Fore the Planet! Indoor Minature Golf

Location: Linvilla Orchards

Website: http://www.linvilla.com/

Bathrooms: Yes

Eating area: Yes (indoor and out) and food for purchase at Linvilla Grill

Parking: Yes and free

Attractions: 300-acre farm, Christmas tree maze ($5), playground ($1), animals for feeding, hayrides in fall, pick your own fruit

Hours: Open Everyday until March 17

Sunday through Thursday 9am to 5pm

Friday and Saturday 9am to 8pm

 Price: $6.95 (ages 11 & over)
$4.95 (ages 10 & under)

_____________________________________________________________________

A recent birthday party brought us to Linvilla Orchards and its latest special event, "Fore the Planet" indoor miniature golf. I was really excited to get the opportunity to visit the 300 acre farm after hearing great things about it. We made the trip on a Saturday morning leaving our home at around 10am and arriving at 10:30.  I understand that it is usually a 45 minute to an hour drive, so I guess that is not typical.  There was no traffic on 95....I swear it was not my heavy foot!!

Early February is probably not the best time to take advantage of the farm, due to the dark, damp, chilly, and unpredictable weather, but on this particular day it was not too cold, so we were able to enjoy all the farm's attractions. Our first stop was to head indoors to the indoor market and play some miniature golf. It was bright, colorful and inviting. This my kids first time playing, so I didn't know what to expect. My oldest had no problems getting right in there and was speeding right along.  My youngest got a little frustrated on some of the harder holes, but overall they both proclaimed that they wanted to play golf again.  We even went home and set up a golf course in the house. So this definitely left a mark on the kiddos.  

However, I think the educational message of "Save the Planet" was lost on just one round of the golf. The kids were so excited and overwhelmed that the meaning went right over their head. It would have been nice to go a second round, slow down and read the information that went with each hole. 

After golfing, we explored the Christmas tree maze.  That was quite an experience! A little frighting for me as my daughter kept running ahead. But we all made it out alive.

Next, we went to the playground area to feed the turkeys, chickens, and peacocks and play on the large playground.  This area also has a maze.  Donation to the playground is $1 and you place it in a bucket as part of the honor system.

We finally left the farm at around 2pm, so weather permitting, you could spend quite a while exploring the farm and you will get a lot for the money. My kids also fell asleep in the car on the way home, so I would say this day was hole in one!

Click for a larger image

Tips:

• I would not suggest getting off Exit 6 from 95.  It dropped us off in a seedy area that had me locking my doors. Okay, I admit, I am a suburban mom, but I am not used to seeing drug transactions occur right before my eyes.  Next time,  I will go a little further on 95 and get off at the 452 exit. Hopefully that exit will not have me gripping my wheel and locking my doors.
• Bring your own food and drinks to save money! Have a picnic at the farm.
• Save more money by skipping the Christmas tree maze and have fun with the maze at the playground that comes with your dollar donation
• Play golf on a nice day, even though it is indoors, so that you can take advantage of the playground, maze and animal feedings, especially if you are driving an hour to get  to the farm. You will get more for your money and could make a day of it.

Have a "ball" a Linvilla Orchards!