Miniature golf, crazy golf, putt-putt golf... whatever you call them, these bizarre little mini-golf courses are lots of fun, and there's SIX around Dayton to swing by.
Dayton is crazy about mini-golf
The best thing about miniature golf is that it requires very limited athletic ability and all ages can participate. Plus its lots of fun too. Within the Dayton area there are several courses that will challenge all skill levels.
To play actual golf never appealed to me, beyond driving around on a golf cart. Mainly because you first have to hit the ball really far, and then second, you have to find it. I can’t even complete some holes in miniature golf with less than ten strokes. There’s no way I could handle getting a ball to a hole that I can’t even see from the tee off spot. It is nice that golf offers a secondary level to play, unlike most sports. I can’t play baseball because I always strike out, but there’s an age limit in T-ball. Miniature golf is like the T-ball of the golf world, but adults can play it too.
In no particular order, here are some area miniature golf courses to…swing by.
Your Adventure Golf – 615 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township
Two 18-hole courses with varying levels of difficulty are offered, centered around a scenic body of water, which can become a ball trap. It’s nice to escape into an atmosphere of gushing waters and tree’s waving in the breeze while trying to hit your ball up over the slope. Your Adventure Golf offers Family Nights on Sundays after 6 p.m. when families of up to 6 people can play for $25. League play is also being offered, with play beginning on July 10. Teams can contain up to 6 members. Cost is $250. Prices: Adults (11 +) $10 for 18 holes, $15 for unlimited. Kids (4-10) $7 for 18 holes, $10 unlimited. Summer hours: Sun – Thurs. 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Fri & Sat 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Hazzards Miniature Golf – 6240 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights
A waterfall is the focal point of this challenging course that includes several obstacles. The area is rather small compared to some other courses, but it fully utilizes its space, which is nicely landscaped. Special attention must be paid on certain holes to keep your ball from going into the water. I paid attention, but my ball still went for a little swim. If it’s really hot or if you are just feeling the heat of a close game, there’s a cooling mister between two of the holes. Hazzards is owned by the Poelking family, who owns the bowling alley that’s right across the parking lot, as well as several other bowling alleys throughout Dayton. Prices: Ages 12 and over $7.25, Ages 11 and under $6.25, Ages 3 and under is free. A second round of golf is $4.25 for all ages. Summer Hours: Mon – Thurs. Noon – 10 p.m., Fri. 5 p.m. – midnight., Sat. noon – midnight, and Sun. noon – 10 p.m.
The Trails Miniature Golf – 1601 E. David Rd, Kettering (Behind Skateworld)
Escape into the peacefulness of two 18-hole courses in an all-natural woodsy setting with a stream flowing through. There’s a special deal offered for every day of the week: Mondays is Unlimited Play for $11, Tuesdays is both courses for the price of one, Wednesdays is second course for only $1.00, Thursdays is both courses for the price of one, Fridays is arrive before 5:30 p.m. and get four rounds of golf and four ice creams for $25.99, and Saturday & Sunday is arrive before 11 a.m. and its only $3.50 per course. Prices: 1 Course $8.00 Both Courses $11.00. Summer Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
The Magic Castle – 4990 Wilmington Pike, Dayton
There are many activities to enjoy at The Magic Castle, including an 18-hole course, that’s not just child’s play. In 2013 the course won a Best of Dayton Award in the category of miniature golf. The course has since been completely redesigned and upgraded to remain above par. Prices: Ages 12 + $8.00, Ages 5 to 11 $6, Ages 3 & 4 $4.00, Ages 1 & 2 on Mon – Thurs is free, Ages 1 & 2 on Fri – Sun is $2.50. Summer Hours: Mon – Fri. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Sat. & Sun 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Englewood Fun Center – 569 S. Main Street, Englewood
This 18-hole course resembles a trip to the Tropics with glow in the dark palm trees, Hawaiian leis, a tiki hut sales center, a cascading waterfall and two ponds. Prices: Ages 12 + $6.00, Ages 3 – 11 $5.00. Two years and younger is free.
Young’s Dairy, 6880 Springfield Xenia Rd, Yellow Springs
Before or after enjoying some delicious ice-cream at Young’s Dairy, a round (or two) of miniature golf can be played. Perhaps you might want ice-cream both before and after golf. Known as Udders & Putters, the grounds offers two 18 – hole courses. It’s the only area outdoor miniature golf course that are open year round, if ever interested in seeing what it’s like to golf in the snow. Just don’t pick a white ball. Prices: Ages 12 + $7.25, Ages 5 -11 $6.25. Save $1 a game by playing weekday morning or afternoons before 6 p.m. on Mon – Fri.
