Among the most accessible sports is mini-putt. We take our kids to Upton Hills Regional Park in Arlington, which offers a full course for $7. There’s also a swimming pool and brand new ropes course across the parking lot. Watkins Glen is a good option for folks on the east side of the city, and there’s also a train and carousel if you want to extend your trip. The mini-golf course in Gaithersburg takes the cup for most visually interesting outdoor course (the indoor prize goes to nearby Monstergolf). Laurel and South Germantown also have good mini-putt options.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to pick up your golf game, head over to the 18-hole course at Hains Point (Directions). Named for the Army Corps of Engineers Colonel who designated it as a the landfill from Potomac dredging operations, this man-made island is flat and often cooler than the rest of the city due to the breezes off the river.
Although it’s no Top Golf (you’ll have to head down to National Harbor or up 270 for one of those), the driving range at East Potomac Park is free and you may buy a bucket of balls for $5-$10
Experienced golfers will find little challenge (or visual interest) in the course, but novices will enjoy the easy pitch. Those who have zero interest in golfing may enjoy driving a golf cart around the grounds (which will cost around $30 for 9 holes, inclusive of the required greens fee). Add a friend for $7 – $15, depending on their age.