It is a well known fact that for children to play is to learn. This is amply demonstrated when children play mini golf. There are so many educational benefits that for children it should be called “maxi-golf”.
The most apparent benefit is the physical activity of playing miniature golf. It has been said that a golfer can burn up to 350 calories in an hour of golf. Children may or may not need to burn calories to lose weight, but they do need to burn energy to be able to focus during quiet study times. Playing miniature golf gives kids a chance to relax, swing a golf club, chase a ball, and chase their friends around the course. The walking is steady enough to provide a good solid cardio workout for a typical child. Swinging a stick works the large muscle groups in the arms, while squatting and bending also works the large muscles in the legs. Obviously, when it comes to a mini golf course, the bigger the better when it comes to good physical training for the kids. The best physical activity is possible if the course also has multiple levels that need to be reached by climbing steps and slopes. Look for a great multi-level course if you want to provide maximum physical benefits for your children. The other great advantage of children’s courses is the fact that most of them are outdoors. Children need fresh air and sunshine, and a miniature golf course is a great place for them to receive this necessary health benefit. An added value to physical activity is the restful sleep that a child will have after playing an afternoon of golf.
There are also educational benefits when children play golf. First and foremost is the hand-eye coordination required to play the game. This translates into better reading and thinking. Second, the logic required for children to adjust their swing while shooting at a target also helps children learn to think. They also unconsciously acquire decision-making tools at the same time. Adult interaction will exponentially increase the learning benefits of children playing golf. The best miniature golf courses have themes, usually a geographic or historical theme. Even those that have a theme set in fantasy or fiction lend themselves to creative thinking. An adult, be it a teacher or a parent, can, with creative questions, make a child imagine, create and dream while observing her environment. By asking questions throughout the game about the environment, an adult can help the child to be intentional with observation. Later, creative writing assignments can be the springboard for an afternoon of golf. Even math skills can be taught strategically. Using the ‘pair’ for each throw, a child can perform simple math operations; addition and subtraction based on her shots, or more sophisticated math functions like probability and percentages. Miniature golf is often therapeutic for children who have trouble concentrating. The very nature of playing golf demands a higher level of concentration.
An overlooked benefit of kids playing miniature golf is the social skills that can be developed. Children are naturally competitive. But golf is all about competing with yourself, eliminating the bickering that can often occur with team competition. Children playing in groups have plenty of time to socialize and interact with each other while waiting for those ahead of them to finish playing. It also teaches patience and tolerance, especially with the guiding comments of an intelligent adult. Playing miniature golf with kids can bring families together by giving them time for real conversation away from TV, computers, and cell phones. Parents should take advantage of this and refrain from using their own cell phones. Teachers who bring their entire class to play may find friendships unlikely that form when kids mingle, often talking to kids who aren’t their usual best friends.
There is something about a beautiful day, friendly competition and a fantastic environment that promotes physical, mental and social activity. Parents bring their family. Teachers take your class. Mini golf offers all this for children.