Edinburgh mini-golf venues for family outings, date nights and competitive group games
Mini golf has become one of Edinburgh’s most flexible group activities. A round requires no previous golfing experience, can usually be completed in less than an hour and works equally well for families, couples, birthday groups and workplace socials.
The city’s main venues are all indoors, making them useful throughout Scotland’s changeable weather. They nevertheless offer very different experiences.
Volcano Falls at Fountain Park provides two substantial adventure-golf courses in a theatrical environment built around dinosaurs, jungle scenery and volcanic effects. Portal Golf uses retro arcade references, neon lighting and pop-culture-inspired design across an 18-hole course. Lane7 places a 14-hole course within a large city-centre bowling and games bar, while BOOM Battle Bar offers a shorter eight-hole format designed to be combined with food, drinks and other competitive activities.
The best venue therefore depends on what the group wants from the visit.
Families may value an all-ages course, straightforward pricing and nearby facilities. A couple planning an evening out may prefer a central venue with drinks and additional games. A large corporate group may need packages, event support and the ability to hire part of the course. Accessibility, age restrictions and the length of the round can also make one venue more suitable than another.
Before booking, visitors should check:
- Number of holes
- Expected playing time
- Price per person
- Adult and child rates
- Minimum or maximum group size
- Age restrictions
- Accessibility
- Whether prams are permitted
- Food and drink availability
- Cancellation terms
- Opening hours
- Last admission time
- Whether advance booking is required
- Whether the venue becomes adults-only later in the evening
This guide compares Edinburgh’s principal indoor mini-golf venues and explains what to consider when planning a round.
How the mini-golf venues were selected
The venues were considered against factors relevant to customers seeking mini golf in Edinburgh:
- Current operation: Each venue must currently provide a playable mini-golf or crazy-golf course.
- Course substance: Preference is given to venues offering a complete activity rather than a single novelty putting game.
- Design and atmosphere: Theming, obstacles, lighting and course progression should make the experience more engaging than an ordinary practice green.
- Suitability for different groups: The selection includes family-oriented venues and adult-focused games bars.
- Price transparency: Published current prices are included where the venue provides them.
- Location: Each venue is within Edinburgh and practical for residents or visitors.
- Additional facilities: Food, drinks, bowling, arcades and other activities are considered where they contribute to the day or evening.
- Booking clarity: Strong venues explain session availability, age rules and group options.
- Accessibility information: Physical access, pram rules and wheelchair suitability are considered where currently published.
- Distinctiveness: The list avoids including several venues that provide essentially the same course and atmosphere.
Prices, offers and opening hours can change during school holidays, festivals and public holidays. Visitors should confirm the details shown during booking before travelling.
What is the difference between mini golf, crazy golf and adventure golf?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but venues may use them to describe slightly different styles.
Mini golf
Mini golf is the broad term for a shortened putting game played across small, purpose-built holes.
The aim is to complete each hole in as few strokes as possible.
Crazy golf
Crazy golf generally places greater emphasis on unusual obstacles, loops, ramps, moving elements and novelty challenges.
The rules may be less closely connected to traditional golf, and individual holes may involve unexpected mechanics.
Adventure golf
Adventure golf usually combines mini golf with immersive scenery and a larger themed environment.
Courses may include:
- Dinosaurs
- Water features
- Volcanoes
- Jungle scenery
- Caves
- Bridges
- Sound effects
- Moving props
- Themed lighting
- Story elements
Volcano Falls describes its Edinburgh attraction as adventure golf, while BOOM uses the name Crazier Golf. Portal and Lane7 primarily describe their activities as mini golf or crazy golf.
For most customers, the more important questions are the number of holes, course difficulty, atmosphere and intended age group.
How much does mini golf cost in Edinburgh?
Published prices vary according to the length of the course and the type of venue.
| Venue | Published price or format |
|---|---|
| Portal Golf | £9 per person for 18 holes |
| BOOM Battle Bar | £8 per person for eight holes |
| Lane7 | Individual price shown through booking; packages start from £13 per person for bowling plus another game |
| Volcano Falls | Current ticket price shown through its booking system; separate offers and packages may apply |
Additional costs may include:
- Food
- Drinks
- Additional games
- Booking charges
- Party packages
- Weekend pricing
- School-holiday pricing
- A second course
- Arcade machines
- Bowling
- Parking
- Late cancellation charges
A shorter course is not necessarily poor value where mini golf is only one part of a wider activity package. BOOM’s eight-hole course is intended to fit into a larger games-bar experience, while Portal’s £9 price covers a full 18-hole round.
