Mini Golf in Atlanta: Best Courses, Tips, and Local Favorites ⛳
Mini golf in Atlanta, Georgia is more than just a rainy-day backup plan. Around the metro area you’ll find everything from glow-in-the-dark indoor courses to outdoor, landscaped layouts that feel almost like real golf—just with more windmills and waterfalls.
Whether you live in Atlanta, are visiting for a weekend, or planning a birthday or date night, this guide walks through where to play mini golf in Atlanta, what to expect, costs, parking, and local tips.
Types of Mini Golf Experiences in Atlanta
Around Atlanta you’ll run into a few main styles of mini golf:
- Classic outdoor mini golf – Traditional putt-putt style with water features, hills, and themed holes. Good for families and groups.
- Indoor / glow-in-the-dark mini golf – Blacklight courses, neon artwork, and music. Great for hot summer days or rainy afternoons.
- Mini golf inside entertainment centers – Part of a larger complex with arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, food, and more.
- Bar-style or social mini golf (21+) – Putt-putt paired with drinks, music, and a more adult crowd, often in-town.
Knowing which type you want makes it easier to narrow down the best mini golf spot near your part of metro Atlanta.
Popular Mini Golf Spots in and Around Atlanta
The specific venues and offerings can change, but these general areas and types of facilities are where many Atlanta residents and visitors find mini golf options.
1. Intown & Close to Downtown Atlanta
If you’re staying in Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or Buckhead, you’ll mostly see:
Indoor or bar-focused mini golf
Often located near busy nightlife or mixed-use developments, these may:- Target adults and older teens
- Offer food and full bars
- Use digital scorekeeping or themed, Instagram-friendly decor
- Have more of a lounge or social-club vibe than a kids’ amusement park
Mini golf inside family entertainment centers
Some in-town or near-in-town complexes include:- Arcades
- Bowling
- Laser tag or VR
- Party rooms
Because intown space is tight, parking can be limited or paid, especially near Midtown or the BeltLine. If you’re coming from outside the Perimeter, check:
- Whether the venue validates parking
- If it’s in a mixed-use building with a shared deck
- If nearby MARTA rail or bus routes are convenient
2. North Metro (Perimeter, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, Alpharetta)
North of Atlanta, along GA-400 and I-285, you’ll generally find:
Larger outdoor mini golf courses
These often have:- Multiple 18-hole courses
- Waterfalls, bridges, and caves
- Night lighting for evening play
- Nearby go-karts and batting cages in the same complex
Suburban family fun centers
North Fulton and East Cobb tend to have:- More parking and larger lots
- Frequent kids’ birthday parties
- Packages that combine mini golf with arcade credits or attractions
If you’re in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, or Alpharetta, mini golf is often paired with:
- Nearby fast-casual restaurants
- Shopping centers and movie theaters
- Playgrounds or parks, depending on the development
3. East, West, and South Metro Areas
If you live or are staying outside the city, you’ll see a mix of:
- Standalone mini golf centers – Often older, budget-friendly, and very casual.
- Mini golf in bowling alleys or recreation complexes – Sometimes a smaller 9-hole layout.
- County or city recreation facilities – In some suburbs, mini golf may be part of a public or semi-public recreation area.
Areas like Marietta, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Stone Mountain, and Peachtree City are commonly associated with family-oriented recreation and may offer mini golf as part of a broader activity day.
What Mini Golf in Atlanta Usually Costs
Prices vary by venue and day of the week, but across metro Atlanta, people commonly see:
- Per round pricing (often 18 holes)
- Discounts for kids, seniors, or weekday play
- Combo packages if the course is tied to an arcade, go-karts, or laser tag
A typical visit for a family of four might include:
- 1 round of mini golf each
- Drinks or snacks
- Optional arcade games or a second activity
Many Atlanta-area courses also offer:
- Group rates for schools and youth groups
- Birthday party packages with reserved tables and pizza
- Corporate or team-building reservations for large groups
To avoid surprises, it helps to:
- Check weekend vs. weekday rates
- Ask if replays are discounted the same day
- Confirm taxes and required deposits for group bookings
When to Go: Best Times for Mini Golf in Atlanta
Atlanta’s weather and traffic patterns matter more than you might expect.
Weather Considerations
- Summer (June–September):
Outdoor mini golf can be very hot and humid midday. Many locals prefer:- Evenings after sunset
- Late mornings before peak heat
- Spring and fall:
Often the most comfortable times to play outdoors. - Rainy days or extreme heat:
Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf becomes more popular and can be crowded, especially on weekends and school holidays.
Crowd Levels
Mini golf crowds in Atlanta often spike:
- Friday nights and Saturday afternoons/evenings
- During school breaks (spring break, summer, Thanksgiving week, winter holidays)
- On long holiday weekends
If you prefer a quieter experience:
- Aim for weekday afternoons or early evenings
- Consider Sunday mornings or early afternoons before crowds build
What to Expect at an Atlanta Mini Golf Course
While each venue is different, many Atlanta-area mini golf spots share similar basics.
Course Layout & Difficulty
- Most courses have 18 holes, though some have 9 or multiple 18-hole layouts.
- Difficulty ranges from very easy (family-friendly, flat designs) to more challenging (elevated greens, bank shots, tricky slopes).
- Themed holes might include:
- Water obstacles and fountains
- Tunnels, ramps, and bridges
- Moving parts like spinning wheels or swinging obstacles
Families with young kids usually do well on simpler, brightly themed courses. Teens and adults sometimes seek out more challenging or creatively designed layouts.
