Full Throttle Speedway
Rating
Family of 4
$50-$80 for 2 adults and 2 kids doing 2 race sessions each
Duration
45 min - 1.5 hours
Best Ages
Best for ages 8-17
About
Full Throttle Speedway in Nags Head delivers the genuine go-kart racing experience that serious young car enthusiasts have been waiting for. Unlike the gentle family-park karts found at some OBX venues, Full Throttle operates gas-powered karts on an actual race track where speed and racing skill matter — and kids love every second of it.
The speedway is part of the OBX Family Fun complex, which makes it easy to combine with adjacent activities like Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf. But the go-karts are the main draw, and they deserve their own visit. The track layout allows for genuine passing and racing, not just single-file processions. Kids who are into cars, racing, or anything fast will have their minds completely blown.
Age and height requirements apply, so this venue is best suited to kids 8 and up who actually understand what racing is and want to do it. Very young children and toddlers don't have options here — it's not that kind of place. But for families with older kids or teens, Full Throttle is a strong choice for the OBX rainy day or the afternoon when teenagers claim they're bored of the beach.
Summer weekends are busy, and waits of 20-30 minutes per session are common. Weekday afternoons are significantly more manageable. Closed-toe shoes are required for safety; flip-flop-wearing beach families should bring shoes or plan to buy some.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons; evenings in peak summer are popular
Wait Times
15-30 min during peak summer season
Nearby Food
Multiple restaurants are within a mile in Nags Head including Tortuga's Lie and Outer Banks favorites along US-158. Mutiny Bay next door also has snacks.
Why Kids Love It
Full Throttle Speedway in Nags Head puts kids in real gas-powered go-karts on a legitimate race track — these aren't kiddie bumper cars. Older kids and teens love the competitive racing format where the fastest lap matters, and the thrill of real speed on a real track beats every arcade racing game they've ever played.
What Parents Say
“Family had fun on the figure 8 track. For the price per person to ride it was about 15 minutes at best 8 laps.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Height and age minimums apply — call ahead to confirm your child qualifies for the main track
- This is a go-kart speedway focused on racing, not a family fun park — best for kids 8 and up who are actually excited about racing
- Located adjacent to Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf — convenient double-activity afternoon
- Busy summer weekend evenings can mean 20-30 minute waits per session
- Wear closed-toe shoes — flip-flops may not be permitted in the karts
What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes (required)
- Card or cash
- Sunscreen
- Patience for lines on busy days
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$50-$80 for 2 adults and 2 kids doing 2 race sessions each
Tips to Save
- Some sessions offer multi-lap deals — ask about packages before paying individually per race.
- Combine with Mutiny Bay Adventure Golf next door for a full OBX entertainment afternoon with a bundled deal.
