PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2020, and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it may also contain some outdated information. Please be sure to visit their website for the most up-to-date information, especially about things like hours & pricing.
2020 Post:
Thank you to Hidden Valley Miniature Golf and Waterfront Grille for providing us with a complimentary round of golf and meal for the purpose of writing this post. All opinions expressed by this blogger are 100% her own.
Hidden Valley Miniature Golf in Southington, CT just completed a major renovation. And the timing couldn’t be better!
Wait, what?
Yup! That’s right. I’ve got some good news for you. Pandemic or not, we’ve just found a new favorite spot for family fun.
It was almost like the Rossi family knew what was coming when they started making upgrades in the pre-COVID era. In addition to revamping their already beautiful mini golf course, Hidden Valley executed a massive expansion of their outdoor patio, effectively transforming their tiny snack bar into a full service restaurant right there on the course! (Please note that they did remove their batting cages, so that activity is no longer available.)
So now customers can enjoy a round of socially distant mini golf among the gorgeous landscape features and beneath the cooling shade of leafy canopy on an award-winning course, and follow that up with a delicious al fresco meal, snack or treat (not to mention the kids’ play area, which includes a 50 foot wooden train, pirate ship and shaded picnic grove). All outside. All socially distant. It’s like the pandemic isn’t even happening!
Well, almost.
In addition to respecting social distancing guidelines, Hidden Valley is asking customers to wear masks in the entrance area. However, out on the course, with families spaced well apart, it’s okay to take a mask break. And in the dining area too, of course.
But still, with all of the social distance naturally offered by the activity of mini golf, coupled with the open air restaurant, Hidden Valley Mini Golf is an ideal destination even during this COVID summer of 2020!
And a few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to have had the opportunity to check out the new features ourselves.
As I mentioned above, Hidden Valley Mini Golf is located in Southington, CT.
They are open daily during the season from 10:00am to 9:00pm (weather may impact hours, so please call ahead if there is rain; last round of golfers are admitted on the course at 8:15pm). We arrived bright and early on a Saturday morning. One plus of the pandemic is that it is not hard to convince my kids to get moving early– they are so happy to have somewhere to go besides the backyard! Haha!
Currently, it is CASH ONLY for mini golf admission (credit cards are accepted for food and ice cream).
The family took a few practice putts while I caught up with the owner, Paul Rossi and his son, Michael about some of the improvements.
Along with the major renovation to the patio and the elimination of the decreasingly popular batting cages, the entire course was refurbished, including the addition of two brand new holes and new elements throughout like areas of “rough” and “sand traps.”
Finally, my antsy crew couldn’t wait any longer (you’d think after almost 9 years of blog outings my kids would be used to my incessant question asking!). We began to play.
Mini golf is one of those great activities that works for so many ages and abilities. My 2 year old had a blast just whacking at the ball a few times and then picking it up and putting it in the hole (LOL). My 6 and 9 year olds oscillated between friendly competition and shenanigans. And my husband, the erstwhile obsessive golfer, was just happy to be holding a club of any sort. Meanwhile, I enjoyed all the beautiful backdrops for photos!
Fair warning: at hole 12 the kiddos will have a full view of the enticing play area. So be prepared to fend off requests to take a golf break!
After our round of golf, we headed back to the play/picnic area.
Next it was time to sample some lunch and ice cream at the Waterfront Grille. (I can’t tell you how excited I was that I was not going to have to cook a meal for a change. LOL.)
Table service is provided (so no crowding around a snack bar window! Another pandemic-friendly feature). The food is delicious and reasonably priced! You can check out their menu online.
And of course we couldn’t miss the ice cream. Hidden Valley serves Gifford’s ice cream, which is fantastic.
A beautiful day, a fun activity, a yummy meal (that I didn’t have to cook!). All in an environment that felt completely safe and socially distant (by COVID standards).
Turns out the summer of 2020 won’t be a complete wash after all 🙂
Hope your family gets a chance to visit Hidden Valley Mini Golf soon. It’s the stay-cation we all need right now!
Hidden Valley Miniature Golf and Waterfront Grille
2060 West St Southington, CT 06489
Find them on Facebook and Instagram!
Hours:
(Seasonal)
10am – 9pm Daily
Weather may impact hours, so please call ahead if there is rain. Last round of golfers are admitted on the course at 8:15pm.
Pricing:
(Per 18 Holes)
| Adults | $9.00 |
| Children (12 & Under) | $7.00 |
| Seniors | $7.00 |
| Military Veterans | $7.00 |
| Replay | $4.00 |
| Scorekeeper/Spectator | $4.00 |
All guests must show a valid government issued ID in order to obtain discounted rates.
All prices include taxes. CASH ONLY.
See Waterfront Grille Menu with pricing HERE. Credit and debit cards are accepted for food and ice cream purchases.
Details:
Stroller Friendly: NO. The course has a lot of stairs. That would be a bumpy ride for a stroller!
Coffee Mug Friendly: NO; outside food and beverages are not allowed anywhere on the property.
Restroom: YES. There are two single-person restrooms, which makes things very comfortable in this pandemic situation since you know there won’t be any close encounters of the indoor kind.
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES
Food for Sale: YES; full menu of food and ice cream available in their Waterfront Grille outdoor restaurant or just order ice cream from the ice cream window. (No eating or drinking on the golf course.)
Outside Food Allowed: NO; outside food and beverages are not allowed anywhere on the property.
Cash Required: YES for golf. Credit and debit cards are accepted for food and ice cream. There is an ATM located onsite.
Age Recommendations: Toddlers and up!
Dress Code: None (Unless you count masks, which they are asking customers to wear near the entrance area.)
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: Check out their $6 play all day special during the week! Be sure to follow their Facebook page for additional deals, discounts and special event notices.
Birthday Party Venue: YES. More info here.
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Based on the experience my friend Shawna shared at our recent book club, I decided to go to Hidden Valley Minigulf with my 3 children and 3 of their friends. We had a fantastic afternoon playing minigulf, the place was really quite beautiful, well maintained and the staff was friendly. We then wrapped our adventure up with decadent and delicious milk shakes with tasty fries and onion rings and enjoyed it in shady areas with plenty of space for social distancing. I will definitely go again and recommend this place for a fun afternoon or evening with friends and family.