It is a well known fact that for children to play is to learn. This is amply demonstrated when children play miniature golf. There are so many educational benefits that for children it should be called “maxi-golf”.

The most apparent benefit is the physical activity of playing miniature golf. It has been said that a golfer can burn up to 350 calories in an hour of golf. Kids may or may not need to burn calories to lose weight, but they do need to burn energy so they can focus during quiet study times. Playing miniature golf gives kids a chance to relax, swing a golf club, chase a ball, and chase their friends around the course. The walk is steady enough to provide a good solid cardio workout for a typical child. Swinging a stick works the large muscle groups in the arms, while squatting and bending also work the large muscles in the legs. Obviously, when it comes to a miniature golf course, the bigger the better when it comes to good physical training for children. The best physical activity is possible if the course also has multiple levels that must be reached by climbing steps and slopes. Look for a great multi-level course if you want to provide maximum physical benefits for your children. The other great advantage of the courses for children is the fact that most of them are outdoors. Children need fresh air and sunshine, and a putting green is a great place for them to receive this necessary health benefit. An added value to physical activity is the restful sleep that a child will have after playing an afternoon of golf.

There are also educational benefits when children play golf. First and foremost is the hand-eye coordination required to play. This translates into better reading and thinking. Second, the logic required for children to adjust their swing while shooting at the target also helps children learn to think. They also unconsciously acquire decision-making tools at the same time. The interaction of adults will exponentially increase the learning benefits of children playing golf. The best mini golf courses have themes, usually a geographic or historical theme. Even those that have a theme set in fantasy or fiction lend themselves to creative thinking. An adult, be it a teacher or a parent, can, with creative questions, make a child imagine, create and dream while observing her surroundings. By asking questions about the environment throughout the game, an adult can help the child be intentional about the observation. Later, creative writing assignments can be the springboard for an afternoon of golf. Even math skills can be taught strategically. Using the ‘pair’ for each throw, a child can perform simple mathematical operations; addition and subtraction based on the throws of it, or more sophisticated mathematical functions like probability and percentages. Miniature golf is often therapeutic for kids who have trouble concentrating. The very nature of playing golf demands a higher level of concentration.

An overlooked benefit of children playing miniature golf is the social skills that can be developed. Children are naturally competitive. But golf is about competing with yourself, eliminating the bickering that can often occur with team competition. Children who play in a group have plenty of time to socialize and interact with each other while waiting for those in front of them to finish playing. It also teaches patience and tolerance, especially with guidance from an intelligent adult. Playing miniature golf with the kids can bring families together because it gives them time for real conversation away from the TV, computers, and cell phones. Parents should take advantage of this and refrain from using their own cell phones. Teachers who bring their entire class to play may find unlikely friendships formed when kids mingle, often talking to kids who aren’t their usual best friends.

There is something about a beautiful day, friendly competition and a fantastic environment that promotes physical, mental and social activity. Parents bring their family. Teachers take your class. Mini Golf offers all this for children.