Top Golf with Kids
I took the kiddos to the new Top Golf in Birmingham, Alabama, and I have to say, we had a great time.
Honestly, I was expecting a driving range, but it was so much more than that. Imagine going bowling with your friends or family, but instead of bowling, you are golfing. There are several tables and chairs (some sofas) where everyone can sit and wait their turn (or eat and drink). There are speakers playing fun music from all decades, and there are pool tables and Foosball tables to kill some time if you do have to wait for a table. It is a very fun atmosphere.
Top Golf uses a microchip technology – basically, each golf ball has a computer chip that measures where your ball goes, how far you hit, etc. There are a few games to choose from – some games require you hit certain targets, and some see how far you hit and how close you get to flags on the field (see GAMES Below).
The nice thing about Top Golf is that you get a host/hostess who explains the rules and helps you set up your account. They also come by to check on you and will bring you any drinks or food you would like. They also will bring you some kids’ golf clubs if there are children in your party.
One side of the building is like a hotel that has been cut in half. Each section faces out to the field with the targets.
Games
Simply choose your game on a touch-screen and sign in the names of your players (only six players at a time, per table). When it’s your turn, slide your club over a spot on the dispenser. Then your ball (with the microchip) comes out. All you have to do is hit the ball.
Top Golf offers a variety of games, and we chose the Top Golf game since it was our first visit. We hit the golf balls trying to hit certain targets on the field to earn points.
The Games
- The Basic Top Golf– Score points by hitting targets
- Top Scramble– Play on teams for the top score
- The Top Pressure– Three levels, hitting nine sections in the yellow target without hitting one section twice.
- Top Chip– A short game where you earn points for hitting the correct targets.
- The Top Shot– Tests your accuracy, you choose your target at first then you’re challenged to hit other targets.
- Top Score– Earn extra points when you hit the farthest target and the closer you get to the center flag.
- The Top Contender– This game is only available for events, leagues and the Topgolf Tour
- Top Drive– This games is for those who want to hit the farthest targets.
Food & Drink
Photos Above: Burger with Fries, Chocolate Chip Cookie Smore’s, and a HUGE Chicken Sandwich with Tater Tots (served in a cute frying basket).
We actually ended up eating at the restaurant inside Top Golf since we hadn’t made a reservation (for the game) and had to wait for our Que to open up (and we were STARVING). The food is casual with a slightly sophisticated flair. They serve burgers, sandwiches, salads (Gluten-Free), flatbread pizzas. The kiddos also found several options on the kid’s menu.
I didn’t get a picture of the Jumbo Pretzel Board, but here is a photo from the website:
Above photo via
The board consists of a HUGE Pretzel topped with Genoa salami, jalapeño sausage, prosciutto, pepper jack & cheddar cheese, gala apples, red grapes, blackberries, and candied pecans. My favorite part was the spicy Dijon and the beer cheese sauce that is served on the side.
Top Golf also has a bar in the restaurant, and I think the first ten pages of the menu is alcoholic beverage options. So, if you want food or drinks, there is something for everyone, and the food and drinks are served in the restaurant/bar area as well as the golfing Que’s.
See full Menu HERE
Top Golf Locations (As of December 2017)
- Birmingham, Alabama
- Huntsville, Alabama
- Nashville, Tennesee
- Alpharetta, Georgia
- Atlanta Midtown, Georgia
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Orlando, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Roseville, California
- Centennial, Colorado
- Gilbert, Arizona
- Tuscon, Arizona
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Naperville, Illinois
- Woodsdale, Illinois
- Fishers, Indiana
- Overland Park, Kansas
- Nashville, Tennesse
- Hillsboro, Oregon
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- West Chester, Ohio
- Edison, New Jersey
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Allen, Texas
- Austin, Texas
- The Colony, Texas
- Dallas, Texas
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Houston, Texas
- San Antonio, Texas
- Spring, Texas
- Webster, Texas
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Loudoun, Virginia
There are several Top Golf Locations that will be opening soon. See the full list HERE.
Top Golf Info
I have to say that Top Golf is a great place to take kids for a few hours of fun. Some of my friends have been on weekend night, and they have noticed that the later times are more of a “party” or “club-y” atmosphere. We have only visited during the day since it’s less expensive.
Here in Alabama, it costs each person $5 for a Lifetime Membership, or you can opt for a one time use membership which is also $5. You get a membership card and it can be used each time you visit so that you don’t have to pay the $5 again.
If you visit between 9 am and noon, the cost to play is $25 per hour for up to 6 people. Between noon and 4 pm, the cost is $35 per hour for up to 6 players. From 4 pm to midnight/ 2 am, the cost is $45 per hour for 6 players.
We golfed for about 2 hours, but noticed the kids losing their interest shortly after the first hour. Top Golf offers an option to play for 1 1/2 hours, and I think that’s the option we will choose next time.
If you have a Top Golf near you or see one in a city you are visiting, you might want to give it a try. I think you and the kiddos will love it like we did!
