Disc Golf is Affordable Family Fun
You want an inexpensive, yet enjoyable summertime activity that your whole family will want to do…maybe even something that will also get your kids moving and outdoors?
You may think you’ve asked too much, but as my family recently discovered, Disc Golf (Frisbee Golf) is the perfect solution for your wallet and boredom woes!
Reason One: Disc golf is inexpensive.
Reason Two: The whole family can participate.
Reason Three: Disc Golf gets you outside and moving, away from all of the screen temptations.
Read on to learn more about disc golf and why it’s a great family activity.
Before You Play Frisbee Golf
To make it simple for your family to take on this activity, here are a few things we learned as first-time Disc/Frisbee Golf players.
You’ll need a Disc(s) — Visit a local Disc Golf shop like Great Lakes Disc or Disc Baron Disc Golf Store, or purchase from an online retailer. Local shops often sell used discs for under $10. Or, in our case, we borrowed some from a friend!
Grab sunscreen and bug spray.
Bring your water bottle!
Closed toe shoes are a good idea, but not necessary.
General Rules – Disc Golf
Disc Golf is played like traditional golf (or as I explained it to my kids to make it more relatable, it’s similar to playing mini-golf).
One point is counted for each time the disc is thrown with the goal being to play each hole in the fewest strokes possible.
The player with the lowest total points wins.
You “Tee Off” from the designated area (the course we played had a posted map so you knew where to start).
From there, you take turns throwing based on who is farthest from the target.
You throw from where your disc lies until you’re able to complete the hole by getting your disc into the basket or chains of the target.
For more detailed rules of play, check out the Disc Golf Association website.
Download the UDisc App
Before you head out and start playing, download the UDisc App.
You can use their site on mobile or desktop to research courses near you. You can also use the app to help navigate the courses and use their scorecard feature.
Where to Play Disc Golf Around Grand Rapids
Many parks, schools and churches in Grand Rapids have courses for the public to use!
A small sampling of places you can play are below, but you can also find one close to you at DC Course Review, The Disc Golf Scene, or the UDisc App mentioned above.
Park managed by New Community Church
About New Community Church
This is a disc golf course hosted at a local church.
New Community Church Features
- Disc Golf
Facilities:
Stroller-Friendly?
Time of Year?
Any Other Tips to Share?
While my 6-year olds proved to be better disc throwers than me, our entire family had an awesome time trying Disc Golf for the first time and the kids are already asking to go back to the park for another round — probably just so they can beat mom again!
Do you have any other disc golf courses or tips to share? Let us know in the comments below!
Please add Arvesta to this guide when its updated.