“Fore!” is NOT a word you want to hear in your living room so before you do, take the family out for a round of miniature golf! Appropriate for all ages, mini golf lets your toddler or teen practice their swings and have fun while doing so. We’ve compiled a list of the top eighteen holes in the Bay Area ready and waiting to welcome you to the greens. 

Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19, many protocols have changed and indoor mini golf spots have new requirements for play. Please check their websites or call for the most up-to-date information.

San Francisco

Stagecoach Greens

Stagecoach Greens

Channel your inner explorer at San Francisco’s only outdoor mini golf course located in SOMA. Inspired by the Gold Rush era, you're sure to feel the Old West vibe and children will love pushing the buttons for mini history lessons. Pro Tip: Hungry? There are food trucks just across the street. Read our full review here

1379 4th Street, San Francisco
Cost: $19/adult; $13/kids 12 & under
Online: stagecoachgreens.com

COVID-19 Update: Must reserve a spot in advance. Masks are optional.

Subpar

san francisco
Laura Green

This indoor golf course is located in Ghirardelli Square. Families can not only enjoy a round of 18 holes but also grab an ice cream sundae in the nearby Ghirardelli store. Pro Tip: Reservations are required for weekends and holidays ONLY.  

900 North Point, San Francisco (look for signs) 
Cost: $12 for all ages
Online: subparminigolf.com

COVID-19 Update: Masks are optional for the course and arcade. The Ghirardelli Store is open, but not handing out free samples. They ARE still serving up sundaes and offer indoor seating.

Urban Putt

Urban Putt-Adele F. via Yelp

Urban Putt, SF’s first indoor golf course in the Mission District is calling you back to the green. Your family will love this 14-hole course layout with a view of the Transamerica Building in the center of the fun. Pro Tip: It’s adults only after 8 p.m. (no kids allowed). Read our full review here

1096 South Van Ness, San Francisco
Cost: $14/adult; $10/kids 6-12; free for ages 5 & under 
Online: urbanputt.com

COVID-19 Update: Reservations provide entrance into Urban Putt but once inside, tables and mini-golf are first-come first serve.

East Bay

Golden Tee Golfland

Golden Tee Golfland

Whether it's colorful dragons or checkered windmills you're seeking, Golden Tee Golfland is on par. It features two unique mini golf courses in a lush, beautifully landscaped environment. Pro Tip: This location also has an arcade with all the latest games.

2533 Castro Valley Blvd., Castro Valley
Cost: $12/adult; $11 kids 4-11; free for 3 & under 
Online: golfland.com

COVID-19 Update:  It’s business as usual here. Masks are optional for all those ready to perfect their golf swing.

Putters Putt Putt

This unique and colorful outdoor course boasts 21 holes in Walnut Creek with misters to keep you cool as your family tests their swings. Pack a lunch for a picnic in nearby Alma Park to complete the outing! 

1275 South California Boulevard, Walnut Creek
Cost: $10 for all ages
Online: puttersputtputt.com 

COVID-19 Update: Come as you are and ready to play!

Peninsula and South Bay

Golfland USA

best places to play mini golf
istock

Families can set off on a royal quest or mini safari at Golfland USA in Sunnyvale. It offers two challenging courses as well as great rates and package deals for all occasions, including birthdays. Pro Tip: Stop by the Iceberg Drive-In for yummy shakes and swirled ice-cream delights on your way in, out, or even both!

855 E. El Camino Rd, Sunnyvale
Cost: $14/adult; $12/kids 4-11; free for kids 3 & under
Online: golfland.com

COVID-19 Update: Buy tickets in advance to beat the rush. Masks are optional.

Emerald Hills Golfland

Offering two unique golf courses AND waterslides, Emerald Hills Golfland caters to everyone! When the kids are ready for a break from their golf swings, they can make a splash spiraling down a slide of fun. Pro Tip: Don’t forget to stop by the snack bar for a delectable treat.

976 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose

Cost: $13/adults; $12/kids 5-11; free for children 4 & under (golf prices only)
Online: golfland.com

COVID-19 Update: Masks are optional. Be sure to get tickets in advance to ensure tee time.

Marin County and North Bay

McInnis Golf Course

istock

This scenic course is one to keep an eye out for.  Your kids will love the lavish gardens and variety of the 18-holes tucked away at McInnis Park Golf Center of San Rafael. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring sunscreen and take a swing at the batting cages.

