It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or eighty years-old, everyone loves a good round of mini golf. From the classic pirate shipwreck theme to a more innovative blacklight option, New York is home to some pretty awesome mini golf courses. These courses are the perfect hangout spots for teenagers, college kids, family, and even a date. Here are our favorites in the state.
An indoor/outdoor mini golf location, Shipwreck Mini Golf is home to the longest miniature golf hole in the world. Outside the course is pirate-themed, a perfect adventure for any age. Kids will love the imagination put into the course, and adults can appreciate the effort this family-owned business put into the scenery. Inside you’ll find a blacklight golf course, which happens to be the largest indoor 18-hole course in the United States. Wear bright colors, bring some friends, and don’t forget to see the way your smile glows.
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Looking for a unique experience in the City? This pirate-themed 18-hole course is located on the second floor of a building in Brooklyn. It’s family-owned and began when two friends who pursued theater careers started their own families and wanted to start an interactive business. The course has theatrical lighting and special effects that accompany you as you play through each hole (and try to find the treasure).
This course made it a point to incorporate features that are typically found on a regulation golf course: sand traps, water hazards, etc.—but they were careful to create each hole in a way that it doesn’t feel repetitive. They warn ahead of time, though, that Hole 13 is usually challenging for players. Oh, and beware of Hole 16: it’s got a pretty tough-to-navigate water hazard.
Often regarded as one of the oldest mini golf courses in Lake George, Around the World offers a travel itinerary for players as they navigate landmarks from around the world (or around the United States) while they play through each hole. Some landmarks include a giant sombrero, a life-sized lobster, a replica of the New York City subway, and the Taj Mahal.
Ever wondered how the laws of motion and gravity guide spaceships? Well, Rocket Park Mini Golf nine-hole course shows how those laws similarly effect the golf balls we use to play. Not only will you have a fun, short game of mini golf (perfect for kids and adults who may not have a long attention span!), you’ll also learn a bit about gravity, launch window, propulsion and other cool science concepts.
Big Don’s Wild Rivers is a resort-level 18-hole course with a wilderness setting. There are animals, nature sounds, plants, rivers, all of which are part of a plan to send you to a 1750s version of New York. It’s handicap accessible and has benches at every hole—perfect for the enjoyment of every family member!
With two 18-hole courses (the Dragon Slayer and the Knight’s Revenge), The Castle Fun Center gives players a unique and challenging experience. Each course tells a story; learn how the Dragon became sealed in stone as you journey through the castle, then see the progression of the knight’s revenge as you climb to the top of the castle and overlook the facility.
Fairmount Glen has it all: history, hole décor, scenery. Their windmills and barns carry over 65 years of business, and the course has been named the “Augusta National of Miniature Golf.” Visit and learn about the original course, built in 1947 property that has now become one of the local schools.
Animated monsters? High-tech arcade? Sign me up! The climate-controlled indoor facility for this course has a variety of monster-themed décor that they call “living art.” The blacklight course gives players a spooky vibe while still providing a unique experience alongside their creatures. Anyone of any age is invited to play, as the monsters shouldn’t be too terribly scary (maybe you’ll even think they’re cute).