I have an on-again, off-again relationship with mini golf. When I was a kid, I shrugged off bad scores and figured I was still learning. But then I met a cave hole full of rocks and frustration. I swung like I was on a par 3 tee box, hitting every wall in sight and making zero progress toward the hole. I knew then that I needed a break from the game. When I finally gave it another shot, I was surprisingly decent, apparently time (and maybe a little humility) helped.

My most recent game was last summer, and I left thinking I probably wouldn’t be back for at least a year. My score wasn’t the issue, it was the challenge of keeping things on track with kids in tow. I’ve since realized that with kids, it’s best played man-to-man, not zone coverage. That way everyone gets to focus, have fun, and maybe even finish the course.

But now? I think we’re ready for a rematch.

If you're feeling that same itch for some low-stakes competition, the Farmington Valley has plenty of places to grab a putter and test your luck. The big highlight this August, mark your calendar for the 17th, is the Farmington Miniature Golf Tournament. It’s a beloved annual event that raises money for the Jimmy Fund and UConn Children’s Cancer Fund. It's the perfect way to round out summer. With the event just around the corner, now’s the time to practice and sign up.

But don’t stop there. Here are a few more local courses to check out before school’s back in session:

Farmington Mini Golf Course, Farmington

The tournament's home base and a local go-to for a reason. The course offers a nice mix of challenge & charm, and when you're done, there's ice cream on site, including dairy-free flavors, making it an easy win with kids (and adults).

Matterhorn Mini Golf, Canton

A Swiss-themed course that’s full of personality, and the 2024 Best of Connecticut award winner for a reason. Expect clever obstacles, fun facts tucked throughout the course, and a scoop shop with delicious ice cream to sweeten the deal. They host their own tournament in September, so if August is too soon, you’ve got a second chance to compete. 

Riverside Miniature Golf, Unionville

Right on the Farmington River, this scenic course offers breezy summer vibes and shady spots that are perfect for a casual game. It’s also a short walk from the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, so you can make a day of it. Bonus: ice cream available here too. 

Hidden Valley Mini Golf, Southington

A little outside the Valley, but worth the drive. The course is beautifully maintained and full of visual appeal, but the real treat? The on-site restaurant, beer garden, play area and outdoor dining patio. You can make this a kid-AND-parent outing with zero guilt.

Mark your calendar for these can't-miss happenings around the Valley.

Next up in your thought-provoking reads: a haunting exploration of guilt, memory, and the weight of the past that will stay with you long after the final page. If you're drawn to powerful historical fiction that grapples with moral complexity, this one demands your attention.

💔 All the Broken Places by John Boyne

A gripping and morally complex novel that follows Gretel, now 91 years old, as she confronts the devastating secrets of her Nazi past when a Jewish family moves into her London apartment building—forcing her to reckon with a lifetime of silence and complicity in unthinkable horrors.

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.

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