Spend a lazy summer day letting your little birdie practice his/her golf swing. Good, old-fashioned putting around is a delightful activity for members of your clan young and old alike. So round up your crew and head to one of our favorite, family-friendly miniature golf courses in San Diego. These crazy mini golf courses are full of adventure––from beach, castle and pirate themed putting to adjacent trampoline and theme parks. Read on for where to tee up.
photo: Tiki Town Adventure
Tiki Town Adventure Golf
Do you love Gilligan’s Island? Then this Polynesian-themed 18-hole mini golf course in Belmont Park is your place to score un-fore-gettable family fun. From a roaring Komodo dragon and talking tiki men to a pineapple windmill, you’re sure to putt a hole-in-one! About an hour to complete this course that’s tee-rrific for all ages. Make it a day with a Dole whip freeze, then head to the arcade, rides or the beach.
Good to know: If you put the ball down the 18th volcano center hole you get a $5 arcade credit.
Good for first-timers, half-pints have two choices of where to tee up. Best for beginners and a whale of a time, the Ocean Adventure winds its way through the palm trees. There are many photo-ops from seals and shark cages to a giant octopus on this course. Or ride the wave through Surfin’ Safari where you'll learn surf history and putt through a giant water wave sculpture. It’s cool, dude. Either way this off the beaten path mini golf spot is sure to bring a smile to your kiddo’s face.
Good to know: Pelly's is a 100% ADA certified facility.
Cost: The more you play, the less you pay. First round, $9.50/adult; $7.50/child; second round, $4.50/adult; $3.50/child
15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Del Mar, CA 858-481-0363 Online: pellysminigolf.com
photo: Rockin’ Jump
Rockin' Jump
Simple greens. You’ll find an easy 18-hole outdoor course with natural features like palm trees, boulders and water. Little golfers will putt across a bridge, avoid the small sand trap and putt up a small hill. There’s no shade so bring hats and sunblock. Be prepared for littles wanting to do the indoor activities such as trampoline jumping, rock climbing, dodge ball and arcade. You’ll appreciate the free WiFi, café and parents lounge.
Good to know: Add mini-golf to any jump option for $5.
Cost: $8.50/adult; $7/child
San Diego Trampoline Park 8190 Miralani Dr. San Diego, CA 858-693-5867
The three San Diego Boomers locations offer an array of themes and obstacles on their mini golf courses. In Vista you can choose between the Pirate’s Cove course with a giant volcano and cave-like tunnel, or take on the challenge of King Arthur’s Castle with royalty-inspired tricks and traps. Both Clairemont Mesa and El Cajon offer putting through a wagon wheel in the Wild West or hitting a hole-in-one in Storybook Land. Make a day of it by adding in go-karts, bumper boats, batting cages and arcade game fun. Be prepared for a high-energy filled day.
Vista Boomers 1525 W.Vista Way Vista, CA 760-945-9474 Online: boomersvista.com
Cost: $9/person; free for kids under 5 with paying adult
Are your kids ready for a golf course beyond the amusement level? With 18-holes of real grass, sand pits and some interesting slopes, the Colina Park golf course will improve their golf game. This family-friendly facility has elevated tee boxes at each hole and rental golf clubs are free for kids to use. You can also feel good that the golf fees go to help youth in need learn how to golf for confidence and leadership.
Good to know: Try your hand at Disc golf here too!
4085 52nd St. San Diego, CA 92105 619-255-4425 Online: colinaparkgolf.com
Cost: Click here for rates which vary by day and course size.