Mini golf for NYC kids

Mini golf for NYC kids

• Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson57.fw.mini-golf.south_st_seaport_water_taxi_beach.01_0.jpg608021
• Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson57.fw.mini-golf.south_st_seaport_water_taxi_beach.02_0.jpg608032
• Photograph: Shira Goldberg57.fw.mini_golf.governorsisland_figment.04_0.jpg608043
• Photograph: Shira Goldberg57.fw.mini_golf.governorsisland_figment.05_0.jpg608054
• Photograph: Shira Goldberg57.fw.mini_golf.governorsisland_figment.06_0.jpg608065
• Photograph: Shira Goldberg57.fw.mini_golf.governorsisland_figment_03_0.jpg608076
• Photograph: Shira Goldberg57.fw.mini_golf.governorsisland_figment_07_0.jpg608087
• Photograph: NY Hall of Science57.fw.mini_golf.rocket_park.08_0.jpg608098
• Photograph: NY Hall of Science57.fw.mini_golf.rocket_park.09_0.jpg608109
• Photograph: NY Hall of Science57.fw.mini_golf.rocket_park.10_0.jpg6081110

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Photograph: Caroline Voagen Nelson

It may bring to mind coastal boardwalks and touristy resort towns, but miniature golf has a strong presence in NYC. Before setting out on your next links-bound excursion, check out our field guide to the most challenging, inventive and flat-out fun holes in the city. 

Figment
For the past four summers, the nonprofit artist collective Figment has made mini golf its passionate project, asking creative collaborators to design a brand-new course each year on Governors Island. This year's theme is Bugs & Features. The two most popular holes from previous years (including the ominously titled "Venus Fly Trap") join twelve new ones. Keep an eye out for a giant fly swatter and bee-themed hole. Through Sept 25. Governors Island (figmentnyc.org). Free.

Flushing Meadows Mini Golf
Hole #5 at this course is situated next to a waterfall. Kids have to control the speed of their shot to escape the drink, but often they have even more fun when their ball falls in. A stream carries errant golf balls into a pond, where players use nets to fish them out. 100 Flushing Meadows–Corona Park at Meridian Rd, Queens (718-271-8182, golfnyc.com). $8, under 12 $6.50.

Huson River Park's Pier 25
We've been waiting for this for quite some time. Pier 25 , which has been under construction since 2006, has returned, and despite the reservations many residents have had, it's better than ever—especially for families. The exceptional playground, with all kinds of gorgeous play equipment, opened in November, but now the built-from-scratch, 18-hole mini-golf course is too. The course's hours change daily, so check the Hudson River Park's website for the latest schedule before heading out. Pier 25, Hudson River at North Moore St (hudsonriverpark.org). Tue–Fri 3–10pm; Sat, Sun 10am–8pm. $5, kids 11 and under $4.

Randalls Island Golf Center
Its two leafy 18-hole courses offer ample opportunities for kids and adults to perfect their technique. If you’ve only got the time (or the patience) for one round, choose the links with the waterfall. Hidden away beneath a long, cavelike archway you’ll find hole #9, where a dark approach provides a straight shot to the cup—the perfect chance to sink that elusive hole in one. 1 Randalls Island (212-427-5689, randallsislandgolfcenter.com). First 18 holes: $7, under 12 $5. Replay: $4, under 12 $3.

Rocket Park Mini Golf
The New York Hall of Science’s course is a nine-hole beauty set in sight of two authentic NASA rockets and designed to illustrate laws of motion and chart the steps of a space journey. Players need expert timing to crack the “Launch Window”—if you hit your ball at the wrong moment, it will collide with revolving celestial matter. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St at 47th Ave, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens (718-699-0005, nysci.org). $6, under 18 $5. (General museum admission ticket required: $11, under 18 $8).

Staten Island GoKarts
For older kids who are more interested in mastering their stroke than clanging their ball through windmills, this course provides 18 holes where the challenge comes from curves, walls and changes in terrain instead of gimmicky obstacles. One of the toughest holes to master is #14, where a 40-foot approach leads to a raised green. If you hit with too much force, your ball will sail right over the other side. There’s no better way to learn the art of finesse. 215 Schmidts Ln between La Guardia Ave and Manor Rd, Staten Island (718-982-5576, sigokarts.com). $6.

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