350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael
Cost: $11/adult; $9/kids 5-11; free for kids 5 & under

Online: mcinnisparkgolfcenter.comer

COVID-19 Update: It's business as usual here. Mask Requirement: None

Scandia Family Fun Center

Jennifer Snyder

Road trip? Trek up to Rohnert Park to experience this sweet little golf course offering 18 holes, an arcade, a few amusements rides and a batting cage. Pro Tip:  Amy’s Drive Thru Kitchen is close by for some healthy fare.

5301 Redwood Drive, Rohnert Park
Cost: $11/adult; $8/kids 6-10; free for kids 5 & under (golf prices only)
Online: scandiafunland.com

COVID-19 Update: No reservation needed just come and putt away. Batting cages and amusement rides are open. Masks are optional while enjoying the family fun. 

—TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton & Jennifer Snyder

Featured photo: iStock

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Between the bright lights, loud sounds and everything else that goes on inside, it’s easy to see how Chuck E. Cheese’s can overwhelm just about anyone. But for kids with autism or special needs, the sensory overload can be waaaay too much. To help, Chuck E. Cheese’s is bringing back Sensory Sensitive Sundays for kids with special needs.

Beginning Sun. Apr. 11, Chuck E. Cheese will open two hours early, just for kids with special needs at select locations. The program will continue throughout April on Sundays and for the remainder of 2021.

photo: Chuck E. Cheese

Sensory Sensitive Sundays (at participating locations only) will feature dimmed lighting, quieter dining and entertainment environment and a sensory-friendly arcade experience. Along with the sensory sensitive setting, the chain’s caring staff will be on-hand to help out and make the experience memorable for each and every guest.

Also starting today, Chuck E. Cheese guests can donate to Autism Speaks with every purchase. At the register, round up your purchases to the nearest dollar, and all contributions will support Autism Speaks’ research, advocacy efforts, programs and services.

“At Autism Speaks, we are so grateful to have supporters like Chuck E. Cheese who help drive our mission by creating inclusive environments for all kids,” said Autism Speaks Vice President of Supports and Services Valerie Paradiz. “Their Sensory Sensitive Sundays and round-up campaign bring us one step closer to our vision of a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential.”

If you’re not sure which locations near you will offer this event, get the list right here.

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

Feature photo: gsheldon via iStock

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Remember the days when mom or dad would let you sit on their lap and help them drive the car into the garage? Sure you were only driving 5mph, but it was still pretty awesome. If you’ve got a little speed demon in your family, give them a dose of some fast-paced and thrilling go-kart racing. Today’s indoor karts are designed for drivers as young as 5 or 6, and they can drive independently. The only requirement: drivers must be at least 48 inches tall for most karts (some require a height of 50 inches). This isn’t the type of place you’ll find located in a strip mall—these karts are powerful!

Fortunately, indoor kart racing venues are big on safety. All drivers are required to wear a head sock, a helmet and neck guard. All of this gear is provided at no extra charge, but you certainly can bring your own. Most places have an “arrive and drive” policy, but be warned that weekends are popular race times and you might have to wait a while. Prices are pretty standard across the board, so plan on spending about $20 for a multiple-lap race. Also: kids and adults do not race together. Speeds are pretty consistent, as well: most junior races (for kids) are held at a max of 20 miles per hour, while some adult karts go as fast at 45 miles an hour.

photo: SLR Lounge via Unsplash

Here are our picks for an adrenaline-pumping day at the races.

MB2 Raceway
This popular birthday party spot is a hit with kids of all ages. Races are limited to 10 drivers, so kids have plenty of driving space for each 9-lap race around the indoor track. The ¼ mile track has strategically placed bumpers so drivers learn to maneuver their karts while keeping their speed at a steady clip (the cars can be controlled remotely, so if kids are driving unsafely, the operators can slow their kart). No reservations are necessary, and MB2 is open seven days a week. Expect to wait as long as one hour on a weekend. Fortunately (or not!) there is an onsite arcade to keep kiddos busy while they wait.

