Mini golf is a wonderful activity for family outings. The courses are filled with interesting challenges and quirky designs to keep kids entertained, and older generations will appreciate the slower pace. It’s an easy choice if you want something out of the ordinary or to introduce some family-friendly competition. Plus, there’s the joy of getting a hole in one! My family likes going on days off of school. However, with the popularity of indoor putt-putt on the rise, it’s truly an anytime activity. We rounded up a handful of entertaining mini golf courses for your next family adventure.
Subpar (Alameda and San Francisco)
Each hole of this indoor mini golf course is filled with a handmade art installation that features recognizable East Bay landmarks, like the Port of Oakland or the Caldecott Tunnel. You’ll also find an arcade with a laser maze and skeeball, plus a full bar and plenty of kid-friendly foods served on-site. Stay tuned for GLOW golf! Reservations are recommended for the weekend and holiday play, or large groups. If you’re looking to plan a whole day in Alameda, Subpar’s prime location on Park Avenue means that restaurants, parks, and even the beach are just a short drive away. Read more about a recent trip to Subpar in Alameda >>
Hours:Â Monday through Thursday: 11 am – 9 pm; Friday and Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 9 pm
Location: 1600 Park Street, Alameda; Ghirardelli Square Lower Plaza at 900 North Point Street, San Francisco
Price: $14 for adults (age 18-65), $11 for Youth (age 4-17), $11 for Seniors (age 65+) at the Alameda location; $14 per person at SF location
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Tipsy Putt (Emeryville)
The newest addition to the East Bay mini golf scene, Tipsy Putt opened in January 2023. There are 9 holes filled with attractive lighting and sleek designs, like a suspension bridge. As the name suggests, this destination caters primarily to the 21 and older crowd because it also houses a full pub with a sports bar feel. However, families are welcome before 5 pm (adult supervision required; no drop-offs). Some kids may complete the course quickly, so tack on a visit to Barnes & Noble or another Bay Street shop. Reserve a putt-putt time online or drop in for first-come-first-served play.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday: 11 am – 11 pm; Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 2 am; (21+ after 5 pm every day)
Location:Â 5690 Bay St, Emeryville
Price: $12 per person before 6 pm; $15 per person after 6 pm
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Golden Tee Golfland (Castro Valley)
Golden Tee Golfland offers a classic outdoor miniature golf experience. There are two courses to choose from with lots of challenges and old-school decor, like fountains and a castle. The overall vibe is fun, but some signage is outdated and may be offensive to some families and cultures. It can be quite sunny and warm while playing so sunhats are advised. After a round of golf, be ready with quarters because there’s a small arcade there as well. Drop in or purchase tickets online before arriving. Golden Tee Golfland also hosts kids’ birthday parties.
Hours:Â 10 am – 10 pm daily
Location: 2533 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley
Price: $14.50 for General (age 12-59), $13.50 for Junior (age 4-11) and Seniors (age 60+), $5 for same-day golf replay, Toddlers (ages 3 and under) are free with paying adult. Free toddlers are not included on the scorecard. If you wish to include your toddler on the scorecard, you must present the coupon on the mobile app using coupon code ‘toddler’. Sales end one hour prior to closing. Pricing is for one round of golf.
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Putter’s Goat Track Country Club (Walnut Creek and Martinez)
Putter’s Goat Track County Club is unique because it’s a patio golf course with each hole sitting on elevated platforms. There are 18 (or more) holes filled with ramps, secret tunnels, and some interactive elements. Each hole is hand-crafted by the owner. The difficulty level varies. But overall, it isn’t hard to score a hole in one — adding to the fun! Putter’s GTCC is a dog-friendly site, so feel free to bring your well-behaved pup along. Putter’s Goat Track Country Club hosts birthday parties, too. Playing a round is drop-in friendly and no advance reservations are accepted. (Note: no restrooms are on site, but they have shared use with local businesses nearby; just ask for details when you arrive.) Read more about our visit to Putter’s Goat Track Country Club >>
Hours: The schedule is seasonal and varies by location. See schedule >
Location: 1275 S. California Blvd, Walnut Creek, and 606 Ward Street, Martinez
Price: $10 per person
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Ready to level up your golf game? Play a round of Par 3 with kids in the East Bay >>Â
MarTEEnez Minigolf (Martinez)
Did you know Martinez has two mini-golf courses?! MarTEEnez is an indoor mini golf spot that’s is filled with charming challenges at each hole. Visitors to MarTEEnez Minigolf note the friendly vibes and welcoming attitudes toward families. There’s also a small arcade and kid-friendly snacks available for purchase. MarTEEnez Minigolf also has a party room for birthdays and private events.
Hours:Â Wednesday and Thursday: 3 pm – 8 pm; Friday: 3 pm – 10 pm; Saturday: 11 am to 10 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
Location: 701 Escobar Street, C, in Martinez
Price: $10 per person
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Scandia Golfland (Fairfield)
Chances are your family has driven past this fun-filled play area on I-80. Scandia is home to two 18-hole mini golf courses that are styled after a Scandinavian village. The abundance of cute structures, including a majestic castle, windmill, and lighthouse, are a nice touch. Be prepared for the heat and direct sunlight while putting on the course. If you’re willing to shell out a bit more, don’t miss plus batting cages, bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag, an indoor play structure, and other activities that will make your child grin ear-to-ear all day long. Reserve your tickets in advance to save a few dollars.
Hours:Â Monday through Thursday: 10 am to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 10 pm
Location: 4300 Central Pl, Fairfield
Price: $14.50 for General (age 12-59), $13.50 for Junior (age 4-11) and Seniors (age 60+) for one round of golf. Toddlers (ages 3 and under) are free with paying adults. Free toddlers are not included on the scorecard. If you wish to include your toddler on the scorecard, you must present the coupon on the mobile app using coupon code ‘toddler’. Sales end one hour prior to closing. Visit the website to see pricing for other attractions.
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Stagecoach Greens (San Francisco)
A favorite of Heather’s family, Stagecoach Greens is located in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighborhood. Each hole of the 18-hole outdoor course is filled with creative golfing challenges that tell a story about explorers traveling West. There are also unique, interactive elements for guests to enjoy when not putting. Some holes have sound, all have history lessons, and others have specific photo ops. Expect a round to take about 45-60 minutes. Reservations are required. Stagecoach Greens is situated within an enclosed city block that also features a half dozen food trucks, ample outdoor seating, cabanas available for rental, and bathrooms. Read more about an outing to Stagecoach Greens >>Â
Hours:Â Open daily; See website to reserve times
Location: 1379 4th Street, San Francisco
Price: $19 for adults, $13 for Youth (age 12 and younger), which includes tee time and reservation fees
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Tell us, which mini golf course is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section.
