It’s generally accepted that it was the Scottish who invented golf in the Middle Ages, but where did miniature golf originate?
The history of mini-golf dates back almost a hundred years, beginning with the creation of a mini-golf course at a hotel called Fairyland Inn to reinforce its fantastical, Neverland theme. By the 1930s, there were more than 25,000 courses in the United States.
Since then, mini golf has been one of the games that characterize fun, frequently played at amusement parks, at birthday parties, and, of course, while on vacation. While the fad has waned, there are still an estimated 5,000 mini golf courses in the country, including three great options right here in Fort Myers Beach.
Whether you’re looking to host a kids’ birthday party, a family event, or just enjoy a day out of the sun and sand, golf on Fort Myers Beach is the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon. Here are a few of the best sports to play mini golf near Fort Myers, FL, for a day of family fun off the beach.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
This 18-hole adventure course would make the game’s inventors proud. The mini golf course winds through caves, around pirate ships, under waterfalls, and alongside live alligators.
Each of their five Florida locations has an Educational American Alligator Exhibit with up to 30 live alligators. For an extra bit of fun (and learning!) kids can feed alligators using a fishing pole. Watch alligators sunbathe on the dock, sliding into the swampy water only to feed.
Not surprisingly, this course has won best mini golf course in the state five years running. It’s open 365 days per year from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you can play anytime during your vacation – even on public holidays.
JungleGolf Ft. Myers
As the name suggests, this course gives families the chance to play mini-golf under a canopy of tropical forest.
Players will feel like explorers searching for lost treasure as they move from hole to hole across streams, by waterfalls, and around mysterious lagoons. Putt through swaying palms and thick jungle shrubs, with challenging obstacles, including elephants, giraffes, and tortoises (fake ones, here).
With a mission to make your vacation just a little more fun, JungleGolf features impressive landscaping, bright tropical flowers, and rushing streams, along with clean facilities and friendly staff. They have regular events, discounts on holidays, and mini golf tournaments.
JungleGolf is considered to be one of the best Fort Myers Beach mini-golf places and has won many awards for its course. JungleGolf is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. – play at night for an exciting mini golf experience.
Zoomers Amusement Park
Zoomers Amusement Park can bring out the kid in just about anyone.
This Fort Myers park has just about everything, including an outdoor mini-golf course. Take a shot at their 18-hole mini golf course on “Voodoo Island.” Try to break the curse by getting a hole-in-one at this fun mini golf near Fort Myers, Florida.
Come for the mini golf, stay for the other attractions and events at Zoomers. The park also has go-carts with three different courses designed for all ages. The amusement park also has rides, such as the Cobra Rollercoaster, a tilt-a-whirl, and a dry slide, their newest attraction. They also have a site where kids can pan for gold and a family-friendly arcade.
Zoomers is part indoors and outdoors, so it can be a good rainy-day activity for the whole family. The amusement park is open morning to evening, with varying seasonal hours.
For the perfect Fort Myers Beach vacation, search our beachfront vacation rentals for you and your family.
With beachfront rentals, vacation homes across from the beach, condominiums, and multi-bedroom homes with pools, we have an unbeatable variety of vacation properties. Our rentals are also located close to downtown Fort Myers, with its restaurants, sights, and attractions.