How long does a round take?
Playing time depends on:
- Number of holes
- Group size
- Course congestion
- Player experience
- Difficulty
- Photography
- Food or drink stops
- Children in the group
- Whether another group is immediately ahead
Approximate expectations are:
| Course | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Eight holes | Around 30 to 45 minutes |
| Fourteen holes | Around 40 to 60 minutes |
| Eighteen holes | Around 45 to 75 minutes |
| Two eighteen-hole courses | Around 90 minutes to two hours |
BOOM estimates approximately 45 minutes for its eight-hole Crazier Golf experience. Lane7 similarly advises that most rounds on its 14-hole course take around 45 minutes.
An 18-hole course may take longer during weekends or school holidays.
Groups should avoid booking another timed activity immediately after mini golf. A delay at check-in or a slower group on the course can extend the visit.
Is mini golf suitable for beginners?
Yes. Mini golf is designed to be accessible to people with little or no golfing experience.
The basic technique is simple:
- Stand comfortably beside the ball.
- Hold the putter with both hands.
- Keep the club head low.
- Use a short, controlled movement.
- Aim for a useful position rather than maximum power.
- Allow the ball to stop before the next player begins.
Children may need help choosing a suitably sized putter and judging how firmly to hit the ball.
Each venue may also impose a stroke limit. This prevents one difficult hole from delaying every group behind. Where no rule is displayed, six or seven attempts is a sensible informal maximum before recording the score and moving on.
Volcano Falls Adventure Golf, Fountain Park
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Media credits: volcanofalls_uk
Business details
Address
Fountain Park, 130 Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH11 1AF
Phone: 0131 516 7522
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
- Weekdays during school and public holidays: Opens at 10 AM
Volcano Falls is Edinburgh’s largest dedicated adventure-golf venue.
It occupies part of Fountain Park, a major leisure complex west of the city centre. The attraction combines indoor mini golf with theatrical scenery, dinosaurs, tropical planting, sound effects and volcanic theming.
Players can choose between two 18-hole courses:
- Volcano Valley
- Skull Falls
Both courses form part of the same venue but use different obstacles and scenery. This gives returning visitors the opportunity to play a different route or book two rounds during the same visit.
Volcano Valley is built around a prehistoric environment with dinosaurs and volcanic features. Skull Falls moves towards a darker lost-world and treasure-adventure theme.
The setting is likely to appeal particularly to families and children, although the venue also attracts adult groups, couples and parties.
A full round generally requires more time than BOOM’s eight-hole course or Lane7’s 14-hole layout. Families should allow approximately one hour for one course and more during particularly busy periods.
Customers can book one or two rounds. The current price is displayed through the online booking system and may vary according to ticket type, day, promotion or package.
Volcano Falls also operates regular offers. These can combine golf with food, soft drinks or other activities at Fountain Park. Customers should compare the package price with separate bookings rather than assuming every promotion is cheaper for their group.
Food and drinks are available within the venue, including two bar areas. This makes it possible to remain on site before or after playing.
Fountain Park contains further entertainment and dining businesses, including cinema, bowling, trampolining and restaurants. Volcano Falls can therefore form part of a longer family or group outing without requiring travel to another area of Edinburgh.
The venue accepts party, group and exclusive-event enquiries. Packages can be tailored for:
- Children’s birthdays
- Adult birthdays
- Work socials
- School groups
- Youth organisations
- Hen and stag parties
- Corporate events
- Larger private bookings
The original article stated that customers must leave the venue to use toilets in the wider Fountain Park complex. Visitors should follow the current signs and ask staff for the nearest facilities, as access arrangements within leisure venues can change.
Parents with young children should still consider a toilet stop before beginning. Once a group is partway around a busy course, leaving and rejoining can be inconvenient.
Facilities include
- Two 18-hole adventure-golf courses
- Indoor dinosaur and jungle theming
- Sound and lighting effects
- Food
- Two bar areas
- Group packages
- Children’s parties
- Adult party packages
- Corporate and private-event enquiries
- Online booking
- Fountain Park parking
- Nearby cinema, bowling and restaurants
- School-holiday opening from 10 AM
Best suited to: Families, children’s parties and groups seeking a substantial themed adventure-golf experience with two full courses.
