Mini golf family

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Best Mini Golf/Putt Putt

By Readers' Choice On 6/19/25 at 12:00 PM EDT

Looking for a family-friendly activity that appeals to preschoolers, teenagers and parents? Mini golf is the answer! Older kids can battle it out against mom and dad while the little ones revel in fun theming, from pirate coves to candy shops and tropical jungles. Many of these putt-putt courses are also indoors, making them an ideal attraction on hot summer days. A few of our options cater to adults, as well, offering on-fairway drinks and delicious snacks to enjoy after you determine the winner.

These 10 mini golf / putt putt venues were selected by our featured panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.

1. Can Can Wonderland | St. Paul, MN

Can Can Wonderland

Photo courtesy of Can Can Wonderland Photo courtesy of Can Can Wonderland

Created by a team of artists, engineers and architects, the 18-hole indoor course at Can Can Wonderland is a one-of-a-kind experience. You'll start at the state fair–themed hole, where your ball will take a ride on a mini Ferris wheel, and you'll finish (with any luck!) with a hole-in-one into the golden toilet bowl. Added plus: Kids 5 and under play for free.

2. Kauai Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens | Kilauea, HI

Kauai Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens

Photo courtesy of Anaina Hou Community Park Photo courtesy of Anaina Hou Community Park

You can soak up the beauty of the gorgeous tropical plants that surround Kauai Mini Golf & Botanical Gardens as you play your way through its par-47 course. From the native flora displays to the sugarcane beds and the Japanese gardens, each section of the trail shares an important part of Hawaii's history. At the end, shaved ice and beer let you celebrate the winner with a treat.

3. Adventure Golf & Raceway | Westminster, CO

Adventure Golf & Raceway

Photo courtesy of Adventure Golf & Raceway Photo courtesy of Adventure Golf & Raceway

Choose from three different themed courses for a fun-filled family night. Your kids will love the active volcano, pirate ship battles and plane crash scene they'll stumble upon as you putt your way through Adventure Golf & Raceway. Come back in the winter to see more than 100,000 holiday lights twinkling across the courses as you walk around and sip hot cocoa.

4. Gruene Mini Golf | New Braunfels, TX

Gruene Mini Golf

Photo courtesy of Gruene Mini Golf Photo courtesy of Gruene Mini Golf

Immerse your family in the history of the area with a game of putt-putt at the charming Gruene Mini Golf. Guide your ball around a giant pair of cowboy boots, under a massive water tower and down a huge guitar fret as you try to birdie each hole. Before leaving, don't miss the chance to snag a photo of your kids by the rotating retro golf cart.

5. Swingers NoMad | New York, NY

Swingers NoMad

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Positioned just south of midtown, Swingers NoMad has three whimsical mini golf courses and full bars so that you can enjoy cocktails in between putts. Cute details like an oversized windmill and a ticking clock provide the right amount of challenge and a chance to taunt your fellow players as they attempt to avoid these obstacles. Afterward, celebrate your win with a round of drinks and some street food.

6. Starlux Mini Golf | Wildwood, NJ

Starlux Mini Golf

Photo courtesy of Starlux Mini Golf Photo courtesy of Starlux Mini Golf

Home to the largest artificial sand dune in the world, Starlux Mini Golf is located right next to the beach and has three separate nine-hole courses: the Boardwalk (which is actually elevated above the other courses!), the Ocean and the Beach. If you have little ones with you, nine holes may be plenty, but you can always add the other two paths if you're on a winning streak.

7. Hollywood Drive-In Golf | Orlando, FL

Hollywood Drive-In Golf

Photo courtesy of Hollywood Drive-In Golf Photo courtesy of Hollywood Drive-In Golf

Round out your vacation in Orlando with a game of putt-putt at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, which is a part of Universal CityWalk. Designed to resemble a 1950s drive-in theater, the two courses begin at a box office, where you can choose the double-feature option to play all 36 holes. Spooky sci-fi-inspired creatures and light-up balls make this a great evening attraction for the whole family.

8. Hillbilly Golf | Gatlinburg, TN

Hillbilly Golf exterior

Photo courtesy of Cheri Alguire/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of Cheri Alguire/iStock by Getty Images

Grab your kids and jump on the incline railway for a ride that travels 300 feet above the city, stopping on the mountainside so you can hop off to play one of the two 18-hole courses. As you slowly make your way back to the bottom, beautiful views of the Great Smoky Mountains and quirky Appalachian-themed obstacles, like a moonshiner's still, bring plenty of smiles along the way.

