Started as a pop-up mini golf fun spot, City Mini Golf is now permanently located at Chicago favorite, Maggie Daley Park. The 18 holes of whimsical nods to Chicago culture are located at the south end of the BP Bridge where golfers are treated to those fabulous skyline views the entire game. They opened for the season as of Jun. 15 with new COVID-inspired rules and regulations in place. Reservations are not allowed and don’t forget your mask, you’ll need it to play.

Still somewhat of a secret, even though it’s in the heart of Lincoln Park, this charmer has 18 holes with footbridges and waterfalls. Snap family photos as you work your way through the all-ages course, then venture over to the adjacent Diversey Driving Range to hit a bucket of balls.

Salute Lady Liberty and Mount Rushmore, take the elevator to the top of the Willis Tower, visit Humpty Dumpty, cruise in a rocket ship and make it back home by bedtime. For putters over the 48-inch height requirement, Park-King is a mini golf lover’s dream, thanks to challenging and imaginative holes. Each hole is custom-made, hand painted and meticulously maintained. Once you’ve played through the 36 holes, stop by the arcade for video games, pinball and air hockey.

The highlight of Bolingbrook’s mini golf hotspot is working your way to the top of the 40-foot-tall mountain and playing across a waterfall, while meandering past racing rapids and tip-toeing through Big Foot’s Cave. They opened May 29 with new social distancing and sanitation guidelines in place, detailed on their website.

This quirky venue—known locally as The Bunny Hutch because of the classic burger, hot dog and ice cream shop by that name located next door—has been the backdrop for happy childhood memories for generations. It’s open April through mid-October and lures with two 18-hole courses, as well as batting cages, a vintage game room and an old-time photo booth. They are open for the season and masks are required at all times.

Addison Park District’s Links & Tees Golf Facility was recognized as one of the Top 50 Stand Alone Ranges in America. Its miniature course, Putter’s Peak, is operated in the same top-notch manner. This course is perfect for all ages and the mountain peak, waterfall, cave and tiki statues keep little putters captivated. They are open for the season!

Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable, that’s for sure. Come blizzard, rain or sweltering sun, Enchanted Castle’s 9 holes of indoor glow-in-the-dark mini golf makes the forecast a non-issue for year-round giggles. They are currently open at reduced capacity.

Another who-cares-about-the-weather indoor mini golf spot is Space Golf’s 18 holes featuring alien planets, giant robots, flying saucers and creatures from another world that all glow fluorescent. Wiggle your tush to music as lasers, motion projectors, hologram illusions and high-tech special effects create an unforgettable experience. If you’re up for an extra challenge, slip on a pair of 3-D glasses that make your ball and scenery appear to float. Open at reduced capacity, masks required.

The Skokie Park District runs two quality mini golf courses. Kids Quest is nine holes and great for little ones with short attention spans. They can ride on a jeep, climb on dinosaurs or go down a slide set. Traveler’s Quest is an 18-holer that has a few more challenges (dips, swerves, water traps) and an international theme. Come prepared to putt your way through faux Roman ruins. They are open for the season, with COVID-19 safety guidelines in place.

Try for that elusive hole in one and show your kids a spooky good time on a course where Halloween is celebrated year ’round. A creature from the Black Lagoon, haunted house, Dracula’s castle, Frankenstein and blood-red water are just a few features you’ll find at this course, where even the ghostly garbage cans get in on the creepy. Save time for the go-carts, batting cages, carnival-style rides and game room.

Located in Maryknoll Park and maintained by the Glen Ellyn Park District, Knolls and Holes is a hidden gem in the western suburbs. The course includes 18 or 36 holes of beautifully manicured mini golf and is surrounded by endless opportunities for family fun, so plan to stay for the day. Holes & Knolls opened as of Jun. 8 using a reservation system for timed, date-specific entry.