5 Things to Know Before You Go To Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live At Gainbridge Field House
Last summer we were invited to go to Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE at Gainbridge Field House in Indianapolis! We had the best time & I just was notified they are coming back to Indy with their NEW Hot Wheels Monster Truck LIVE Glow & Fire July 26-27. So, I thought I would give you all the info you need to go to the show! Not going to the Indianapolis show but another city? Keep reading! While some info is location specific there is still a lot of useful information about the event here!
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live At Gainbridge Field House
1. What even is Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live?
Listen, this was my first monster truck event! I am just now entering the word of cars with my first born son, so I, too wanted to know! From their website:
"Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live returns to Indianapolis with Glow-N-Fire! This exciting new experience will feature the same level of fun and excitement that fans have come to expect, but with an added fiery twist. Get ready for more heat and action as we continue to bring the ultimate monster truck show to fans. Don’t miss the only opportunity to watch your favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks – Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, HW 5-Alarm™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and Skelesaurus™! Fans can also witness a special appearance by a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Freestyle Motocross Team! Special kids pricing is available for all shows providing a great value for the whole family!"
I will say, although I had not attend any other Monster Truck event, this one really seemed to cater to young children like preschool to under 10. I saw other ages very much enjoying their time, of course. But as a toddler mom they made a lot effort for things that toddler Mom appreciate. Like when the pre-show was over, there is a lull in time when the general admission ticket holder come in & find their seats. Normally, you would just be sitting in your seat, but they played the Hot Wheels Monster Truck cartoon series on the jumbotron for the kids to watch. That was so appreciated!
2. Ear Protection
Safety is number one! We saw so many kiddos that seemed physically in pain due to noise from the trucks. It effects their ears much differently than adults. Our apple watches were going off about the volume, as well. Make this your immediate purchase after you get your tickets, so you don't forget! They do have protection at the venue, but as you would expect you are going to pay more. I got Bo THESE ONES but HERE you can find some others. Consider getting some for youself even if they are just the foam ear plugs. While we were okay, I wish we would have brought some for us. I feel it would have been more enjoyable!
3. Get Hype Before You Go
This is optional of course but the morning of I had a little Hot Wheels outfit laying out for him the ear protection & one of the trucks he would see that day. Another thing I suggest much like a hyping up a child before Disney by watching the movies of the characters they will see, but with the trucks! There is a series on Prime Video for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks. There isn't a ton of episodes but the get to know the name of the trucks & will probably end up with a favorite that they will love seeing in real life! It makes a little bit more of a special experience.
If you have a bit of a drive or maybe the day before, could print their color truck pages to color available on their website! You can find them HERE!
4. Check Out the VIP Experience
We did this & thought it was very much worth the extra money. Especially if you have a big time fan or with younger kids as it isn't overly crowded.
What does the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live VIP Experience include?
Backstage Tour - we got to go out on to the track & even see one drive that was having thei debut for the first time that day! There is a host that greets you & talks to you all about show, trucks & drivers! The host & drivers were so so good with the kids which I appreciated so much!
VIP Merch - I am unsure the exact merch of this show but I would assume it is similar if not the same. We recieved a really nice high quality VIP pass lanyard, poster {this was great because you could get the drivers autographs so we used it for them to sign} a tote bag & some other goodies.
Behind the Scene Access - You get to meet all the drivers, get autographs, ask question, see the trucks up close & personal. They also had a play area for the kids to play. {PARENT TIP: Bring a toy monster truck with you or buy one from the merch table before you head to this area. I can't tell you how many kiddo were having a fit about leaving the trucks, some even just took them or got up set because another child took the truck they sent down the ramp! Having our own with us worked perfectly to help curb an impeding meltdown!}
Early Entry to the Pre-Show Party-
There is ticket add on to go to the Pre-Show party which is the play area & time looking at the trucks but with VIP you get to do all of that before the people with those tickets are let in. More room & less people which was ideal with my 3 year old. Ensure you arrive early to enjoy the full duration of the Pre-Show, it is 1 hour & 15 mins long & they stop letting people into the Pre Show 15 mins before it ends.
Ticket Prices & Tiers {as of March 2025 for Gainbridge Field House}
Ages 2 & up require a ticket.
Add ons:
Pre Show Ticket Price:
VIP Experience Price:
Extra: There Isn't Just Monster Trucks
Yes, they have the Monster Trucks but they also had a motor cross show which was also so neat & well received from my toddler!
If you have a Hot Wheels lover in your house or family, you must see if there is tickets near you! It was such a fun event & I will never forgot how happy & excited Bo was through the show!
