Mini Golf - Maxwell Fun Center, Sonoma

Mini golf is an activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. But if you’re unsure whether or not your preschooler is ready for the experience, Maxwell Fun Center in Sonoma is a great place to give it a try. It’s relatively inexpensive and the 18 holes are close together, making it a quick round of golf perfect for short attention spans. With a small arcade and simple snacks for sale, you and your preschooler will have an excellent time putting around.

If you head toward Sonoma on Highway 12, before you reach the turn onto Napa Road, there is a Lucky’s and Rite Aid shopping center on the right hand side. Way in the back corner, next to Lucky’s is where you will find the “club house.” $8.75 will get you and your preschooler each a putter (one adult size and one kid size) and ball, then you are ready to hit the greens.

After a quick (or not so quick depending on your preschooler) 18 holes, it’s time to hit the arcade. It is a tokens only arcade but most games only take one token so you can have a lot of fun for a few dollars. A lot of the games are simple enough for preschool age children to enjoy – Skeet Ball, Smash the Spider, Flip a Token, Drive a Car – and there are a few for the older crowd if you happen to bring siblings along. They also sell snacks in the arcade such as popcorn, mini pizzas, and drinks but unless you are famished, I’d say skip the food and eat elsewhere.

All in all, it is a simple small town activity perfect for an afternoon of fun.

Advantages to Preschoolers

The casual atmosphere of the place lends itself well to the inexperienced mini golfer. It’s not crowded so you don’t have to hurry and it’s OK if your preschooler just wants to roll the ball and drop it in the hole. Show them how to do it “correctly,” then let them give it a try their own way. If you take this approach, you are bound to have fun.

Because it is such a small course, you can make it through pretty quickly which is great for the short attention span of preschoolers. And if he/she just isn’t into it, stop at hole 9 and have a little fun in the arcade.

Disadvantages to Preschoolers

Mini golf can prove to be a little difficult for the younger ones. The coordination needed to hit such a small little ball takes time to perfect. Just keep this in mind be sure to make it a fun experience no matter what technique your preschooler wants to try.

Details

Maxwell Fun Center
19171 Sonoma Highway
Sonoma, CA 95476
707-996-3616