just part of a day out. Also, $21.99 for three hours of unlimited golf, karting, and mini-golf isn't a bad deal.
8. Mountasia 17190 State Hwy 249
Mountasia got a new go-kart fleet a few years back and that really helped improve the quality of the racing. It's also the most picturesque tracks to drive through with some great elevation changes. It's more expensive than Zuma, but if you've got little kids that are too young to kart by themselves the $10 passenger pass is a pretty good deal. Stay out of the game room, though. The games take a ridiculous amount of tokens. If you want a good, cheap game room Chuck E. Cheese is down the street almost within walking distance.
7. MSR Houston 1 Performance Drive
It should really be called MSR Angelton, so we're talking another drive, but you won't regret this one. It's another professional track like GCK above, but with some very important distinctions. First off, they have rental karts, and while $25 for a 15-minute session (3 for $65) isn't cheap these are the fastest karts you can rent in the city. You will definitely get your money's worth. Second, kids as young as nine can rent karts. You can also purchase a membership for a third of what GCK's costs, but the deal isn't as good as you still have to pay $15 per session.
6. Bay Area Raceway 3825 Gulf Freeway
It's all the way down in Dickinson, but don't let that stop you. The carts are fast and well-cared for, and they go out of their way to be especially friendly and accommodating for birthday parties. Another perk? They have a fantastic game room with well maintained cabinets and lots of good ticket games.
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