Family Friendly Topgolfin’

This post was written as part of a collaboration with Topgolf; however, all opinions shared here are those of the contributor who wrote them.

Confession time. Even though I live just a few blocks from Overland Park’s Topgolf, it intimidates me. I took golf lessons as a child and all I remember is tears of frustration and the thrill of riding in a golf cart. So when the Kansas City Moms Blog team was invited to find out why Topgolf is one of our best local, family-friendly attractions, I nervously accepted.

What I found out: Topgolf is a place where most anyone, from amateur golfers like myself to seasoned pros and even my five-year-old son, can have a great time. Last week, our team enjoyed a tour of Topgolf’s laid back Overland Park facilities which include free X-Box games, pool tables, comfy seating and of course, three floors with more than 100 bays for golfing. Topgolf is open year round with the help of fans and heaters.

The full bar and restaurant, including a pretty sweet rooftop terrace, make it a full experience. Our favorite appetizer was the Mushi (pictured here); think Mexican sushi. Delish.

We started our golf adventure with tips from Director of Instruction, Alex Pisano. He started with four boys, some as young as five years old, who were anxious to learn the game. He had both the patience and ability to teach the kids a basic swing; one of our team members said, “he had the patience of a preschool teacher!” Note: In the end, my son determined that throwing golf balls like baseballs is much easier than trying hit them with a club. No reflection on your teaching ability, Alex.

Topgolf has junior clubs for kids (and regular size clubs for teens/adults) so you can learn the game without the cost of equipment. All club use is included in the cost of your visit. The micro-chip tracking of the golf balls means you can practice your swing by trying to hit colored targets or you can set up friendly competition with the others in your bay.

Prices are per hour, per bay and as expected, have longer waits and higher prices on weekends. If you go during a prime time, get on the waiting list and then head to dinner and shopping at Town Center or Park Place before you play.

Family-Friendly Topgolfin'Topgolf offers birthday party packages where the bays are at ground level and have more room on couches for active party guests. For $25 a kid, you get two hours of playing time plus food from the tasty menu.

For a real taste of the golf experience, Topgolf offers a Summer Academy for kids ages 6-12 or 13-16. Space is still available in all weekly sessions ($199/week), which run through August 12, from 9 a.m. – noon. Most campers have never golfed before, and Topgolf’s Summer Academy allows them to learn the basics in a non-intimidating environment. Lunch is included with the menu selection made by parents in advance.

The Academy also includes:

  • Free Lifetime Membership Card
  • Free gift bag of Topgolf gear
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Daily lunch

Give yourself the morning off, and let your kids learn a new sport by registering today.

Sarah McGinnity
Sarah grew up in Manhattan, Kansas (Go Cats!), she moved to Minnesota where she met her husband, Shea. Realizing how much she hated snow in May, she convinced him to move to Kansas City in 2010. Together they have lived in Midtown, Waldo, the Plaza, and now Overland Park. Sarah is mom to 10-year-old, Henry, 7-year-old Clark and 5-year-old Lucy. She has her master’s in urban administration and is passionate about making Kansas City a more equitable and supportive community. In between the crazy, she likes to drink coffee, run, hike, travel as much as possible, and experience all things Kansas City!