Mini golf is one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor time—and a little friendly competition—as a family. Luckily, there are plenty of mini golf destinations in and around L.A. everyone is sure to love, from putt-putt courses with old-school vibes like the nine-holes at Arroyo Seco Golf Club, to contemporary courses with a twist, like Camelot Golfland‘s oceanic and nautical-themed mini golf course.
In addition to mini golf, many of these destinations offer other family-friendly entertainment, too (think laser mazes, arcades, bumper boats, and go karts). Some places can also host groups, a great choice if you’re looking for a fun location for kids’ birthday parties. If you’re open to other family-friendly ideas around Los Angeles, be sure to check out our guides to L.A.’s best playgrounds, indoor play spaces, kid-friendly cooking classes, and themed restaurants.
Here are the six best places for you and the kids to get your miniature golf game on in L.A.
Arroyo Seco Golf Club
Arroyo Seco Golf Club offers miniature golf like you remember, with the requisite windmill, castle and tunnels making up its 9-hole course. While it's fairly no-frills, it's convenient, not too crowded and only a little challenging—making it ideal for the youngest of putt-putters. Post golf, head to the outdoor patio for a bite from the on-site cafe. Five-star dining this is not, but the menu has more options than your typical snack shack (plus grown-up drinks!), with great service to boot.
Good to Know: Mini golf fees run $9 per player, or $5 per person for replay.
1055 Lohman Ln.
South Pasadena
Online: arroyosecogc.com
Sherman Oaks Castle Park
For a more elaborate set-up, check out LA's only centrally located miniature golf course, Castle Park—yep, as in that castle you can sometimes spot at the 405/101 interchange. While not as up-to-date as some other venues, the city-owned spot boasts three 18-hole mini-golf courses, plus batting cages and an arcade featuring classics like Skee-Ball, air hockey and PacMan.
Good to Know: At $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids 5-12 (kids under 4 are free with paid adult), the price is less than what you'd pay at other comparable spots. Plus, if you arrive before 10:30 a.m. on weekends, all players pay $3 (and you beat the birthday-party crowds).
4989 Sepulveda Blvd.
Sherman Oaks
Online: laparks.org/castlepark
Mulligan Family Fun Center
Mulligan Family Fun Center offers the classics (a windmill, castle and bridge), along with a waterfall, haunted house, mining cave and more. After you finish the two 18-hole set-ups, keep the fun going with paddle boats, a rock climbing wall, batting cages, bumper cars and go-karts. There's also an arcade and 2,200-square foot laser tag arena. After an action-packed afternoon here, be prepared for your tired tots to tee up an early bedtime (win/win)!
Good to Know: Miniature golf fees run $15 per adult, or $10 for kids under 12 years old. Other park attractions have their own admission prices, but you can buy "Fun Cards" and save up to $50. Check the website for more detail on the discounts.
24950 Madison Ave.
Murrieta
Online: mulliganfun.com
Golf N’ Stuff
Remember when Daniel and Ali had their first date in the original Karate Kid? Turns out that place actually exists and, more than 30 years later, Golf N' Stuff still going strong with four 18-hole golf courses to choose from, each with its own theme. Swing your way through a haunted mansion, a Moroccan castle, a candy house, and even Big Ben—and that’s just for starters. When you’ve exhausted the links, check out the Lit’l Indy Raceway, the Disk’O Thrill ride, bumper boats and then top it off with the kiddie train and a trip to the arcade.
Good to Know: Mini-golf admission is $13 per person (kids 3 and under are free with a paid round). Other attractions require separate admission, but for $36.50 (and sometimes as little as $25), you can purchase a wristband that gives you two hours fun.
10555 E. Firestone Blvd.
Norwalk
Online: golfnstuff.com/norwalk/
Camelot Golfland
If you don’t mind a drive to Orange County and you want to see what a giant course has to offer, head to Camelot Golfland in Anaheim, the largest mini-golf spot in the country (yep, biggest from sea to shining sea!) with four award-winning mini golf courses that feature castles of the world, water cannons, sea creatures and jungle golf. With all this magic, we can barely remember the name of that other castle in Anaheim.
Good to Know: Little pros under 12 can putt for $10.75. Adults are $12. Other attractions require additional admission costs.
3200 E Carpenter Ave.
Anaheim
Online: golfland.com/anaheim
Pelly’s Mini Golf at the Del Mar Golf Center
If you don't mind a little road trip, put Pelly's on your to-putt list. Tucked away between the I-5 freeway and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this spot has two different themed 18-hole mini golf courses. Kiddos will love maneuvering their ball around an octopus, through dolphins and under an ocean pier; you’ll love the crowd-free scene and proximity to the Pacific just a few miles away. Ready to retire the clubs for the day? Don’t jump back on the freeway just yet. You’re right around the corner from some of Southern California’s most beautiful parks and beaches, not to mention the renowned Del Mar Race Track.
Good to Know: You can golf among the sea creatures for $9.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids, and the second round is just $4.50 and $3.50, respectively.
15555 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
Del Mar
Online: delmargolfcenter.com
—Andie Huber & Leigh Crandall
feature image: iStock
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