Instead of hitting the real greens, why not check out our favorite putt-putt courses for the kids?
Angry Birds Mini Golf
American Dream, 1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford
There are 18 holes on this indoor golf course that are dedicated to your favorite avian game. You’ll really want to shoot for a birdie!
Castaway Cove Mini Golf
300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant
732-295-3835
Little swashbucklers and grown-up scallywags alike will have a blast on this shipwreck-turned-golf course. Venture through caves, spy pirates around the premises and work your way up to the top of the for some stunning aerial views of the Atlantic.
Congo Falls Adventure Golf
1132 Boardwalk, Ocean City
609-398-1211
Take a trip to the jungle on one of three courses: Congo Queen, Solomon’s Mine or The Lost City. This indoor spot is equipped with AC, a huge King Kong gorilla, snake pit and mysterious caves.
Haunted Golf
824 Boardwalk, Ocean City
609-391-7777
This shore town is a golf haven of sorts, and this uniquely spooky spot is a big reason why. This 5,000-square-foot space will inspire laughs and lighthearted scares in your kiddos (as long as they’re not too chicken). Ghostly highlights include a singing skeleton, a cursed wedding and a phantom piano player.
Hyatt Hills Golf Complex
1300 Raritan Rd., Clark
732-669-9100
Mt. Hyatt has 18 holes and offers a picturesque setting with a waterfall, streams and stepping ponds. Stop there for a game with the kiddos before making a visit to the driving range next door.
Island Miniature Golf
4501 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood
609-435-1114
This shore locale is the biggest in Wildwood. Not only is this venue home to a beachy golf course, but it also has a rock climbing wall and ice cream shop.
Lake Hopatcong Golf Club
37 Nolan’s Point Park, Lake Hopatcong
973-663-0451
The unique modern facility is right on the waterfront (you can even tie up your boat!), perfect for date night or a family outing. But don’t be fooled by the name; it’s far from a country club. While it’s well-kept and complete with challenging holes, everyone is welcome to play. Keep an eye out for mini replicas historic sites and local tidbits.
Lighthouse Point Mini Golf
300 Ocean Ave., Point Pleasant Beach
732-892-0600
There is plenty of putting fun here for all ages. With its kid-friendly vibe, this course is a great spot for families.
Medieval Fantasy Mini Golf
1336 Boardwalk, Ocean City
609-938-0579
Complete with 19 holes, castle walls, a menacing dragon and glow-in-the-dark knights, your little princes and princesses will fit right in on this course. Best part? It’s air conditioned, meaning it’s the perfect escape from intense summer rays.
Monster Mini Golf
Multiple locations
This black-light indoor course is one of a kind. See freaky (but friendly) glowing interactive monsters at every hole, then visit the beastly monster arcade, complete with air hockey, skee ball and more classics.
Paramus Mini Golf Course
314 Paramus Rd., Paramus
201-447-6079 ext. 4
This course’s New Jersey theme caters to locals and tourists alike. You’ll spy the George Washington Bridge, Bruce Springsteen and more one your trek from hole to hole. You can head here for grown-up golf, too, on the real green next door.
Pine Creek Miniature Golf
394 Rte. 31 N., West Amwell
609-466-3803
Play miniature golf on one of two courses nestled in nature. Between putts, take a peek at the swans or check out the gazebo. Make sure to take multiple balls with you, you may lose a few to the stream.
Mini Golf Safari
Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
9 Cherry Ln., West Orange
973-731-5800
This seasonal mini golf course is part of the Essex County Parks System and close to the Turtle Back Zoo. Take a walk on the wild side by swinging past gorillas, crocs, hippos and more. Don’t forget to see the real-life animals at the zoo next door before heading home with your little monkeys.
Starlux Mini Golf
4800 Ocean Ave., Wildwood
609-846-1048
This two-level course has a whopping 27 holes and three themes: beach, ocean and boardwalk. The shore vibe is even stronger thanks to the huge sandcastles, sea critters and palm trees on site. It’s shady and dog friendly! And don’t head home without grabbing a sweet treat at the beloved Kohr Brothers ice cream, located at the course.
Swingtime
2390 US 9 S., Howell
732-845-0093
Not only does this spot have two 18-hole mini courses with a rolling waterfall, but the family fun center also boasts five-speed batting cages and an arcade with over 50 games to choose from. Reach the top of the water at Highland Falls, from which you can spy all 36 holes, or try your luck at Raccoon Hollow, a course inside a mountain cave.
Wacky Rooftop Golf
800 Boardwalk, Seaside Heights
732-793-6488
Talk about an Insta-worthy view. Overlook the boardwalk and ocean from atop this Casino Pier highlight. The course is inspired by traditional mini golf features, like a loopy-loop, windmill and retro figurines of a dancing bear and other whimsical characters.
Willowbrook Golf Center
366 Rte. 46, Service Rd. E., Wayne
973-256-6922
Hone your skills in the midst of baby blue waterfalls (15 and 30 feet high!), charming bridges and painted stones. Take your pick of two courses on site. The course can be a little difficult to find, so make sure you don’t pass by it.
Read More:
Family-Friendly Golf Driving Ranges in NJ