If you missed my post on making DIY Custom Hot Wheels Valentines head HERE.
My 4 year olds {that is so crazy saying again} preschool class asked that they make Valentine's boxes for their Valentine party! Since Bo was very adament on having Hot Wheels Valentines, we of course, had to make a matching Hot Wheels Valentine Box.
This isn't anything ground breaking, but if you are want to know how I did it, keep reading!
- a shoe box or pre made valentine box {I got mine from Hobby Lobby for a couple dollars}
- Glue
- Scissors
- checked flag {optional}
- Cricut {optional}
First, I measured & cut the card stock to fit onto the sides & top of the box. Boden helped by gluing them on!
I used the font from the template I used HERE to make his name on Canva & transferred that image into my Cricut app to cut out. If you don't have a Cricut you could just print & cut out their name on paper, print just the logo or not put it at all. I think even without a name or logo you can for sure tell it's Hot Wheels themed!
I used a strip of orange paper to make the loop de loop & hot glued the a car of his choice onto the box!
I let him know that it may mess up the wheels so I encouraged him to choose one he was okay with possibly not working anymore. But, the hot glue peeled right off! No damage at all!
& that was it! Pretty simple Hot Wheels DIY Valentines box! Getting the right colors really make its scream Hot Wheels with or without the name & logo!
If you make one, let me know! I'd love to see! Tag me on Instagram @mrsmumaw
If you've been following for awhile you know, I LOVE a good Valentine & Valentine Box. I've missed the days of Valentines as the girls have gotten older. But now that Boden is in preschool, I am back at it! We went through what kind of Valentines he would want & he insisted that they be Hot Wheels which is no surprise. He is Hot Wheels obsessed.
Hot Wheels DIY Valentines
Here how I made his Hot Wheel Valentines:
Supplies needed:
-Card Stock
- Printer
- Hot Wheels for classmates {I got mine at Dollar Tree they were a little over a dollar I think, but check Kroger because they often have them for a $1 even}
I bought THIS Hot Wheel Valentines template & edited it myself to get the look I wanted & printed it on a thick card stock.
One thing about me though, I never spell check. & so you will see here it says "You're a Wheelie Friend" instead of "You're a Wheelie Great Friend". The good news for me, these kids cant read but I know some parents were perplexed reading it when it came home haha
Next, I soaked the back of Hot Wheels cardboard packaging in rubbing Alcohol. I am unsure if this is the best way, however, it did work. But, I do wonder now if maybe using a hair drier on the back would melt the glue for it to easily release. If you make these & try that method, comment and let me know how it works or if you used a different method that worked!
I used hot glue to attach the plastic casing with the car onto the card stock & learned on my first go that probably wasn't the best option. It melted the packaging. As i went on I put very little on it & that seemed to work. I think gorilla glue or something similar would work better!
Hot Wheels DIY Valentines
They came out so cute & he was absolutely floored he had Hot Wheels cars with his face on them! If you have a Hot Wheels lover in your life, for sure make these Hot Wheels Valentines for your sweetheart!
If you make one, let me know! I'd love to see! Tag me on Instagram @mrsmumaw
Christmas Holiday Activities in St. Louis | St. Louis Polar Express | Christmas time at St Louis Station
We headed back to St. Louis this year to ring in the holiday season with a ride on the Polar Express again & to check out all the new offering St. Louis Station has to get us in the Christmas spirit!
I surprised the kids with a box full of Polar Express goodies & Polar Express cookies before we got on the road to kick off our Christmas filled weekend! AND It was the perfect excuse to buy the mug & saucer that looks identical to the movie! It was so cute & they loved it!
Polar Express Ride gift
As always the Polar Express cookies by the ever amazing Girly Girl Cookies
Polar Express Hot Chocolate Mug
This is our second time going during the holidays {see our other visit HERE} & we had a visit during the spring {see that HERE} but, even with those visit we still manage to not do every thing they have to offer! We were so excited to try the new things they are offering right at St. Louis Station. One of the reasons I love starting at Union Station is you virtually do not have to leave the property to have a great time! Of course there is SO much to do {see all those things HERE} However, if you are looking for a quick maybe weekend getaway like we did to start off the season and want to pack all the holiday magic in, in a short time & stay in one place, this is IT!
Book early! Things fill up QUICK for the days that the Polar Express runs. They have normal hotel rooms or they offer decorated suites for the extra Christmas magic! We did that this year & I can't recommend it enough! The kids loved the glow of the Christmas tree when we came back to our room!
