When I was a kid, my grandfather forever tried to get me to golf. I obliged him maybe two or three times before realizing that no, he didn’t want me to golf, he wanted me to be a golfer. And that just wasn’t in the cards.
But for him, the sport was one of his great life joys. He spent many afternoons out on the course in his white baseball cap and striped polo shirts. The satisfying “thwack!” of the club hitting the ball is a sound I associate with him even now.
As a tribute—and, well, because summer is coming to a screeching halt—I’ve rounded up five fun spots on the North Shore to get your golf on.
Northbrook Park District Girls’ Golf Social
If, unlike me, your daughters are into golf, sign them up to learn the basics of the game from members of Glenbrook North High School’s girls’ golf team. Fee includes a snack.
When: 4-6 p.m. Aug. 25
Where: Anetsberger Golf Course, 1750 Techny Road, Northbrook
Cost: Varies; call 847-291-2971 for details.
Glenview Park District Parent/Child Tournament
Team up with your little one age 5 or older and take on other parent-kiddo duos in this friendly competition that includes fun prizes.
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 26
Where: Glenview Prairie Club, 2800 W. Lake Ave., Glenview
Cost: $65 per twosome
Park District of Highland Park Family Golf Night
Cruise the course in a noncompetitive spirit for kids of all ages to enjoy. Bonus: with beautiful greenery and a glistening pond, the Highland Park Country Club is quite stunning.
When: 5-8 p.m., Aug. 27
Where: Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. West, Highland Park
Cost: Free
Par-King Skill Golf
Billing itself as the “world’s most unusual golf course,” Par-King takes on that wonderland vibe of an old-timey amusement park or circus of yesteryear. Word to the wise: Kids have to be at least 48 inches tall to be admitted, and admission is cash only.
When: Currently open 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily; weekends only starting Sept. 1
Where: 21711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire
Cost: Admission is $8 to $9 per person.
The People’s Choice Family Fun Center
What do you get when you combine indoor mini golf with glow-in-the-dark fun? Rocky’s Fun House, an 18-hole, four-themed course that’s friendly through all four seasons.
When: Noon-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
Where: 21711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Lincolnshire
Cost: Admission is $7.50 per person. Kids younger than 2 are free.