13943 Balboa Blvd.
Sylmar 91342

1475 Lawrence Dr.
Thousand Oaks 91320

Online: mb2raceway.com

K1 Speed
This indoor kart mecca is located in the South Bay area, so beach babies can get their race on!  The state-of-the-art track is made from etched concrete — a change from the typical asphalt track. Junior racers (from 48 inches tall through 58 inches tall) drive 12-lap races in specially designed junior karts that have emergency shut-offs for extra safety. K1 also has a junior karting league for wee enthusiasts who really want to learn the nuts and bolts of racing. Like most karting venues, K1 gets super busy on the weekends, so plan accordingly. Don’t worry, though, your kids will find the experience is worth the wait. Open seven days a week, but they do close for special events, so be sure to call ahead

19038 S Vermont Ave.
Gardena
Online: k1speed.com

 

— Robin Heinz Bratslavsky

Did you know that Chuck E. Cheese has a 5-star island on Animal Crossing? Ask any kid and they’ll tell you that’s a big deal. Now the family entertainment venue is having their first ever online game-a-thon on Twitch on Sept. 12. in celebration of National Video Games Day, benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

On Sat., Sept. 12, Chuck E. Cheese will host “Gaming for Good”, a game-a-thon streaming event. The eight-hour event will take place on Twitch, allowing fans to play and follow along on their quest to win crowns with other social media influencers on “Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout”. Additionally, they’ll be celebrating birthdays on their 5-star Animal Crossing Island that includes a one-of-a-kind Chuck E. Cheese virtual arcade and stage. During the live event, Chuck E. Cheese will encourage fans to click on a special “donate” button as an easy way for fans to contribute to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Chuck E. Cheese

“This year, not only are guests able maximize their play time in our game rooms, but they can also join us at home for our first-ever online game-a-thon, benefitting our charity partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America,” said CMO of CEC Entertainment, Sherri Landry. “We’re eager to host this virtual event and use our online presence for a great cause.”   

Plus, in-store, guests can receive one hour of All You Can Play games for just $1 with any $20 purchase. This promotion is available at participating Chuck E. Cheese locations and is valid through Sept. 20, 2020. Check http://www.chuckecheese.com for the list of locations currently open for games. With All You Can Play, guests can play unlimited games during the play time purchased, with the ability to pause the time once. The time expires at the end of the day of purchase.

Chuck E. Cheese is committed to providing a fun and safe environment for cast members and guests. A video of the brand’s cleaning and reopening procedures, and a message from CEO, David McKillips of CEC Entertainment, can be found here. 

For more information and details on which locations have reopened for games and dine in, guests can visit https://www.chuckecheese.com/reopening-directory.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Chuck E. Cheese

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Social distancing has been keeping many families apart. Kids are missing out on hugs from their grandparents. Keebler wants to connect families and sweeten moments of togetherness, from afar, by giving people the opportunity to send a touch of magic with the gift of a free Keebler Magical Cookie Bouquet to those they miss most.

 Keebler Cookie Bouquet

Grandparents and grandkids are feeling the heartache more than ever during these challenging times, so Ernie and the rest of the Keebler Elves found a way to reimagine family moments for those that are apart.  Starting on Sept. 8, in the days leading up to Grandparent’s Day (September 13), Keebler will team up with experiential marketing partner, Fooji, to create some magic and give families the opportunity to gift a loved one a a complimentary Keebler Magical Cookie Bouquet.

During this limited time offer, fans can either send a Tweet using hashtag #SendKeeblerMagic and #promo or go to https://Keebler-magic.fooji.com/#start starting Tues., Sept. 8 and a cookie bouquet will be delivered right to the doorstep of someone you love and miss most.  

 Keebler Cookie Bouquet

The Keebler Magical Cookie Bouquets come in an arrangement of “long stem Keebler Fudge Stripe cookie flowers” – complete with a spice drop center. Loved ones who receive the Keebler Magical Cookie Bouquet will also get to try a few of their favorite Keebler cookies, featuring more of Keebler’s Elfin’ Magic from the Hollow Tree and baked with a variety of real ingredients.  In addition to the Fudge Stripes, made with Real Keebler Fudge, recipients will also receive Pecan Sandies and Chips Deluxe Original, which are made with Real Madagascar vanilla and more Real Chocolate, respectively.

Everyone can get in on the fun on social, too. Check out Instagram Lenses to play a game of catch with Fudge Stripes, Sandies, or Chips Deluxe cookies. Win and you’ll be transformed into Ernie the Elf and get to visit the Hollow Tree. Users can also take on the challenge of helping Ernie add Real ingredients to the Keebler cookies through engaging arcade-style games on the GIPHY Arcade platform.

“With the Keebler Magical Cookie Bouquets, we wanted to help families feel like they’re together in spirit,” said Senior Associate Brand Manager Ryan Nolan. “And as a part of that, we extended the magic of Ernie and the Keebler elves to families through different means like the games on social where they may be connecting with loved ones most often during this time.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Keebler

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Gamers rejoice! In celebration of Pac-Man’s 40th Anniversary, fans will be able to enjoy this new version of a Hasbro classic game. Relieve some of their favorite gaming experiences with the Monopoly Arcade Pac-Man Game.