Pros
- Two separate 18-hole courses
- Edinburgh’s most substantial dedicated adventure-golf venue
- Immersive dinosaur and volcanic theming
- Suitable for children and adults
- Entirely indoors
- Food and drinks available
- Party and group packages
- Wider Fountain Park entertainment on the same site
- Car parking available within Fountain Park
- Longer opening hours on Friday and Saturday
- Option to play a second course
- Appropriate for a main family activity rather than only a brief add-on
Portal Golf
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Media credits: portalgolf
Business details
Address
10 New Market Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RJ
Phone: 0131 443 0404
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Portal Golf is an 18-hole indoor mini-golf course built around retro arcade games, pop culture and science-fiction-inspired design.
The course begins in a skatepark-style environment before moving through a series of brightly lit, individually themed holes.
Published features include:
- A skatepark-inspired opening
- Kenny’s Speedway
- A loop-the-loop challenge
- Pixel-style designs
- Neon and ultraviolet lighting
- Retro-game references
- Stranger Things-inspired visual ideas
- Pop-culture artwork
The venue’s atmosphere is more arcade-led than Volcano Falls’ jungle adventure. This may appeal to older children, teenagers and adults who prefer an 1980s gaming aesthetic.
Portal charges a straightforward £9 per person for 18 holes. The same rate applies to all ages.
This simple structure makes it easy to calculate the cost of a family or group visit:
| Group size | Total golf price |
|---|---|
| Two people | £18 |
| Four people | £36 |
| Six people | £54 |
| Eight people | £72 |
The price compares favourably with many city-centre activity bars, particularly because Portal provides a full 18-hole course.
Portal is part of a wider entertainment site that includes World of Bowling, a licensed bar and Barrel and Stone pizza.
Visitors can therefore combine mini golf with:
- Ten-pin bowling
- Food
- Drinks
- Arcade or amusement games
- Birthday packages
- Group events
The venue currently promotes a weekend pizza offer consisting of two large classic pizzas and garlic bread for £30. Offers can change, so customers should check the current menu and terms.
Portal also operates a free membership scheme offering a 10% food-and-drink discount from Monday to Friday, including school holidays.
The course welcomes all ages and standards of player.
Prams are not allowed on the course. Families with babies or toddlers should therefore ask where a pram can be stored and whether carrying equipment is practical before booking.
The restriction may also affect families bringing substantial bags or equipment. Access routes and storage arrangements should be discussed directly where required.
Portal is located off Slateford Road rather than in Edinburgh’s main visitor centre. It is convenient for west and south-west Edinburgh, including Slateford, Gorgie, Chesser and Colinton.
Visitors travelling from the Old Town or New Town should allow time for a bus, taxi or car journey.
Facilities include
- 18-hole indoor mini golf
- Retro arcade and pop-culture theme
- Neon and ultraviolet lighting
- Ten-pin bowling on the same site
- Licensed bar
- Pizza
- Food-and-drink offers
- Birthday bookings
- Group enquiries
- Free membership discount scheme
- Open daily from 10 AM
- Flat £9 admission price
- On-site entertainment complex
Best suited to: Families, teenagers and adults seeking an affordable 18-hole round with retro arcade styling and optional bowling or food.
Pros
- Clear £9 per-person price
- Full 18-hole course
- Same price for all ages
- Open from 10 AM every day
- Family-friendly
- Retro gaming and science-fiction atmosphere
- Bowling available on the same site
- Licensed bar and pizza
- Weekday food-and-drink membership discount
- Suitable for children’s parties
- Good value for groups
- Useful for residents in west and south-west Edinburgh
Lane7 Edinburgh
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Media credits: danielpitcher1975
Business details
Address
Floor 4.02B, St James Square, St James Quarter, Edinburgh, EH1 3AD
Phone: 0131 373 0003
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM to midnight
- Friday: 11 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday: 10 AM to midnight
- School and bank holidays: Earlier opening may apply
Lane7 is a large bowling and games bar in St James Quarter.
Its 14-hole indoor mini-golf course is designed as one part of a broader competitive-socialising venue rather than a standalone family attraction.
The course uses neon lighting, unusual obstacles and an energetic soundtrack. Lane7 describes it as a competitive and deliberately unpredictable alternative to traditional mini golf.
A normal round takes approximately 45 minutes, depending on the size and speed of the group.