They gave me a code for you use to save $5 on each ticket you purchase: "VIP5"
Polar Express Decorated Suite at St Louis Station
Look for the hotel ticket packages that include your train tickets & stay on the website!
Hotel Ticket Packages for St Louis Polar Express:
Coach Ticket Hotel Packages include a souvenir golden ticket, hot chocolate, cookies & the first gift of Christmas.
First Class Hotel Package include a souvenir golden ticket, hot chocolate in a commemorative mug, cookies, digital family photo download & the first gift of Christmas. First Class rail cars are pods of four seats that face each other with a small table in between.
Decorated Suite Hotel packages include a souvenir golden ticket, hot chocolate in a commemorative mug, cookies, digital family photo download, the first gift of Christmas & voucher for the gift shop.
Things to do at St Louis Station during the Holidays
1. Mrs. Claus' Kitchen
From their website "Join us at St. Louis Union Station for an enchanting holiday experience that will warm your heart and ignite your creativity! Gather your loved ones and immerse yourselves in the festive spirit as you decorate delicious cookies in Mrs. Claus’ whimsical kitchen. "
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
Mrs. Claus' Kitchen is located in the building that the aquarium & other activities are. When we headed up stairs we couldn't believe the theming! It was like stepping into the North Pole meets Disney World. Everything was so cute! You check in & have the opportunity to take a cute photo at the gingerbread photo spot. The kitchen gives you a box with all your supplies & then you are free to take any table & decorate your cookies with your family or children. While decorating them, Mrs Claus walks around & talks with the children. After about 30 mins you head to story time where she reads a book & sing carols. This part my teens didn't absolutely love but they say & enjoyed. My toddlers absolutely loved. If you have a mixed ages family or going with extended family with cousins different ages, this will be a hit! Something for everyone to enjoy. My teens loved decorating the cookies while the toddlers just wanted to mostly eat them. & story time wasn't their favorite but the boys had a blast.
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
Mrs Claus' Kitchen St Louis Station
2. Pancakes with Santa
We started off the day that we had tickets to Polar Express in the evening with Pancakes with Santa. This really made for the perfect Christmas spirit day! It's in the Grand Hall with has this amazing dome ceiling where they project on & play music to. You get Santa Pancakes are decorated with a whipped cream and strawberries Santa face and served with milk or coffee for mom and dad as well as a buffet full of different beverages. I will say the pancakes left a lot to be desired, so for maybe parents grab something from the Starbucks in the lobby before or after. However, all four kids didn't have one complaint & loved!
Santa comes around to each table & at the end you can get a photo by the gorgeous Christmas tree!
Pancakes with Santa at St Louis Station
Pancakes with Santa at St Louis Station
I swear he was having a great time haha Pancakes with Santa at St Louis Station
3. Polar Express
I have a full post on the Polar Express ride HERE so I will keep this one much more condensed. The Polar Express is one of our favorite traditions! The St. Louis Polar Express is Disney-level magic! It was so so well organized & the actors were amazing! We had the most magical time! The ride is great & you get to see the arch which is neat as non-resident! Make sure you get your tickets early! They luckily have a lot of dates available but they go quick!
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
Polar Express St Louis
4. Elfie Express
Normally named the "Selfie Express" turns into the "Elfie Express" for the holiday season, this fun activity has transformed into a whimsical wonderland taken over by mischievous elves! You go into room each with backdrops and interactive displays that capture the spirit of the holidays. You can do fun poses & take fun photos!
5. Stop in Build A Bear Headquarters
Right in the parking lot of Union Station is Build-a-Bear HQ! They have an exclusive Polar Express bear during the holidays & it's the perfect stop to get a cuddly friend to take on your train ride!
St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
As you can see, the bear is a huge hit! St. Louis Polar Express Polar Express Build-a-Bear
Plus so much more
As you can tell there is SO much to do & I didn't even list everything. You can go on the wheel, visit the aquarium, watch the fire show, go to the soda fountain & for sure eat at the train shed. {see more about those things HERE} With so much to do St Louis Station is great stop for all the holiday fun for your family!
A final pro tip, mom to mom? After your did all the planning for a magical getaway headout to the Grand Hall one night for a night cap & watch the projection show. You deserve it ;)
I am Tara. I am a wanna be southern momma, stuck in the Midwest. Huge Disney lover. I love a huge bow & all things Farmhouse style. Frequent user of "Ya'll" Here you will find about our travels, all things motherhood & parenting, with everything I love in between! Grab a cup off coffee & stay awhile!