Mini Golf Courses Near Syracuse to Add to Your Summer Bucket List

Nothing quite says summer like an evening at a miniature golf course, competing with your friends and celebrating with ice cream. Lucky for us, there are several great mini golf courses in Syracuse and surrounding areas. Windmills, ramps, tunnels, waterfalls, and more challenges wait for you. The epitome of summertime childhood birthday parties can be for adults too! So grab a few friends and challenge each other to a tournament of mini golf champions.

Big Don’s Wild River Mini Golf

Located along Route 31 in Cicero, Big Don’s Mini Golf has been a favorite of mine for years. The course is well-designed, with the holes winding their way along a “river” and around a waterfall. Large wildlife figures are scattered throughout the property, imitating the nature of Upstate New York.

One of the unique things about Big Don’s is that many of the holes have spinners. Before taking their first put, each player spins for a random bonus or penalty on the hole. This might mean having a friend be an obstacle on the course, putting with your eyes closed, or moving someone else’s ball. No matter what, it adds an element of fun and surprise to the game.

Admission

A round of 18 holes at Big Don’s will cost you $9. Or $8 if you’re a child, senior, or military. Fancy a second round? That will only be $2.50. Discounts are also given if you purchase multiple activities at the same time.

Weekly Specials, Memorial Day through Labor Day:

Mondays – Get a free maze pass with the purchase of bear cub village admission.
Tuesdays – Get a FREE medium ice cream cone with a round of mini golf or laser tag.
Wednesdays – Spend over $10 and spin the prize wheel. Spend over $25 and spin twice.
Thursdays – Play 2 rounds of mini golf and get a small beverage for the price of one round.
Fridays – Buy two activities, get a third for FREE.

Other Activities

In addition to mini golf, Big Don’s has a ton of outdoor activities. There’s a maze, laser tag, gem mining, coin hunting, a climbing wall, and a water gun course. Plus they’ve added a “Bear Cub Village” with activities designed for younger kids.

Big Don’s Wild River Mini Golf
8408 Button Road
Cicero, NY

Fairmount Glen

The oldest of the mini golf courses in Syracuse is also consistently rated the best. Fairmount Glen is celebrating 75 years of being in business this year. And their popularity has only grown over time.

Admission

The cost to play at Fairmount Glen is $10 for a round of 18 holes. But they also offer discount packages. For $15, you can play as much as you want for two hours. $20 will get your three rounds, and they can be used on different days (by the same person). For $85, you can get 10 rounds of mini golf that can be used on different days and shared among friends or family. Children 5 and under are FREE with a paying adult.

Other Activities

Who needs other activities when you do one so well?

Fairmount Glen
210 Onondaga Road
Syracuse, NY

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Hickory Hill

Located along the edge of a full-size golf course, Hickory Hill Mini Golf makes you feel like you’re putting on a large fairway. If the views weren’t enough to convince you, try the putting green before starting your round of mini golf. You’ll be back in the swing of things in no time!

The mini golf course is as well-maintained as the main 18, featuring waterfalls, caves, and sand traps. After you finish the round, treat yourself to some ice cream. The Hickory Hill Ice Cream Stand has some of the best ice cream in town.

Admission

Other Activities

Since it’s located at a regular golf course, visitors to Hickory Hill can enjoy playing on the full course or shooting balls at the driving range. The Sand Wedge is also a restaurant on the property if you’re interested in staying for dinner.

Hickory Hill Golf Course
3451 State Route 31
Baldwinsville, NY

Mr. Pudder’s

The newest mini golf course in the Syracuse area is also one of the oldest. Mr. Pudder’s in Skaneateles thrived for several years but eventually shut down, disappointing many who grew up playing there. In fact, Krissy and Mike Drake loved the course so much, they decided to purchase the neglected property in 2019. After two years of renovations, Mr. Pudder’s opened for the second time in 2021. Now they are ready to entertain a new generation of children and adults alike.

Admission

A round of mini golf at Mr. Pudder’s costs $9 for guests 10 and up, $7 for kids 5-9, and children 4 and under are FREE.

Other Activities

While mini golf is the main activity of choice here, don’t miss out on the snack shack. The brand new building is serving up burgers, sandwiches, and lots of ice cream.

Mr. Pudder’s
657 West Genesee Street
Skaneateles, NY

Shipwreck Amusements

Believe it or not, Shipwreck Amusements in Cortland is home to the longest mini golf hole in the world! Seriously. No, it’s not Chuckster’s in Vestal. They claim it, but they are wrong. The last hole of the outdoor course at Shipwreck Amusements is actually verified by the Guinness Book of World Records. I made a TikTok while walking the length of the hole (459.5 feet to be exact), and it went viral!

While the pirate-themed outdoor course is fantastic, the indoor course is just as great. The 18 holes are split into three sections – jungle, underwater, and pirate – and it’s all in the dark. Blacklight tape and paint are used throughout the building to make a fun, vibrant setting.

If you’re heading to Cortland, both of these mini golf courses need to be on your itinerary.

Admission

Each 18-hole course at Shipwreck Amusements is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (60+), or $7 for children 4-10. Do both the indoor and outdoor courses and save $2. Combination discounts are available if you purchase multiple activities.

Other Activities

Are two rounds of mini golf not enough? Try their target paintball range. The little kids will also enjoy treasure hunting and stuffed animal activities.

Shipwreck Amusements
759 State Route 13
Cortland, NY