The venue is particularly suited to customers who want to combine golf with other activities. These include:
- Ten-pin bowling
- Pool
- Back shuffle
- Shuffleboard
- Classic darts
- Arcades
- Shooting pods
- Beer pong
- Drinks
- Pizza and casual food
Lane7 offers game packages rather than relying solely on separate activity prices.
Current off-peak package examples include:
- Bowling plus one secondary game from £13 per person
- Bowling plus two additional games from £18 per person
- Bowling plus three additional games from £21 per person
Mini golf can be selected as one of the secondary games, subject to availability and booking terms.
The exact standalone golf price is shown through the online booking system. Prices may vary by day and time.
For groups of four or more, Lane7 also offers a Bowl, Drink, Game package from £18 per person.
The venue has a strong adult-night-out atmosphere during the evening. It is open to all ages before 7 PM and becomes an adults-only venue after that time.
Families should therefore book earlier sessions and allow enough time to complete all activities before the age cut-off.
Lane7 works particularly well for:
- Date nights
- Groups of friends
- Work socials
- Adult birthdays
- Student nights
- Corporate events
- Christmas parties
- Groups wanting several games
The golf course can be incorporated into larger private and corporate events.
Lane7 states that the course can accommodate events of up to 56 guests, while combined golf-course and gaming-hall hire can support much larger groups. Full-venue hire is also available.
This capacity does not mean that 56 people play the same hole simultaneously. Corporate bookings are organised across the course and may involve staggered starts, teams or broader use of the area.
The St James Quarter location is particularly convenient for people travelling by train, tram or bus. Edinburgh Waverley station is a short walk away, and the venue sits close to Princes Street and the east end of the New Town.
Food includes pizzas, hot dogs and other casual dishes. Drinks include cocktails, draught beer and alcohol-free alternatives.
Advance booking is recommended, especially for Friday and Saturday evenings. Walk-ins may be accepted where capacity remains, but customers risk waiting or being unable to play the preferred combination of games.
Facilities include
- 14-hole indoor mini golf
- Ten-pin bowling
- Pool
- Shuffleboard and back shuffle
- Darts
- Arcades
- Shooting games
- Beer pong
- Food
- Cocktails and draught drinks
- Activity packages
- Corporate-event support
- Semi-private and full-venue hire
- Central St James Quarter location
- All-ages entry before 7 PM
Best suited to: Couples, friends and workplace groups wanting mini golf as part of a wider city-centre games night.
Pros
- Central St James Quarter location
- Fourteen-hole course
- Typical round of around 45 minutes
- Large selection of additional games
- Multi-activity packages
- Food and full bar
- Suitable for date nights
- Strong option for work socials
- Large corporate capacity
- Open until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday
- Easy access from Waverley station
- All ages welcome before 7 PM
- Online booking and walk-in possibilities
BOOM Battle Bar Edinburgh
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Media credits: boombattlebar
Business details
Address
Units 3 and 4, Omni Centre, Edinburgh, EH1 3AU
Phone: 0131 332 1212
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday: 12 PM to midnight
- Saturday: 11 AM to midnight
- Sunday: 12 PM to 11 PM
BOOM Battle Bar’s Crazier Golf is a compact eight-hole activity inside its Omni Centre games venue.
The course is intentionally different from conventional mini golf. Individual holes can involve mechanical or unconventional elements such as:
- Catapults
- Loops
- Conveyors
- Ramps
- Novel ball routes
- Alternative putting challenges
The activity is designed to take approximately 45 minutes.
That is relatively long for eight holes, reflecting the added mechanics and the possibility of waiting while other members of the group complete each challenge.
Crazier Golf costs £8 per person.
The activity is listed for players aged 11 and over. Under-18s are welcome before 7 PM when supervised by an adult. After 7 PM, the venue is strictly for adults aged 18 and over.
The course is not wheelchair accessible. Customers with mobility requirements should contact the venue before booking to discuss the specific barriers and whether any alternative activity is suitable.
BOOM’s mini golf works best as one component of a larger visit rather than a destination for customers seeking a long traditional course.
Other activities include:
- Augmented-reality axe throwing
- Augmented-reality darts
- Shuffleboard
- American pool
- Beer or prosecco pong
- Private karaoke
- Food
- Cocktails and other drinks
Axe throwing is restricted to adults aged 18 and over at all times.
BOOM offers several packages.
