Indoor mini golf: the different kinds
Indoor mini golf is the answer to rain, summer heat and winter. The courses are open year-round, but they're not all alike. Roughly, there are three kinds.
1. Glow-in-the-dark courses
Dark rooms, blacklight and fluorescent paint. These are often found in malls and family fun centers, and some chains build the whole experience around a theme with animated figures. They're popular for kids' birthdays. More about glow mini golf.
2. Classic indoor courses
Normal lighting, carpeted lanes and the familiar obstacles. You'll find them in family entertainment centers next to arcades, bowling or trampolines, and in some malls. Usually the most relaxed and family-friendly option.
3. Social venues with food and drinks
A newer kind of venue: a bar or restaurant with several short, heavily themed courses inside. Some track your ball with sensors and keep score on a screen, others add games and bonus points to each hole. They're aimed mainly at adults, groups and date nights, and many have age rules in the evening. Chains in this category include Puttshack, Puttery, Holey Moley Golf Club and Swingers.
Which one to pick
- With young kids: a classic indoor course or a glow course during the day.
- For a birthday party: a glow course or a fun center that offers party packages.
- For an evening out with friends: one of the social venues. Book ahead on weekends.
We list 194 indoor courses. Browse them by city or use the Indoor filter on the map.