Finding a good mini golf spot should be easy. It usually takes way longer than it should ends in confusion and sometimes you end up in a parking lot staring at a gate. The first mistake people make is trusting search results without checking them. A quick Google Maps search shows you an options nearby. Some of those listings are old and don’t exist anymore. Others are places that only host events. Filter by “open before you do anything else. That one step alone can save you a wasted drive. Find out more!
When you have an options left look at the number of reviews not just the rating. A place with reviews and a good rating is usually a safer bet than a place with few reviews and a perfect score. Many reviews mean real people have been there before. Few reviews don’t mean much.
Don’t forget to check Yelp. It helps you find family-owned courses that don’t have a big online presence. Those places often have personality and are more fun. Big chains have lots of money to spend on ads. Small family-run places have charm.
Photos are super helpful. Look at the course itself not the entrance. Is the grass worn out? Are the obstacles cool or boring? A few good photos tell you more about the experience than any description.
If you’re going on a weekend just call ahead. It takes two minutes. Tells you everything you need to know: wait times, prices and if you can bring snacks. That last point matters, especially if you’re bringing kids.
Think about whether you want to play inside. Outside courses have an atmosphere. Inside courses with blacklights are fun for evening plans. Feel different. Neither is better. It depends on who you’re with.
Going somewhere new? Ask a local whos not trying to sell you something. The person making your coffee, the gas station worker or someone in line, with you can give you advice. They’ll point you to a place, not one that paid to be recommended.
Finally don’t worry too much about the difficulty. Every mini golf course has that one hole that humbles everyone. That’s not a flaw. That’s the point.