Mini golf. Putt putt. Goofy golf. Whatever you call it, we call it fun. Kick off spring with a family-friendly competition at one of the area’s miniature golf courses or make it a cooperative game and ditch the score card; either way, putt putt is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors while engaging in an interactive family activity. From beach-themed mini golf courses to putt putt with majestic views, we’ve rounded up our favorite places to hit a golf ball near Washington, DC.
New to the DMV
photo: Courtesy of The Watermark Hotel
Perch Putt
Perched on top of the Capital One Center in Tysons is the aptly named Perch Putt where mini golf enthusiasts can swing through 18 newly landscaped holes. Step in to the Airstream trailer to grab your clubs and balls (custom-themed balls, like soccer, basketball and Earth, are available for $5) and you’re off to play this classic summer game. If you get thirsty during your game The Rhum Roost, a rum-themed cocktail bar, is easily accessible from both the putt course and the food court (non-alcoholic drinks are also on tap). When you’re done, stay to enjoy the rest of this brand new skypark: swing on family sized swings, play human-sized chess, listen to live music and order Jamaican food from a vintage double-decker bus. Better yet, make it a staycation the whole family can enjoy by checking in to The Watermark, a newly opened hotel adjacent to the park and entertainment.
Cost: $15/person
Where: 1803 Capital One Dr S, Tysons, VA
Online: capitalonecenter.com/the-perch
For the Best View
East Potomac Mini Golf
One of the oldest continually operating mini golf courses in the country (and open year round!), this place is on the National Record for Historic Places. It opened in 1931, but don’t worry, it’s undergone renovations a few times since then. Situated between the Washington Channel and Potomac River, the course offers scenic views as well as a fun time. Note: moms, dads and grandparents play for free on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Grandparents’ Day, respectively.
Editor's Note: If it has recently rained, expect this course to be closed. It is prone to flooding.
Cost: $7 for kids and 60 & older, $8 for adults
Where: 972 Ohio Dr. SW
Online: golfdc.com
For Fun in NOVA
NOVA Parks Mini Golf Courses
Five of the locations this organization runs – it represents Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, and the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church and Fairfax – offer mini golf. The 18-hole course at Fountainhead Regional Park ($3/player) has a wooded setting, Upton Hill ($3-$7) touts itself as having “one of the area’s most interesting miniature golf layouts in Northern Virginia,” and Treasure Island Mini Golf at Pohick Bay ($3/game) has a pirate theme.
Cost: $3 to $6
Where: Check website
Online: novaparks.com
The Magic Putting Place
Choose from two courses here. The Magic Castle features a – wait for it – magic castle and saw mill, while the Windmill course has – wait! – a windmill and shade trees. Family-friendly music serenades you as you go.
Cost: $5 to $6
Where: 8902 Mathis Ave., Manassas, VA
Online magicputtingplace.com
Fairfax County Park Authority Mini Golf Courses
Several of this government agency’s parks have courses to challenge growing golfers. Burke Lake Park’s course ($5 to $8) has clubs to fit kiddos as young as 2. Make a day of it and rent a canoe to take out on the lake or pair mini golf with a 10-minute ride on the mini train. Jefferson Falls Mini-Golf ($6 to $8) features waterfalls, while Oak Marr Mini-Golf ($5 to $8) sits near soccer fields and a nine-hole par three real course.
Cost: $5 to $9
Where: Multiple locations
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov
Dulles Golf Center and Sports Park
Good for kiddos 3 and older, the 18-hole has 10 replicas of famous lighthouses, including those in Assateague and Cape Henry, VA. There’s also the more typical stuff like fountains, moguls and stone traps.
Cost: $9
Where: 21593 Jesse Ct., Dulles, VA
Online: dullesgolf.com
Putt Putt in Maryland
Splash Park and Mini-Golf of South Germantown
Part of Montgomery County’s Parks Department, the 18-hole course with natural and manmade obstacles sits next to an awfully tempting water park that might be too good to bypass when the temperature heats up again.
Cost: $4.50
Where: 18056 Central Park Circle, Boyds, MD
Online: montgomeryparks.org
Laurel Golf Center
Take a swing at the mini golf course here and navigate obstacles and fountains as you go. If you’re looking for something more professional after your inspiring round, check out the golf range ($6 for a bucket of 52 balls) or sign up for a Junior Golf Clinic, offered weekend mornings for ages 6 to 17.
Cost: $8/adult, $5/senior citizen, $6/kid 12 and younger for 18 holes
Where: 9801 Ft Meade Rd., Laurel, MD
Online: laurelgolfcenter.com
Miniature Golf at Bohrer Park
Handicapped- and stroller-accessible, the course has hole locations that change every day. Try to snake past a lion and pose for a selfie by the city’s only waterfall.
Cost: $6/resident, $7/nonresident, $5/resident 55 and up or $6/nonresident 55 & up
Where: 514 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, MD
Online: gaithersburgmd.gov
Monster Mini Golf
Get glowing with this monster-themed indoor glow golf facility. These indoor courses feature animated props, an in-house deejay and arcade rooms, in addition to private party rooms in case you decide to make this a group outing. Other activities include mini bowling and a laser maze. It's the perfect way to fill a rainy day.
Cost: $9.98 to $10.98 in Chantilly & $9.99 to $11.99 in Gaithersburg
Where: 14130 Sullyfield Cir. Chantilly; 7351 Assateague Dr., Jessup; 9116 Gaither Rd., Gaithersburg
Online: monsterminigolf.com
At Home
Your Own Backyard
If you want to play a round of putt-putt without leaving your property, there are a number of companies that will bring the course to you. These party companies will set up your game of miniature golf inside or out and—the best part?—you can play unlimited games for the day (or night). If you want to take a swing at unlimited games year round, you can invest in your own set. We like this adorable floral and animal obstacle course. For extra at-home fun, we like to toss a few light-up golf balls in the mix (these feature LED lights).
Cost: $10 & up
Where: Your own backyard
Online: amazon.com/Champion-Sports-Mini-Golf-Clubs
—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Stephanie Kanowitz
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