Typical Rules and Policies
Policies vary by location, but many Atlanta mini golf venues commonly:
- Require a paid wristband, ticket, or receipt to access the course
- Limit number of players per hole to keep things moving
- Ask groups to let faster players play through
- Prohibit outside food and drinks, especially if they sell concessions
- Have age restrictions for late-night or bar-focused mini golf areas
If you’re planning a group outing, it helps to:
- Ask whether advance reservations are needed
- Check any age limits or ID requirements if alcohol is served
- Confirm how long a typical round takes (often 45–75 minutes, depending on crowds)
Planning a Mini Golf Outing in Atlanta
A little preparation makes mini golf in Atlanta smoother and more enjoyable.
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers or flat sandals work well)
- Light clothing and possibly a hat for outdoor courses in warm months
- A small bag if you’ll also visit the arcade or other attractions
- Water if allowed outdoors; otherwise plan to buy drinks
Many courses provide:
- Putters in various sizes
- Colored balls
- Scorecards and pencils (or digital scoring via app or kiosk)
Parking & Transportation Tips
Around metro Atlanta, parking situations differ by area:
Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead:
- Expect parking decks, surface lots, or street parking.
- Some mini golf locations validate parking for a set number of hours.
- MARTA rail or bus may be easier than driving during peak times.
Suburban areas (Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Lawrenceville, etc.):
- Most mini golf spots have on-site surface parking.
- Lots may fill during peak weekend hours or major local events.
If using a rideshare:
- Confirm the pickup/drop-off point—some mixed-use developments have specific rideshare zones.
- Allow extra time if visiting on game days near stadiums or big event venues.
Mini Golf for Events: Birthdays, Dates, and Team Outings
Mini golf in Atlanta is popular for more than casual family nights.
Kids’ Birthday Parties 🎉
Many venues in the metro area offer:
- Party packages that combine mini golf with:
- Arcade credits
- Pizza and drinks
- A reserved party area or room
- Per-child pricing with a minimum headcount
- Options to bring your own cake (with restrictions on other outside food)
When planning:
- Ask about time limits for party rooms
- Confirm deposit and cancellation policies
- Check whether decorations are allowed and if they provide plates and utensils
Date Nights & Social Outings
For couples and adult friend groups, mini golf can be a laid-back alternative to a standard dinner or movie. In Atlanta, date-friendly options often include:
- Indoor glow courses with music and mood lighting
- Bar-style mini golf with cocktails or local beer
- Venues located near:
- Restaurants and dessert shops
- Movie theaters
- BeltLine entrances or walkable nightlife districts
If you’re planning a date:
- Consider evening tee times when lights and ambiance are at their best
- Check age restrictions; some adult-focused venues may be 21+ after a certain hour
Corporate & Group Events
Companies and organizations around Atlanta often use mini golf for:
- Team-building events
- Client entertainment
- Family days
Group options typically include:
- Block reservations of certain time slots
- Potential group discounts or per-person packages
- Options to add:
- Meeting room space
- Catered food
- Arcade or secondary attractions
For large groups, it’s wise to:
- Reserve well in advance, especially in spring and early summer
- Confirm maximum capacity per time slot
- Ask about rain plans if your event relies on outdoor courses
Quick Mini Golf Planner for Atlanta Residents & Visitors
Use this simple guide to narrow your options:
| Your Situation | Best Type of Mini Golf in Atlanta | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Family with young kids | Outdoor or indoor family-focused course in suburbs or near major shopping areas | Simple holes, party rooms, on-site food, easy parking |
| Teen group or friends | Larger entertainment center with mini golf + arcade | Combo packages, later hours, nearby food options |
| Summer date night in town | Indoor or bar-style mini golf near BeltLine, Midtown, or Buckhead | 21+ sections, drinks, walkable restaurants nearby |
| Corporate or team event | Course with group booking options and private space | Group rates, meeting/party rooms, flexible scheduling |
| Rainy day activity | Indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf | All-indoor layout, parking deck access |
Practical Tips for Enjoying Mini Golf in Atlanta
A few Atlanta-specific pointers can make your outing smoother:
- Plan around traffic. Atlanta rush hour can significantly extend drive times, especially on I-75/85, I-285, and GA-400. Build in extra time for evening or weekend games.
- Check for major events. If your mini golf spot is near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, or major festivals, expect heavier traffic and parking demand.
- Consider the heat index. In peak summer, late-afternoon heat can be intense on outdoor courses. Evening rounds are usually more comfortable.
- Watch for school schedules. Mini golf spots can be busier:
- After school lets out
- On teacher workdays and holidays
- During spring break weeks and summer vacation
How to Choose the Right Mini Golf Spot in Atlanta
When comparing Atlanta-area mini golf options, pay attention to:
- Location & drive time from where you’re staying or living
- Indoor vs. outdoor (especially for weather and temperature)
- Age-appropriateness (family-friendly vs. adult-oriented)
- Total cost once you include:
- Mini golf rounds
- Optional extra activities
- Food, drinks, and parking
- Accessibility needs, such as:
- Wheelchair access to the course
- Seating areas along the route
- Restrooms close to the course
Calling ahead or checking a venue’s information before you go can help you match the course to your group’s needs and avoid surprises.
Mini golf in Atlanta offers something for just about everyone—from families in the suburbs to couples in Midtown and corporate groups across the metro area. By considering location, weather, crowd levels, and the type of experience you want, you can easily find a course that fits your plans and enjoy a relaxed, memorable round of putt-putt in and around Atlanta.