Monopoly Arcade Pac-Man Game

In the Monopoly Arcade Pac-Man board game players can play Pac-Man on the retro banking and arcade unit and can also use it to buy, sell, or steal Levels and perform various other actions. 

Watch out for the Ghost as you race around the board to buy Levels and earn points. Each time a player passes “Go” they get to play a mini game of Pac-Man. Rack up the points while everything is tracked in the banking and arcade unit, with no money changing hands. The player with the most points wins.

Monopoly Arcade Pac-Man Game is available online at Walmart, Target and Amazon beginning Aug. 1 and retails for $29.99.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Hasbro

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Whether you were born in the ’80s or ’90s, the new PAC-MAN Tamagotchi from Bandai is sure to remind you of being a kid.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of PAC-MAN (yes, really), Bandai is releasing a new version of the Tamagotchi featuring the famous, yellow ghost-eater as a digital pet. Even if you didn’t spend your childhood helping PAC-MAN chomp ghosts at the arcade, chances are you owned or coveted the Tamagotchi digital pets, which were introduced in ’90s.

“Tamagotchi has been an incredible brand for Bandai America for over 22 years! Our 2019 Tamagotchi On release has proved to be a great success and it only made sense to bring two of the most iconic brands together for this huge celebration!” said Tara Badie, Bandai America Marketing Director.

Just like with the traditional Tamagotchi device, owners will raise, feed and play with their pets all with PAC-MAN’s assistance. In addition to rice, you can also feed your Tamagotchi PAC-MAn’s beloved cherries. This special edition features two mini games including a PAC-MAN game, two PAC-MAN mazes and two different shells.

The new PAC-MAN Tamagotchi is currently available for pre-sale and hits store shelves on Mar. 15, 2020.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Bandai America via PR Newswire

 

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Photo: Shutterstock

The other day, my youngest daughter and I were watching some of her favorite videos on my iPad when it hit me how different life is for my kids. Growing up, the most technologically advanced things we were exposed to were the games at the neighborhood arcade.

Now my kids are growing up in the age of the internet and they’re interacting with the digital world, whether I like it or not. It was up to me to teach them the ins and outs of being a good digital citizen. I wanted them to learn not only how to be safe online but also how to creatively, positively and productively navigate the online world.

The first step was educating myself on what my kids are up to online. I didn’t want to be one of those parents who are clueless about their kids’ online habits so I got curious. I asked them about their favorite sites, what games and videos they loved and why. It was an eye-opener.

Realizing that my kids spent a sizeable amount of time online made me decide to teach them some basics about good digital citizenship:

Respect themselves and others online.

My kids know that they are to respect others online just as they respect themselves. It’s so easy to hide behind a screen and hurl insults and abuse at others but how would they like it if someone did the same to them?

Additionally, I try to instill a sense of empathy in them by reminding them to think of the other person on the other side of the screen. I also constantly encourage them to be kind online and to try as much as possible to post positive, constructive comments and promote positive behavior online.

Protect private information.

From the time they were young, I taught my kids to be safe online by not sharing information that should be kept private. This includes things like their address, name, age, location, passwords, etc. As they grew older, I expanded this lesson to include discussions on the downside of oversharing information with others, even those they think to be their friends.

I remind them to read over anything before they post it and to think of the different ways it could be interpreted. Sure they might mean something as a joke but it could come off as offensive to someone else.

Verify the information they find online.

Something else I keep emphasizing to my children is the importance of verifying whatever information they come across online. Just because something is on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true. I encourage them to be detectives, questioning what they see and hear, recognizing red flags and doing their own research to verify the truth.

Similarly, we’ve had discussions about using digital content and the importance of citing sources, especially when doing schoolwork or projects. They understand that digital content is intellectual property and should be treated with respect.

Stand up to cyberbullying when they see it happen.

With cyberbullying being so prevalent on social media, I decided to teach my kids to stand up for those they see being bullied. They know they need to speak out about it or come to me should they encounter any form of cyberbullying. I also taught them how to flag and report such incidents to the relevant websites for action.

The conversation on being a good digital citizen is an ongoing one in our house. I keep discovering new things to address and discuss and I don’t mind because I know my kids will be better for it.

Tyler Jacobson is a happy husband, father of three, writer and outreach specialist with experience with organizations that help troubled teens and parents. His areas of focus include: parenting, social media, addiction, mental illness, and issues facing teenagers today.