Top Golf WEBSITE
Sounds like a lovely place for the whole family. I love that they have everything you need to make the day relaxing and fun for the kids. The restaurant sounds awesome as well.
Yes, you’re so right, Ann Marie. There was plenty of food and drink and the golf games were so much fun! The whole family enjoyed it!
I’ve never heard of this and I’m missing out. I’ve always been a fan of learning golf with my friends and kids and Top Golf’s centers sound like the perfect place for us. It’s good that they have one in Jacksonville!
It’s a great place to learn. I don’t think I ever hit a ball – I’m horrible! I was better at eating all the food and cheering everyone on.
My husband loves golf! We’ve always wanted to take the kids to Top Golf but didn’t know what it was all about. Thanks for the info!
Your husband and kiddos will be in heaven!
This is such a great way to bond with family member and I will certainly go there for the food. Looks amazing!
It’s a great way to let go of all distractions and just relax and laugh and have fun.
I really wish we have something like this close by. I entered my son in a class and he didn’t like it at first but towards the end of the course, he seemed to have finally gotten to. Now he wants to find something like this with my husband! And he’s only 7!
Whoa! That’s awesome that he is learning golf and he’s only 7. Top Golf is more for fun, but some people are really good – they hit all the targets and hit the ball really far.
Looks like you and the fam had a fab time! I’m not into golfing but it sure looks like you all enjoyed yourselves 🙂
We really did, Carina! I’m not into golf either – in fact, I’m horrible and I NEVER hit a ball – but I had such a fun time. I’d love to do it again.
We have spring break coming up, and I’ve planned nothing for the kids. Top Golf sounds like so much fun! You can make it a whole day with golfing and dining.
This would be perfect! You guys will have a great time, Melanie!
I have never been to Top Golf. There is one near us and my husband has gotten to go for work. I want to definitely check it out.
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it, Rachel! I think you will too. Even if you’re not crazy about golf, you can go with friends and eat and drink and laugh. It’s a fun atmosphere.
This is such a smart way to teach children about golf, and the game. The food also looks delicious to keep us all fed while we play. Sounds like a great fun altogether! =)
Yes! I was surprised at how good the food was and there is a restaurant and bar inside, but they will deliver food to your que where you are playing golf also. My kiddos loves practicing their swing. They had only played Mini Golf before (which they also love).
Aww, man… none in canada? That looks really neat. I’ve been to driving ranges before, etc. but never one with a touch screen thing like that!
Maybe they’ll start building some in Canada. They seem to be really expanding right now! I’m surprised that there are 2 here in Alabama.
This place is the best alternative to family-friendly fun! WIth a state of the art facility and lots of helpful staffs.
It’s a really cool place, Calleigh! And the technology is amazing to me.
Top Golf is the best! We love going. I love how unique the course is and going with family makes it so entertaining!
I’m so glad you had a good time. Lisa! It is a great place to laugh and have fun with the family.
Oh this looks like a really fun outing for families! 🙂 Thank you for sharing! This will be so much fun for someone. xx
Thanks, Megan! It is a really fun place!
It looks like a really nice family time out. The smores look absolutely incredible. I am glad you had a lovely time.
Those smores were the BOMB! We ordered two plates of those babies and they disappeared!
I’m lost with golf but my friends talk about it so much.. I saw photos of chocolate chips.. It made me crave for more!
Oh, yeah! It’s going just to get your hands on those chocolate chip cookie smores. And you could always just go and watch and laugh at your friends.
Oh wow, that looks like a ton of fun for the whole family. Plus the food looks amazing. I know I haven’t seen that at any golf range before.
It was so much fun!
There is not a Top Golf by us but then there is not much of anything near us. I have started jotting names of places the family might want to visit while on vacation down. This way one of the adults can just google it. My grandchildren would really like this place and the adults probably as well if not for the games, for the different kind of restaurant.
I know, Gladys. I live in the boonies and we have to drive an hour to get to Birmingham or Huntsville. It’s worth the trip though. It’s so much fun!
I’ve taken my kids and they loved it! Definitely a great experience.
I’m so glad to hear that you liked it! I try to write about/only recommend places that I think families will enjoy, so I’m glad to hear that your family enjoyed it.
Loveeee TOP GOLF, played it at the F1 races in Austin and really really enjoyed it! Great idea to take kids, hopefully I can play with my niece and nephew soon.
Glad you loved it, Noelle! Everytime I drive by the one in Birmingham and Huntsville the parking lot is PACKED! It seems to be really popular!
It looks so beautiful! I am sure everyone had a great time!
We had a blast, Cristina!
Sounds like a fun place for kids! Pinned.
Thank you Veronica! It was a lot of fun!
My family would have so much fun here! The Chocolate Chip Cookie Smore’s look incredible!
It really was a lot of fun, Natalie. It was better than I expected. The Cookie Smores were also a big hit with the kids and adults. We actually made some similar at home with warm chocolate chip cookies and marshmallow fluff. They were pretty good!