Orlando, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Family golf trips are evolving from traditional, quiet outings to vibrant adventures designed to engage kids and teens. Golf resorts are rethinking their offerings by prioritizing fun activities alongside golfing, ensuring kids remain entertained and engaged. With a significant increase in junior golf participation, resorts are now catering to young players with unique features and coaching programs, while providing a plethora of off-course activities like beach adventures and eco-tours. This shift is leading to more dynamic family vacations that blend golf with exciting experiences.
Orlando — Family Golf Vacations Get a Major Makeover to Keep Kids Happy and Hooked
New rules of the road: fun first, scorecards later
Family golf trips are shedding the stiff-collared image of scorecards and quiet greens. Resorts and courses are rethinking what a golf getaway should look like when tweens and teens are in the mix. The emphasis now is on playful variety — chasing birdies between breakfast and boogie-boarding by noon — instead of one-note days spent only on the back nine.
Numbers that matter
The sport is seeing a real youth boom. In 2024 a record 3.7 million juniors played golf — the highest junior turnout since 2006. The jump is especially dramatic among 11-to-17-year-olds, a group that has grown by 48% since 2019. That kind of spike is changing how resorts package a family vacation: expect competitive tee times for serious young players, but also enough off-course options to keep the whole crew entertained.
What resorts are doing differently
Course architects and resort experience teams are designing entire itineraries for households where one kid will play hard on the course while another wants surf, sand, or a scavenger hunt. Many properties now feature adjusted tee boxes, oversized putting greens for youngsters, and coaches who specialize in family lessons. The goal is to make golf welcoming, fast-paced, and integrated with a full-day lineup of activities.
Standout course features and family perks
On the layout side, some courses are leaning into variety: tee-to-green tests that include elevation swings and tight landing zones early on, followed by wider, more forgiving back nines where families can breathe and enjoy the scenery. Other facilities are building giant putting areas and junior tees that give young players a real sense of accomplishment without long yardages.
Beyond golf: multisport days and nature adventures
Resorts are adding beach volleyball, paddleboarding, tennis, movie marathons, and eco-adventures so a golf day can flow into evening entertainment. Families can move from a morning practice session to a dolphin-watching tour, horseback rides, ropes courses, or even sea turtle release programs for the kids who want something more nature-driven than a bunker shot.
Teaching that respects family rhythms
Coaching programs are evolving. Family-first academies offer joint lessons for parents and kids, short-format clinics, and gamified approaches that make learning feel like play. On-course mentors and young-teacher programs help juniors build confidence without pressure, while family golf schools blend swing work with low-key, social formats so a lesson never feels like a chore.
Accessibility and affordability
Many destinations are making it easier for families to bring juniors along. A range of “kids play free” initiatives allows under-16s or younger teens to play when accompanied by a paying adult. That kind of policy turns a potential budget headache into a weekend that feels approachable and fun, helping introduce more families to the sport.
Where you can find these offerings
From mountain-style courses with challenging front nines and open back nines, to tropical resorts with family putting greens and beach activities, options are everywhere. Properties are mixing technical golf tests with sensory calm—wetlands, dunes, and coastal backdrops—that keep the atmosphere relaxed even when the game heats up.
The takeaway
Family golf vacations are no longer about one-size-fits-all rounds and rushed practice sessions. They’re becoming dynamic packages that respect competitive juniors while offering plenty of non-golf action. The result is a smarter, more engaging way to keep a whole family—kids, parents, and everyone in between—excited about returning to the course season after season.
FAQ — Family Golf Vacations
How many juniors play golf today?
In 2024, about 3.7 million juniors played golf, the highest junior participation since 2006.
Which age group is growing fastest?
Golfers aged 11 to 17 have seen the biggest increase, with participation up roughly 48% since 2019.
Are there places where kids play free?
Yes. Several resort programs allow juniors to play for free when accompanied by a paying adult, typically with age caps such as 15 or 16 and under.
What non-golf activities do family resorts offer?
Common options include paddleboarding, beach volleyball, tennis, movie nights, eco-tours, dolphin-watching, horseback riding, ropes courses, laser tag, and sea turtle release experiences.
Are there family-friendly coaching programs?
Yes. Many resorts provide family-first lessons, combined parent-child clinics, short-format coaching, and gamified instruction to keep learning fun and fast.
How do course designs change for families?
Design changes include junior-friendly tee boxes, large putting greens for kids, shorter yardage options, and variety in layout so players of different ages can enjoy the round together.
Quick Reference Table — Family Golf Offerings
| Resort / Course | Junior-Friendly Features | Non-Golf Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Peaks Golf Course | Elevation changes, narrow front-nine fairways, more open back nine | Mountain activities nearby | Course design offers variety for developing players |
| Grande Lakes (Orlando) | Juniors 15 & under play free with paying adult; technical course design | Resort amenities, family pools | Technical challenges set in calming wetland surroundings |
| Reserve at Grace Bay (Turks & Caicos) | 4,500-sq-ft putting green, junior-friendly tee boxes | Beach volleyball, tennis, paddleboarding, movie nights | Strong beach + golf combo for families |
| Big Cedar Lodge | Family programs, gamified mini-golf | Ropes courses, laser tag, adventure activities | Packed with non-golf entertainment for kids |
| Brasada Ranch (Oregon) | Family-friendly layouts | Horseback riding, ranch experiences, wrangler shadowing | Immersive western-style family trips |
| Domes Lake Algarve | Golf with local eco-focus | Dolphin-watching, eco-tours | Balance between golf and nature adventures |
| Son Antem Golf Academy (Mallorca) | Family-first lessons, programs for parents & kids | Resort leisure options | Coaching designed around family schedules |
| Myrtle Beach area | “Kids Play Free” programs for under-16s at select courses | Beaches, family attractions | Accessible and budget-friendly family golf |
| Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa | Junior-friendly options | Sea turtle release programs, beach activities | Unique wildlife experiences for kids |
| Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club | Family golf schools blending technique and relaxation | Beach and resort amenities | Instruction mixed with laid-back vacation vibes |
| Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach | Family activities alongside golf | Resort amenities, beach access | Premium family vacation experiences |
| Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa (Las Vegas) | Golf and family-friendly course options | Resort entertainment and adventure activities | Good pick for families who want variety beyond golf |
Final word: if you’re planning a family golf trip, think like a kid first and a golfer second. Mix a few focused practice sessions with plenty of off-course action, pick a resort with junior-friendly policies, and plan short, fun coaching blocks so the whole family goes home smiling — and maybe a little better with their short game.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- My Journal Courier: Golf Gets Family Makeover
- Forbes: Best Golf Resort in the US
- Golf Digest: Golf Trips to PGA Tour Stops
- Bass Pro: Big Cedar Lodge Ranked #1 Family Golf Resort
- DW: Vietnam Courting Trump Family with Luxury Golf Course
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Family Golf Vacation
- Google Scholar: Golf Family Vacation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Family Golf Vacation
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
