Peter Pan Mini Golf is an Austin institution. Family owned and operated since 1946, it’s one-of-a-kind and uniquely Austin.
It’s hard to miss the giant, iconic statue on Barton Springs and South Lamar. The place is fun and memorable for people of all ages. On any given day you’ll see kids, adults, coworkers on “team building” excursions, locals and tourists alike all putting colored golf balls through strange things.
If you’ve never been but plan to check it off your Austin bucket list this summer, here are a few helpful tips:
It’s BYOB – This one is important, because if you didn’t know you might find yourself gazing longingly at someone else’s ice cold Pearl Light. Especially if it’s 95 degrees outside. The first time I went I showed up empty-handed. Rookie mistake. Just don’t bring glass. And of course, drink responsibly.
Bring Cash – Peter Pan Mini Golf doesn’t take credit or debit cards. They do have an ATM on sight so if you forget you’re not completely out of luck, but save yourself the trouble — and fees — and plan ahead.
Go at an Off-Peak Time – If possible, visit on a weekday or during the daytime. The parking lot is small, and because it’s such a cool place it can get crowded, especially on weekends. It’s easier to park and move through the course when it’s less busy. The only downside there is that the people watching isn’t quite as entertaining…
Pack Sunscreen & Bug Spray – Some of the course is in the shade, but a good bit is wide open. If you’re with (or stuck behind) a slow moving group you could be standing in the sun for quite a while. Also, if you plan to go at night bug spray isn’t a bad idea.
Bring Patience and a Sense of Humor – Let’s just say that if you’re in a hurry, Peter Pan Mini Golf probably isn’t your best bet. And if you’re ultra-competitive or take your mini golf very seriously it could be a recipe for disaster.
This place is laid back and designed for fun. It’s quirky. Eccentric. Made for everyone, which means you might get behind a party of 5 year olds and be there for quite a while. Just go with it. If you’ve followed tip #1 and BYOB’d it, you have nothing to worry about. Relax and enjoy.
Take a pic by the iconic Peter Pan – Of course you should! I don’t care how silly you feel posing with the green giant, you’ll regret it if you don’t. You want to prove to everyone you were there. Then again, the giant T-Rex makes for a nice photo opp, too.
Ausitn’s Peter Pan Mini Golf offers good, clean fun for people of all ages (clean being a relative term — bring hand sanitizer if you’re a germaphobe).
So this time, instead of just waving at Peter Pan as you drive by, pop in for a round.
Peter Pan Mini Golf
1207 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704 (map)
Hours of operation
Mon – Thurs 9am – 12 midnight
Fri – Sat 9am – 1am
Sun – 10am – 11 pm
