Goblin Golf at Burke Lake Park

Mini Golf, Now With Goblins

Burke Lake Park dresses up its mini golf course for Halloween three weekends in a row, and the kids get treats along the way. It's called Goblin Golf, and it runs Saturdays and Sundays: October 3-4, 10-11 and 17-18.

It works by session. You book a time, sessions start on the hour from 11am to 4pm, and each one lasts 50 minutes, which is about how long a small kid's attention lasts on a putting green anyway. It costs $12 per person with Halloween treats included, and kids under 2 are free with a paying adult.

Book online through Fairfax County Parks before you drive out. When I checked this week, the county's event page said it wasn't taking registrations, but the actual booking system showed every session open with plenty of spots. Go straight to the registration system and don't let the event page scare you off. If your kid already has a Halloween costume picked out, this is a pretty good place for its first outing.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Book before you drive. Sessions are timed, so pick your slot online first.
• ✓Early slots for nappers. The 11am session gets you home before the afternoon meltdown window.
• ✓Under 2 is free. The baby can come along at no cost with a paying adult.
• ✓Make room for treats. They're part of the ticket, so maybe skip the snack stop on the way.
• ✓Stay for the lake. If anyone still has energy, the trail around Burke Lake is right there.