9. Holey Moley Golf Club San Francisco | San Francisco, CA

Holey Moley Golf Club San Francisco

Photo courtesy of Holey Moley Golf Club San Francisco Photo courtesy of Holey Moley Golf Club San Francisco

Located in the Mission District only a five-minute walk from the nearest BART station, Holey Moley Golf Club puts a new spin on putt-putt with its unexpectedly unique holes. Shout out "fore" as you swing your club into a wind machine filled with flying cash, and watch out for the rough, crater-like terrain as you take your shot on the moon. Be sure to make reservations to save your spot.

10. Glow Putt Mini Golf | Scottsdale, AZ

Blacklight mini golf

Photo courtesy of EyeEm Mobile GmbH/iStock by Getty Images Photo courtesy of EyeEm Mobile GmbH/iStock by Getty Images

Glow Putt Mini Golf offers a new way to experience mini golf with its dark, blacklight-lit course. Flashy neon colors border each hole so you know where to start, and each golf ball glows brightly after a quick trip through the strategically placed charging stations. While every player receives a glow bracelet, you can up the fun by dressing your kids in vibrant colors so that they glow, too!

About Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards

Our nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts. The final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For more details, read our terms and conditions. For any questions, please see our FAQs or email us at readerschoice@newsweek.com.

Our Featured Panelists

Linnea Bailey

Linnea Bailey is an award-winning journalist specializing in travel and tourism. Her freelance work can be found in Southern Living, The Palm Beach Post, Florida Weekly, Modern Luxury, art&culture magazine, The Palm Beaches Blog and more. A former newspaper reporter, she now owns a communications company in West Palm Beach. Linnea is an active member of The Society of American Travel Writers (SATW), the North American Travel Journalists Association, the International Travel Writers Alliance, The Family Travel Association and The Adventure Travel Trade Association. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida's journalism school. Learn more about her travels at www.linneabailey.com.

Julie Bielenberg

Julie Bielenberg is a Colorado-based writer producing over 75 pieces a year for outlets such as AAA, Family Vacationist, Rachel Ray in Season, Spoke + Blossom, USA Today, Vail Daily and numerous others. She has been the State's #1 agritourism for ten consecutive years and is always in search of field, farm, forest and forage. Julie has three children and two pandemic pooches and is married to an avid outdoorsman. Follow her on Instagram.

Marla Cimini

Marla Cimini is an award-winning writer and content creator who is passionate about travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures. An avid globetrotter and guidebook writer, she has covered topics such as the Hawaiian islands (including food trends and luxury beachfront resorts), European getaways and incredible domestic and global destinations. Her articles have appeared in many publications worldwide, including USA Today. Residing in New Jersey (Philadelphia area), Marla is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and Southern California and covers those destinations often. Follow her adventures at marlacimini.com.

Theresa Russell

Theresa Russell thrives on the thrill of travel, visiting new destinations and experiencing local food, beverages and culture whether she is in Anchorage or Zihuatanejo. Cruising has a special place in her heart, but she's stranger to other types of travel. Hiking the Inca Trail and cycling across the North American continent rank as some of her most memorable trips. Visiting many countries opened her eyes to the world and made her realize how much we are all alike. She is proud to have received awards for both her writing and photography. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Jill Schildhouse

Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning writer and editor with 23 years of experience in print and digital publishing. She regularly contributes to Travel + Leisure, Brides, TripSavvy, Insider, USA TODAY, Reader's Digest, Taste of Home, and Southern Living. Based in Phoenix, Jill has traveled to 38 countries and is always dreaming of her next adventure. Follow her @the_globalglutton.

Jamie Davis Smith - headshot-Newsweek Fans Choice

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie Davis Smith is a writer and attorney from Philadelphia who now calls Washington, D.C. home. She's traveled to more than 90 countries, often bringing her children along on her adventures. Her work can be found in The Washington Post, National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, Afar, The Huffington Post, USA Today and many other publications. Jamie can be contacted at byjamiesmith@gmail.com, and posts about her travels on Instagram.