Father’s Day in Connecticut is a time for backyard grilling, memory-making, and—if you’re like us—a round of golf with your favorite playing partners: the kids. Unfortunately, this weekend’s forecast across much of Connecticut calls for rain. But don’t worry—you don’t have to cancel your golf plans. Thanks to indoor facilities like Golf Lab CT in Fairfield, you can still swing, laugh, and compete with your crew in climate-controlled comfort.
Rainy Day Savior: Golf Lab CT
If you haven’t been to Golf Lab CT, you’re missing one of the best family-friendly indoor golf spaces in the state. The facility features industry-leading TrackMan simulators and a cozy, laid-back vibe that works great for kids. It has three simulator rooms—two large bays ideal for families and groups, and one smaller bay perfect for private practice or one-on-one games with a child. They also feature a PuttView green with interactive games like Tic Tac Toe, PuttPong, and Splash that make putting drills genuinely fun.
Whether your little ones want to smack virtual balls into a cartoon barn or your teens want to challenge Dad on Pebble Beach, there are dozens of interactive TrackMan and PuttView games designed to be engaging for all skill levels. Our favorite TrackMan games are Magic Pond and Scrapyard.
| Game | Description |
|---|---|
| Magic Pond | A delightful game for young golfers, Magic Pond drops players into a colorful, animated pond setting where the goal is to splash as many cartoon frogs, ducks, and floating objects as possible. It’s all about distance control and aim, but the playful sound effects and visuals make it feel more like a video game than golf practice. Kids can play competitively or just swing freely without pressure. It rewards contact and creativity, and is great for building confidence in newer players. Magic Pond is one of the most approachable TrackMan games for first-timers. |
| Scrapyard | In Scrapyard, kids and parents smash virtual targets like old cars, barrels, and stacked crates in a junkyard-themed arcade. It’s loud, satisfying, and totally addictive. This TrackMan game uses ball speed and trajectory to knock over digital structures, giving players instant visual feedback with explosions and falling debris. Scrapyard appeals to kids who like action-packed video games and helps them develop consistent impact. It’s perfect for players with big swings and big imaginations. |
| Tic Tac Toe | Played on the PuttView putting green, this game transforms a classic 3×3 grid into a putting challenge. Players sink putts to claim squares in a race to get three in a row. The game encourages strategic thinking, distance control, and alignment practice without feeling like a drill. Each square responds with satisfying audio-visual cues, and rounds move quickly to keep kids engaged. Tic Tac Toe works well for head-to-head play and is great for mixing fun with fundamentals. |
| PuttPong | This PuttView game draws inspiration from beer pong—but with a kid-friendly twist. Players try to roll putts into digitally projected cups on the green, watching them disappear with animation and fanfare. It’s a fun way to practice directional putting and pace control without repetition fatigue. PuttPong is perfect for small-group competition, especially siblings or parent-child duos looking for bragging rights. The game’s scoring system gives it a party vibe while still reinforcing real putting skills. |
| Splash | A whimsical and visually rich PuttView game, Splash makes putting feel like skipping stones into water. Kids aim for splash zones that react with ripples, bursts, and cheerful sound effects. It’s an ideal game for younger children just learning to control putter face and tempo. Splash is easy to set up and endlessly entertaining, making it a go-to for families looking for laid-back fun. It doesn’t require precision, just participation—and that’s what makes it so accessible. |
Parents can sip coffee or bring snacks, and since you rent a private bay, it feels more like a living room with a launch monitor than a commercial simulator. Booking is easy and flexible.
Outdoor Family Golf (if skies clear up)
My two favorite places to play golf with my kids are Carl Dickman Par-3 and Tashua Knolls Academy Course. They both offer great walkability, gentle routing, and layouts that scale well for juniors.
- Carl Dickman Par-3 (Fairfield, CT)
This charming 9-hole par-3 course plays just 1,062 yards total. Most holes are under 120 yards, and the terrain is perfectly flat, making it an ideal walking course for younger children and parents carrying only a few clubs. It’s affordable, quiet, and perfect for that last twilight tee time. - Tashua Knolls Academy Course (Trumbull, CT)
This 9-hole par-33 layout measures 2,322 yards and features gentle elevation changes and short par-4s mixed in with approachable par-3s. The course gives kids room to grow, and the friendly conditions help newer players build confidence. Parents can walk while kids ride, or both can enjoy the casual pace. - Sleeping Giant Golf Course (Hamden, CT)
With gentle terrain and no forced carries, this nine-holer at the base of the mountain is as stress-free as it is scenic. It stretches just over 2,400 yards and is easily walkable.
Final Word
Don’t let a little rain spoil your Father’s Day tradition. Indoor options like Golf Lab CT give families a reliable, fun, and weatherproof way to bond over golf. And if the skies clear? Head out to one of Connecticut’s family-friendly courses and create memories one swing at a time. A few helpful tips can make all the difference: bring snacks and drinks to keep energy up, and don’t be afraid to ditch the scorecard if it gets in the way of fun. Playing a team scramble helps everyone feel involved, even beginners, and giving kids the chance to drive—whether it’s the simulator or the cart—can be a highlight of their day. Pack rain jackets just in case and focus more on laughs than scorecards. Happy Father’s Day!