I never thought I’d be wielding a mini putter in my mid-40s with my son, but here I am. This week, we ditched the usual weekend routine and headed to Dinosaur Encounter Golf at Heighley Gate Garden Centre in Morpeth, and it was absolute joy from the first hole to the last.
Cyrus takes the lead
Cyrus, my small but ferocious sidekick, took command. Twelve holes, ten life-sized dinosaurs, and a waterfall that could make even the most distracted adult pause, it was a lot to take in. He roared after nearly every successful putt, channeling his inner T-Rex, and I couldn’t help but grin. There’s something profoundly satisfying about watching a child throw themselves into simple pleasures like this. You realise how complicated we make things as adults.
A course that comes alive
The first thing you notice about Dinosaur Encounter Golf is the detail. Each hole feels like stepping into a tiny Jurassic world. Faux rocks line the edges of the greens, and miniature wooden bridges wind over trickling streams. Little plants and shrubs peek out from between the holes, giving the impression you’ve wandered into a well-kept dinosaur hideaway rather than a garden centre.
Then there are the dinosaurs themselves. From the towering Brachiosaurus with its elegant, swaying neck to the tiny but fierce Velociraptor poised as if frozen mid-chase, they’re surprisingly life-like. My favourite was the Triceratops tucked behind the waterfall at Hole 7, which had Cyrus squealing with delight when he narrowly avoided hitting the ball into it.
The course also plays with elevation in fun ways. There are ramps, slopes, and tricky little bumps designed to test your putting skills and my patience. Water features add a sense of calm, even if they do cause the occasional shriek when a ball takes a wild detour. Every hole feels thoughtfully crafted, with surprises tucked around corners that make even a middle-aged mum feel like a kid again.
Introducing new adventures
As parents, we quietly hope our kids will find their “thing.” For Cyrus, it’s still a mystery. Tennis? Tick. Football? Tick. Swimming? Tick. Golf? That was a new adventure. Yet, for me, there’s something comforting about introducing a completely unknown activity, one where no one expects perfection and everyone is just allowed to have fun.
Dinosaur Encounter Golf isn’t just mini golf. It’s a miniature Jurassic adventure. Fun prehistoric facts are tucked around the course, so while the children are learning how to angle a putt, they’re also discovering which dinosaur had the fiercest roar or the longest tail. Educational and entertaining, a rare win in the land of family outings.
Budget-wise, a round of mini golf came to £8.50. Add a coffee and snack, and our £20 note felt a little light afterward, but truly, the experience was worth every penny.
Midlife mini golf tips for families
- Celebrate everything: Every hole deserves a cheer, fist pump, or full-on roar.
- Pack snacks: Even the best-prepared kids (and adults) run out of energy. Bring fuel that won’t spark a meltdown in five minutes.
- Pep talk like a pro: “Steady hand, smooth swing” works wonders.
- Practice at home: A rug and a few obstacles are enough to turn the living room into a practice arena. You’d be amazed how quickly mini golf skills improve.
- Plan for refreshments: Tickets and snacks add up, so a little forethought prevents mid-course upset.
As I watched Cyrus celebrate yet another hole, I had a rare, quiet moment of reflection. Parenting at this age comes with its own set of challenges. Your energy isn’t what it was at 30, your patience is tested more frequently, and yet, somehow, you appreciate the little wins more.
We’re already planning our next mini golf excursions: Forgotten Crazy Golf at Alnwick Garden and Lost World Adventure Golf in Tynemouth. Cyrus has been practising diligently at home, and I’m happy to follow along for the ride.
So, if your weekend feels predictable, grab a putter, round up the children, and head to Heighley Gate Garden Centre. You might discover a hidden talent in your little one, or at the very least, a few good laughs.
★★★★★