 

To strike up some serious fun for kiddo’s next birthday bash just book a spot at the bowling alley. Many of them offer all-inclusive party packages (think: lanes, shoes, lunch, and signable bowling pins), making party planning a piece of cake. If you’re game, check out these seven alleys that have all of the perks your little bowler could want.

Shake & Bake Family Fun Center

Shake & Bake Family Fun Center

Bowling and roller skating under one roof? Done. Bowling deals include Family Matters Monday, when a family of four gets a game, shoe rentals, a pizza slice and a soft drink for $20 between 6 and 10 pm. Wednesdays are Family $1 Night between 5 and 9.

Birthday party packages include: Two hours of bowling, soda, pizza, ice cream cup, signature bowling pin, bestive baloon bouquet. ($179.90/up to 10 guests).

Where: 1601 Pennsylvania Ave. (Baltimore, Md)
When: See website for schedule.
Online: skatenbowl.com

Bowlero

Bowlero

Boasting more than 22,000 square feet of fun (and 18 lanes), Bowlero Leesburg is the second Bowlero location to open in Virginia. But it's not your run of the mill alley--spin on fun—there's blacklight lanes, interactive games, and inventive menus. There's also an arcade and laser tag area to take your visit to a whole new level.

Birthday party packages include: 2 hours of bowling, shoe rental, $5 arcade card/ $5 gift card per kid, food, drinks, and a chocolate chip cookie cake ($34.99/kid).

Where: 1602 Village Market Blvd. #100 (Leesburg, Va)
When: Hours change by season; see website
Online: kingpinzbowl.com

Rinaldi’s Riverdale Bowling Center

Rinaldi's

This quaint family owned and operated facility has been holding court in the D.C. area since 1960. With tons of updates, the center has all of the modern amenities of newer alleys, but with that family run feel you’ll fall in love with.

Birthday party packages include: Two hours of bowling, two menu items, soda, french fries, partyware, a signable bowling pin, $5 gift certificate for each guest ($18.99/kid; 5-20 kids).

6322 Kenilworth Ave. (Riverdale Park, Md)
301-864-5940

White Oak Duckpin Lanes

White Oak Lanes

A fave among local parents with tots, the smaller, lighter weight pins and balls used in duckpin bowling are especially awesome for little people with little arm strength.

Birthday party packages include: One hour of bowling with bumpers, free shoe rental, one hour use of party room, pizza or hotdogs, soda. ($16/kid; 8-20 kids).

11207 New Hampshire Ave. (Silver Spring, Md)
301-593-3000
Online: whiteoaklanes.com

Brunswick Zone

Brunswick Zone

This super-sized bowling center features 32 lanes of bowling awesomeness—plenty of space for you and your family to snag a lane.

Birthday party packages include: Two hours of bowling, two menu items, soda, french fries, partyware, a signable bowling pin, $5 gift certificate for each guest ($18.99/kid; 5-20 kids).

7100 Carved Stone (Columbia, Md)
410-381-7750
Online: bowlbrunswick.com

Bowlmor Bethesda

Bowlmor

No drab beige and gray décor here. Bright colors and glow-in-the-dark lanes make this alley appealing to youngsters and grown-ups alike. Work up an appetite and servers will bring fried pickles and jalapenos or a pizza cupcake to you at your lane. Plus, there’s an arcade when knocking pins down loses its luster.

Birthday party packages include: Two hours of bowling, two menu items, two side options, soda and juice, a signable bowling pin, chocolate chip cookie cake, $5 gift certificate for each guest ($31.99/kid).

Where: 5353 Westbard Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
When: 4 pm to 1 am Monday, 4 pm to 11 pm Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 2 am Friday, 11 am to 2 am Saturday and 11 am to 10 pm Sunday
Online: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bowlmor.com/bethesda/"> bowlmor.com </a>

Annapolis Bowl

flickr

ot serious bowlers? Consider joining one of the youth leagues here. The pee-wee league is for ages 4 through 8 and meets weekly for 35 weeks to practice. Or just set up shop at one of 32 lanes during open bowling times.

Birthday party packages include: Two hours of bowling, soda, pizza/hotdog, tub of popcorn per lane, ice cream cup, balloons, invites, ($15.95/kid).

Where: 2057 General’s Hwy. (Annapolis, Md)
When: Youth leagues meet at 9 am Saturdays; 9 am to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 9 am to 2 am Friday and Saturday
Online: <a target="_blank" href="http:// gobowlingannapolis.com"> gobowlingannapolis.com </a>

—Ayren Jackson-Cannady and Stephanie Kanowitz

 

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