The summer holidays are almost here, and with schools breaking up in the second half of July, the great six-week countdown begins. If you are already wondering how to keep the kids active and off their screens without spending a fortune, you are not alone. The good news is that the answer is often right on your doorstep. A round of outdoor mini golf in the park is cheap, genuinely active and endlessly repeatable, which makes it one of the most reliable tools in any parent’s summer survival kit.
Six weeks is a long time: build an easy routine
The secret to surviving the summer holidays is not one big expensive day out, it is a handful of dependable, low-cost outings you can rotate through. Having a few go-to plans in your back pocket takes the pressure off, especially on the mornings when everyone is climbing the walls by ten o’clock. A trip to the park for a round of mini golf is exactly that kind of easy win: quick to organise, affordable, and always a hit.
Getting them moving without them noticing
Children are supposed to be active for around an hour a day, which is easier said than done during a long summer at home. The clever thing about mini golf is that it does not feel like exercise. Walking the course, lining up shots and dashing between holes all add up, and the kids are far too busy competing to notice they are getting their steps in. It is movement disguised as play, which is the only kind most children will happily sign up for.
The screen-free win
Everyone knows the summer screen struggle. Rather than fighting over the tablet, a morning out gives children something more rewarding to do with their hands and their attention. Fresh air, a bit of friendly competition and time with family beats another afternoon of scrolling hands down. If you would like more ideas along these lines, our post on enjoying leisure time on a budget is packed with inspiration.
Doing summer on a budget
Six weeks of paid attractions would empty any wallet. Because every Putt in the Park course sits in a free-to-enter public park, a day out can cost as little as a round of golf and a picnic on the grass. Add a wood-fired pizza from the clubhouse cafe if you fancy a treat, and you still have change compared with a theme park. It is affordable fun you can come back to again and again all summer long.
Rainy summer days and staying flexible
A British summer would not be complete without a few grey mornings. A passing shower rarely stops play, and every site has covered seating and a warm cafe if you need to pause. Keeping your plans loose means a changeable forecast never has to derail the day, and you can always pick up where you left off once the sun comes back.
Meeting up across our five parks
The summer holidays are made for playdates, cousins and catching up with friends. With four courses across London in Wandsworth Park, Battersea Park, Acton Park and Gunnersbury Park, plus Castle Park in Colchester, there is likely a course near you or your friends. Turning a get-together into a small group outing is easy, and if you want to make it a proper occasion our children’s parties have you covered.
Summer holiday mini golf: your questions answered
How much does a round cost?
Prices are kept affordable and vary a little by site, with family-friendly rates available. As the parks are free to enter, you only pay for the golf. Check your local course page for current prices.
Is there anything for the grown-ups while the kids play?
Yes. Grown-ups can play alongside the children or relax at the licensed clubhouse cafe with a coffee, a cold drink or a wood-fired pizza.
Can we bring a picnic?
The parks are perfect for a picnic on the grass, and the on-site cafe is there whenever you want to buy food and drinks instead.
How long does a round take?
A full round usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you are welcome to go at your own pace with younger children.
Make this the summer the screens stayed off. Find your nearest Putt in the Park and add an easy, active day out to your holiday routine.
References:
- UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines: children and young people should average at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity a day (2019).
- NHS guidance on reducing children’s screen time and encouraging active play during school holidays.
