As much fun as it is trying to outwit the spinning windmill at the local miniature golf course, there's nothing like playing chip-and-putt in your own backyard. Here, the kids can flail away all they want with toy clubs and plastic balls, and there's never a wait for tee time. The fun begins with setting up the course.

THE GREENS
Pick a level spot in the yard, and have the kids use garden trowels to dig holes big enough for 4-inch plastic flowerpots or similar-size containers (punch holes for drainage and flags). Mow the grass surrounding each hole extra-short.

THE FLAGS
Cut pennants from felt or paper, and attach them with staples, glue or nails to sticks or dowels. Push into holes in the ground.

THE OBSTACLES
Make the course challenging with tunnels (old pipe), bridges (scrap wood), water traps (a buried plastic bowl or bucket) and sand traps (pilfered from the sandbox).

THE SCORECARD
Draw one or make one on a home computer. Record the number of strokes the players rack up at each hole.

FAMILYFUN TIP

Let the littlest golfers tee off closer to the hole to give them a shot at beating older siblings.

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• Golf |
• School Age |
• Summer |
• Tween

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• Summer Games |
• School Age Games |
• Tween Games