Once the children are back at school and the summer crowds have thinned out, September quietly becomes one of the best months of the year for a family day out. The weather is often still mild, the parks are calmer, and there is a lovely golden light to early autumn afternoons. If you are looking for easy autumn family days out that reclaim your weekends after a hectic summer, a relaxed round of outdoor mini golf is hard to beat.
The best-kept secret of the calendar
Everyone piles into the parks in July and August, but September regulars know a secret: this is when it all gets a little more peaceful. Shorter queues, quieter greens and mild afternoons make for a far more relaxed visit. For pre-school families and grandparents especially, a midweek round in September is a gentle, unhurried treat with the place almost to yourselves.
Ease back into the weekend routine
The back-to-school weeks can feel like a whirlwind of packed lunches, homework and early alarms. Carving out a couple of hours in the park at the weekend is a simple way to reconnect as a family and shake off the week. There is no screen in sight, everyone is moving and chatting, and it sets a calm, positive tone for the term ahead.
Make the most of the mild weather
September often serves up some of the year’s most pleasant weather, warm enough for shirtsleeves but without the height-of-summer heat. It is ideal for being outdoors, and a round of mini golf is the perfect way to enjoy it. Wrap the visit around a wander through the park and a picnic on the grass while the leaves are just starting to turn, and you have a proper autumn afternoon.
Bring the dog for the walk
Crisp early-autumn air is made for dog walks, and our courses sit in open public parks where dogs are welcome on a lead. That means you can combine a family round with a proper stroll and let everyone, four-legged members included, enjoy the change of season. If your dog is central to your plans, our roundup of dog friendly activities in London has more ideas.
Coffee, cake and a warm cafe
As the afternoons cool, the clubhouse cafe comes into its own. Every course has a licensed cafe serving wood-fired pizza, cake, coffee and drinks, so you can warm up with a hot chocolate after your round or linger over lunch in the autumn sun. It is the cosy end to a day out that September does so well.
Find your nearest course
We have four outdoor courses across London in Wandsworth Park, Battersea Park, Gunnersbury Park and Acton Park, plus Castle Park in Colchester for families in Essex. Take a look at our booking guidelines and pick a slot to suit your new-term rhythm.
Autumn days out: your questions answered
Is September a good time to visit?
It is one of our favourite months. The weather is often mild, the parks are quieter than in high summer, and visits feel wonderfully relaxed.
Do we still need to book outside the holidays?
Weekends can still be busy, so booking ahead is wise. Midweek visits are usually quieter, but a quick reservation always guarantees your slot.
Is mini golf good for younger children?
Yes. The game naturally suits all ages, and younger players simply take a few extra turns. Our post on whether you can play mini golf at any age explains more.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. Our courses are in open parks, so well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome to join you for the day.
Reclaim your weekends this autumn. Find your nearest Putt in the Park and enjoy September at its quiet, golden best.
References:
- Met Office UK climate averages showing September temperatures often remaining mild across southern England.
- Historic England, Public Parks and Green Spaces research on the wellbeing value of time outdoors (2022).
