Kids on Course:
Tips for Finding Kid-Friendly Resorts

by Mitch Kaplan

You love to play golf; you're in the process of involving the little ones in the game, and you think you've reached the stage where you can take them along on a golf vacation. Here are some things to keep in mind to help assure a successful vacation.

Is the Resort Kid-Friendly?
Ask this question outright. Ask what qualities make the resort kid-friendly (let them tell you). If you have specific needs/wants in mind, ask directly if they can be accommodated. Ask if there are restrictions on children being on the course. Can they be out there unaccompanied? If not, who must be with them? Are they restricted to certain times of day? Ask if there is day care. Ask if there are special golf facilities, such as: a par-three course; mini-golf; short "kids" tees on the regular or executive course; putting practice areas; etc.

Is Kids' Instruction Available?
If you want lessons for your child, make sure you can get it. Ask how long the lessons are (and judge whether that's age-appropriate for your child's ability and attention span). Ask if video-taping is involved; video is an especially effective teaching tool for youngsters. Ask if instruction is complemented by playing time. For group lessons, determine the size of the group; it should be no more than about six kids per instructor.

Are There Plenty of Other Activities Besides Golf?
Look for destinations that offer kids (and you!) other things to do, such as: swimming, going to the beach or water park, amusement parks, movie theaters and/or an IMAX theater (especially for rainy days), a zoo - all the things your kids would like at any resort. If you want to play serious golf in the morning, and go onto the links with them in the afternoon, ask also if there's a supervised kids' activity program that offers half-day participation. Be sure that the area offers appropriate restaurants. Give them a day off from golf.

More on Kidzngolf here.

...... Mitch Kaplan is the author of "The Unofficial Guide to the Mid-Atlantic with Kids," a contributor to "The Unofficial Guide to New England & New York with Kids," and the author of "The Cheapskate's Guide to Myrtle Beach" and "The Golf Book of Lists".