Essex County Mini Golf Safari, West Orange, NJ
Located on the corner of Cherry Lane and Northfield Avenue in West Orange, the Essex County MiniGolf Safari is an award winning 19 hole course.  Experience a taste of Africa as you putt around a life size gorilla, hippo and many other African creatures.  The course is conveniently located right next to the Turtle Back Zoo. Visit the website for hours and directions.  

Tee-rrific Golf Center, Branchburg, NJ
The Tee-rrific Golf Center offers two great miniature golf courses.  The blue course offers more of a challenge with twists and turns as well as multi levels.  The red course is shorter, with more water features and more straight forward holes, making it perfect for small children.  Whichever course you choose, you are sure to have a blast! The property also offers a driving range and a pro shop. For hours and directions visit the website or call 908-253-9300.

Golf Land, Vorhees, NJ
Golf Land is the perfect place to take small children for a fun round of miniature golf.  Beautiful trees provide lots of shade at this fun, not too challenging, course.  Golf Land is open from 10 am to 10 pm.  For more information, call 856-783-8700

Farmer Brown's Golf Center, Farmingdale, NJ
Since first opening in 1991, people have been coming in herds to Farmer Brown's great miniature golf course.  The 19-hole course is characterized by its water hazards and sand traps.  The beautiful landscaping makes this mini-golf course look like the real thing.  If you get a hole-in-one on their special 19th hole, you win a free game.  For hours of operation, call 732-938-6110.

Quail Ridge Golf World, Wall, NJ
This 18 hole miniature golf course at Quail Ridge Golf World is one of the most affordable courses in New Jersey.  Normal hours are 7:30 am to 1 hour before sunset.  However, the course is lighted for evening play from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Call 732-681-0918 for specific closing times. 

Hole in One Miniature Golf and Pizza, Leonardo, NJ
Family owned and operated since 2001, Hole in One prides itself on its friendly employees, a "green" and clean course (the course uses solar panels), and delicious food and drinks.  The 18 hole course, featuring waterfalls and streams, is challenging enough for adults while still being very playable for children.  Check the website or call 732-872-0011 for hours.

Blackbeard's Cave, Bayville, NJ
For an entire day of fun, check out Blackbeard's Cave in Bayville.  This family entertainment center is packed with fun activities, from bumper boats and batting cages to kiddie rides and go karts.  The 20 hole par 59 Miniature Golf Course is both fun and challenging. Visit the website for operating hours or call 732-286-4414.

Duffers, Wildwood, NJ
Kids will go crazy for this adorable 18 hole course, complete with sharks and shipwrecks.  The best part about this course is that it is attached to a family owned restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Enjoy a meal and then head out for a round of golf. Before leaving, don't miss your chance to indulge in some ice cream.  Best known for dessert, Duffers menu includes huge sundaes, banana splits, ice cream sodas and creamy milkshakes.  For more information, call 609-729-1817.

Asbury Eighteen Mini-Golf, Asbury Park, NJ
Play a round of mini-golf at one of the best courses the Jersey Shore has to offer.  Relax and take in a round or two while you enjoy the sights and sounds of the acclaimed AP boardwalk and beach.  When you're done playing, cool off in the adorable, safe Splash Park.  Hours are 10 am to 10 pm.  Call 732-897-6538 for more information.

Image: Tee-rriffic Golf Center

Originally published 2013