Does your family love to play mini golf? Or maybe you’re looking to introduce the kids to the game of Putt-Putt? Either way, there are a few great mini golf and Putt-Putt courses in the Fort Worth area that the whole family will love.
The terms mini golf and Putt-Putt are used interchangeably today, but there’s actually a difference between the two. Putt-Putt is the trademarked name of the game created by Don Clayton in 1954. Putt-Putt courses are typically simple courses designed with par two holes (great for golfers to practice putting skills) and fun features (like statues and waterfalls) strictly for decorative purposes. Whereas mini golf courses typically have fun features, specific themes, interesting challenges on the greens and the pars for the holes varies. But never mind which technical version of the game you’re playing, the whole family is sure to have a blast with some friendly competition.
For the Putt-Putt and mini golf courses listed below, we’ve differentiated between outdoor, for when the weather’s nice, and indoor, for when the weather is less than ideal but you still want to get out of the house. Looking for where to play in and around Dallas? Check out our guide for the best mini golf courses in Dallas.
Outdoor Putt-Putt in Fort Worth
Golf Center of Arlington
In addition to a driving range and golf lessons, the Golf Center of Arlington is home to two Putt-Putt courses. That means 36 holes of mini golf on a manicured nature track around seven waterfalls (note: waterfalls are currently disabled due to renovation). The center advises allotting 1½ hours to play both courses, but your admission gives you access to replay the courses all day.
Why we love it: Admission also includes one of the center’s custom-made balls that is yours to keep. Bring it back on our next visit to play for a discounted price.
Where: 1301 N.E. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington
When: Open daily. March–October: Sunday–Thursday 8am–10pm; Friday–Saturday 8am–11pm. November–February: Sunday–Thursday 9am–9pm; Friday–Saturday 9am–10pm.
Cost: $15 adults; $10 children ages 3–12
Want more info? Follow on Facebook and Instagram, call 817/469-9005 or visit golfcenterofarlington.com.
Jurassic Zone
If you have a dino-lover on your hands (and what kid isn’t obsessed with dinos at some point in their young lives?), this Fort Worth-area mini golf course should be at the top of your list. You’ll putt your way around life-sized dinosaurs on the 18-hole course, then cool off indoors playing state-of-the-art arcade games.
Why we love it: One word: Dinosaurs. They make for some great photo ops but note that climbing on the dinos is off limits.
Where: 241 Elk Drive, Burleson
When: Open daily. Tuesday–Thursday 3–9pm; Friday 3–11pm; Saturday 10am–11pm Sunday, 1–9pm
Cost: $6, plus $3.50 general admission; free for ages 3 and younger
Want more info? Follow on Facebook, call 817/295-3783 or visit thejurassiczone.com.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
This outdoor mini golf course has two locations in the Fort Worth area: Arlington and Hurst. Both 18-hole courses feature tunnels and caves, waterfalls and lush greenery. And with animal statues—think giraffes, rhinos, tortoises, zebras, hippos and elephants—scattered throughout the course, there are plenty of photo ops for the kids (in addition to Putt-Putt pics, of course).
Why we love it: Because the Putt-Putt Fun Centers are located at Alley Cats Entertainment centers, you can make a day of it with bowling, laser tag, rock climbing and arcade games.
Where: Alley Cats Entertainment: 2004 West Pleasant Ridge Road, Arlington and 609 NE Loop 820, Hurst
When: Both locations are open Friday 11am–midnight and Saturday 10am–midnight. Arlington: Sunday–Thursday 11am–10pm. Hurst: Sunday–Thursday, 11am–11pm.
Cost: $9 adults for one game; $7 children ages 4–12; under 4 free with paying adult (limit of one free child per adult)
Want more info? Follow Alley Cats on Facebook and Instagram, call 817/784-2695 (Arlington) or 817/589-0523 (Hurst) or visit puttputt.com.
Rockwood Go-Karts and Mini Golf
Treat your older kids to a thrilling day out at Rockwood. After you take a lap or two around the go-kart track, play a round of Putt-Putt at this Fort Worth fun center. The 18-hole mini golf course design intertwines with the statement waterfall feature, making for interesting holes that will test your putting skills.
Why we love it: When you’re ready to higher octane entertainment, go for the go-karts. Kids must be at least 10 years old and 56 inches tall to drive alone on their open-air track. But littler kids (must be 5 years old and 40 inches tall) can ride as passenger and grip their own faux steering wheel.
Where: 700 N. University Drive, Fort Worth
When: Open daily. Sunday–Thursday noon–9pm; Friday noon–10pm; Saturday 9am–10pm
Cost: $8 for mini golf. $8 per go-kart race; free under passengers under 12.
Want more info? Follow on Instagram, call 817/626-1913 or visit rockwoodgokarts.com.
Indoor Putt-Putt in Fort Worth
Lunar Mini Golf
Step out of the heat and into space at this alien-themed indoor Putt-Putt course. The black lit holes light up with rocket ships and UFOs—just some of the distractions to challenge your child’s concentration. There are also ramps, loop-de loops, bridges and blockades standing guard against holes in-one.
Why we love it: Admission includes two rounds of 18-hole miniature golf and one shot at the prize hole at the end.
Where: Grapevine Mills, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine
When: Open daily. Monday–Saturday 10am–9pm; Sunday 11am–7pm
Cost: $9 adults; $8 seniors and military/veterans; $6 for children ages 3–5. $8 per player for groups of 5 or more.
Want more info? Follow on Facebook and Instagram, call 817/422-1771 or visit glowminigolf.com.
Top photo courtesy of Putt-Putt Fun Center
