Disc Golf (sometimes know as Frisbee Golf or Frolfing) is a fun activity for many families around the Twin Cities. It’s one they can enjoy easily in the Twin Cities with the different courses around the metro. Many of them are free. Todd, one of our dad advisors and our go-to disc golf expert, has shared some of his knowledge to get us started on this fun game that can be as simple or skilled as you want to make it.
What Exactly Is Disc Golf?
Disc Golf: a game in which a concave plastic disc is thrown into each of a series of metal baskets situated on an outdoor course, the object being to complete the course using the fewest possible throws.
In other words think golf with a frisbee-like disc instead of a small ball and clubs. (It’s not Frisbee Golf since Frisbee is a brand name, much like Hooping is not Hula Hooping since Hula is a brand name. If you want to get technical.) Three Rivers Park District offers a short tutorial with tips for beginners on how to play disc golf here.
Disc Golfing is an easy sport to jump into. You really only need two things.
- A couple of discs: The right disc can make all the difference for a good game, but don’t worry, while you may not want to use that free flying disc you received from your bank, there are proper discs for every budget, and Joy finds decent discs at thrift stores regularly. There are plenty of beginner-friendly options and colors to please the whole family. Todd recommends two to three discs per player. Similar to traditional golf, different discs are used to achieve different results:
- Driver. Designed for longer throws, use the driver to get you started at the tee.
- Putter. Designed for accuracy, the putter is perfect for the approach.
- If you want a third, feel free to grab a midrange disc. The midrange disc is great for controlled throws when navigating the course.
- A disc golf course. As with any sport, the field will make a difference, but as a beginner family, you may just want to choose a nearby disc golf course, so you can get out and practice often. We have rounded up some family-friendly disc golf courses below.
Beyond your gear needs, you may want to pack the usual for an afternoon outdoors in Minnesota. You know the drill – water bottles, sunscreen, comfortable clothes for the weather (many courses are open year round) and snacks and/or an exit plan. Most of the courses below are located in parks. If you want to make your disc golf date a day out, you could pack a picnic and take advantage of all the park has to offer. Follow the links to learn more about each park and its other amenities.
Disc Golfing with Kids
Bring the whole family! Disc golf can be adjusted to every skill level. The littlest kids can follow along and randomly toss around a frisbee or stay and play on the playground. If you aren’t too competitive, you an just let the litte ones toss closer to the baskets or even walk right up to the baskets. Older kids, teens and tweens can take on mom and dad in an all stakes match to determine who is doing dishes. Got a mixed crowd? How about some fun family challenges – like “longest throw,” “wildest throw” or “best first throw”.
Todd’s Top 3 FREE Disc Golf Courses
Todd, our dad disc golf expert, has some suggestions for his three favorite Twin Cities disc golf courses:.
- Bassett Creek Park | Crystal
A free course with 15 holes and not too many places to lose discs. - Â Ham Lake Park
There are not too many trees, and it’s easier for beginners. -  Central Park | Brooklyn Park
This course has only 9 holes and a practice green.
More Disc Golf Courses around the Twin Cities Metro
MINNEAPOLIS & ST PAUL
- Highland Disc Golf Course | Saint Paul
- Hillcrest Knoll Park | Saint Paul
- Theodore Wirth Regional Park | Minneapolis (Note: This course is not free. Find rates and rules here.)
NORTH METRO
- Acorn Park | Roseville
- Bunker Hills Disc Golf | Andover
- Elm Creek Park | Maple Grove
- French Regional Park | Plymouth
- Hansen Park | New Brighton
- Lochness Park | Blaine
- Orchard Trail Park | Brooklyn Park (practice baskets)
- Plymouth Creek Playfield | Plymouth
- Silver View Park | Mounds View
- Zachary Playfield | Plymouth
EAST METRO
- Arcola Heights Park | Stillwater
SOUTH METRO
- Alimagnet Park |Apple Valley
- Baylor Regional Park | Norwood Young America
- Brockway Disc Golf Course | Rosemount
- Buck Hill | Burnsville (Open Spring, Summer & Fall. Purchase a Day Pass or a Season Pass)
- Garlough Park | West St Paul
- Kaposia Park | South St. Paul
- North Valley Park | Inver Grove Heights
- Northview Athletic Fields | Eagan
- Oakwood Park | Cottage Grove
- Red Oak Park | Burnsville
- Hyland Hills Ski Area | Bloomington
WEST METRO
- Bryant Lake Regional Park |Eden Prairie
- Lions Park |Shakopee
- Rosland Park | Edina
- Staring Lake Disc Golf | Eden Prairie
Still looking? You can use this online map to find more nearby disc golf courses. As always, we appreciate tips from our readers. Leave us a comment sharing your favorite (or least favorite) disc golf courses, tips for playing disc golf with kids or notes about other fun things at the the parks where these courses are found.