New York City, a concrete jungle teeming with life, offers surprisingly delightful escapes for those seeking family fun or a quirky date night. Among these hidden gems are numerous mini golf courses, each boasting a unique charm and challenge. This guide unveils the 12 best spots to play mini golf in the Big Apple, ensuring you find the perfect putting paradise.
Finding Your Perfect NYC Mini Golf Adventure
Choosing the right mini golf course depends on your preferences. Are you looking for a classic experience, a whimsical adventure, or something with a view? This guide categorizes the courses to help you decide:
Classic Mini Golf Experiences
These courses offer a traditional mini golf experience with well-maintained greens and a good mix of easy and challenging holes.
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Governors Island Mini Golf: Located on Governors Island, this course offers stunning city views alongside a fun, family-friendly challenge. The unique course design and picturesque setting make it a memorable experience. Pro Tip: Check the ferry schedules before you go.
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Pier 25 Mini Golf: Situated along the Hudson River, this course offers a fantastic waterfront location. The vibrant atmosphere and scenic backdrop create a lively and engaging experience. The holes are well-designed, offering a great balance between challenge and fun for all ages.
Themed and Unique Mini Golf Adventures
For those looking for something beyond the traditional, these themed courses provide a more immersive and imaginative experience.
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Bushwick Inlet Park Mini Golf: This course, located in Brooklyn, combines classic mini golf with unique design elements and artwork. The course is designed to be both fun and aesthetically pleasing. This makes it a good choice for those who appreciate both a challenging game and artistic surroundings.
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The Gutter: This isn't your typical mini golf course. The Gutter is a bowling alley and bar that also offers mini golf, integrating the games into a more social atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for a fun night out with friends.
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Industry City: Located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, Industry City boasts a large and elaborate mini golf course. The layout is unique and challenging. It often features rotating themes and events.
Mini Golf with a View
These courses offer breathtaking views alongside the fun of mini golf.
- Central Park (various locations): While not a dedicated mini golf course, Central Park offers plenty of open space perfect for creating your own putting green. Using a portable set and choosing a picturesque spot provides a unique, personalized mini golf experience within the iconic park.
Indoor Mini Golf Options
For those seeking a climate-controlled experience, these indoor mini golf options offer a fun, rain-or-shine escape.
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Chelsea Piers: This massive sports complex houses an indoor mini golf course, offering an excellent alternative for less-than-ideal weather. It's a good option for a more controlled environment, perfect for families with young children.
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Dave & Buster's (various locations): While primarily known for its arcade games, Dave & Buster's locations across NYC include mini golf, making it a convenient choice for multi-generational fun.
Luxury & Unique Mini Golf Experiences
These locations combine a high-quality mini golf experience with added luxurious amenities or unique features.
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230 Fifth Rooftop Bar: This popular rooftop bar occasionally sets up a pop-up mini golf course, offering amazing city views and a fun, elevated experience. Check their website for availability as this is seasonal.
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Rooftop Films (various locations): This organization frequently hosts events and screenings, sometimes including mini golf as part of their unique outdoor experiences. Keep an eye on their schedule.
Mini Golf for the Adventurous
These locations offer a more challenging or unconventional mini golf experience.
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Brooklyn Bridge Park (various locations): While not dedicated mini golf, the vast open space within Brooklyn Bridge Park presents the opportunity for a unique, self-made mini golf experience. Remember to respect park rules and regulations.
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Astoria Park: With its expansive green spaces, Astoria Park provides an opportunity to bring your own equipment and design your own course, adding a unique level of personal creativity to the game.
Planning Your Mini Golf Outing in NYC
Before you tee off, consider these tips:
- Check Availability: Many courses, especially outdoor ones, may have seasonal hours or require reservations.
- Transportation: Plan your travel accordingly, considering that some locations are less accessible by public transit.
- Weather: NYC weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast and have a backup plan if needed.
- Group Size: Some courses may have capacity limits, so it's a good idea to book ahead if you're with a large group.
Mini golf in NYC isn't just a game; it's an experience that reflects the city's diverse personality. From classic courses to themed adventures and stunning views, there's a perfect putting spot waiting for you. So grab your putter, gather your friends, and get ready for a swingin' good time in the Big Apple!