The Crazier Golf BOOM Bundle includes:
- One full-length golf game
- Two premium drinks per person
- Two street-food plates or one burger per person
The current Edinburgh golf bundle is advertised at £29 per person.
General BOOM Bundles begin from £27.50 per person, depending on the game and booking. Minimum group sizes can vary by day.
A weekday lunchtime offer also provides one full-length game, one house drink, one street-food plate and a shared side from £15 per person, where available.
The venue’s birthday package starts from £25 per person for groups of at least six and can include two games and drinks. Under-18s can attend eligible birthday events before 7 PM.
BOOM operates a cashless payment system. Customers need a bank card or contactless payment method for food and drinks.
Bookings are generally non-refundable. The venue may try to reschedule an activity when contacted at least 24 hours before the original booking, but this is not guaranteed.
No-showing members of a group do not receive refunds.
The venue operates Challenge 25. Customers who may appear under 25 should bring accepted photographic identification, particularly for an evening booking.
Facilities include
- Eight-hole Crazier Golf course
- Catapults, loops and mechanical obstacles
- Approximately 45-minute session
- Augmented-reality darts
- Axe throwing
- Shuffleboard
- American pool
- Karaoke pod
- Food
- Cocktails and draught drinks
- Game-and-food bundles
- Birthday and group packages
- Omni Centre parking
- Central location near Waverley station
- Cashless payments
Best suited to: Adult groups and older teenagers seeking a short, energetic mini-golf activity as part of a larger food, drinks and games visit.
Pros
- Clear £8 per-person golf price
- Unusual interactive holes
- Compact 45-minute activity
- Wide selection of other games
- Golf, food and drinks bundle
- Central Omni Centre location
- Parking within the complex
- Useful for birthdays and team socials
- Under-18s permitted before 7 PM with adult supervision
- Food and cocktails on site
- Suitable for an activity-led evening
- Open seven days a week
Which Edinburgh mini-golf venue may suit different groups?
The four venues provide meaningfully different experiences.
For families with younger children
Volcano Falls is the most substantial family-focused attraction.
Its dinosaur theming, two 18-hole courses and Fountain Park location make it suitable for a main daytime outing.
Portal is another strong family choice, particularly for children interested in arcade games, neon design and pop culture.
For the best straightforward price
Portal offers the clearest current value at £9 per person for 18 holes.
There is no separate adult-and-child pricing structure to calculate.
For a date night
Lane7 and BOOM are particularly well suited to couples.
Both provide drinks, food and additional games, allowing the evening to continue after the golf.
Lane7 offers a longer 14-hole course. BOOM offers a shorter and more mechanical eight-hole experience.
For the longest visit
Volcano Falls provides two separate 18-hole courses.
Customers can book both where they want a more substantial activity rather than a brief round.
For teenagers
Portal and Volcano Falls provide all-ages environments without becoming principally adult bars during the day.
Lane7 and BOOM can also suit teenagers before 7 PM, subject to supervision and the specific activity’s minimum age.
For work socials
Lane7 provides the greatest corporate capacity and range of games.
BOOM also offers activity bundles, party-planning support and several competitive games in one venue.
For a group wanting bowling as well
Portal shares its site with World of Bowling.
Lane7 also has boutique ten-pin bowling within the same venue.
For late-night mini golf
Lane7 remains open until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday, although activity booking times may finish earlier than the venue itself.
BOOM remains open until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Both become adults-only after 7 PM.
For customers requiring wheelchair access
Customers should contact each venue for course-specific information.
BOOM expressly states that its Crazier Golf course is not wheelchair accessible.
Lane7, Portal and Volcano Falls should be asked about:
- Step-free access
- Course gradients
- Narrow sections
- Lift availability
- Accessible toilets
- Wheelchair space
- Alternative routes
- Seating
- Assistance requirements
A venue building may be accessible while parts of the course remain difficult to use.
Mini golf with children
Mini golf can help children practise:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Turn-taking
- Counting
- Patience
- Gentle competition
- Judging distance
- Following rules
Parents can make the experience more manageable by:
- Booking outside the busiest times
- Choosing a shorter round for very young children
- Allowing practice strokes
- Using a sensible stroke limit
- Letting younger children start closer to the hole
- Avoiding excessive focus on scoring
- Taking a toilet break before playing
- Bringing water
- Confirming pram restrictions
- Checking the venue’s food options
- Avoiding late adult-focused sessions
Portal does not permit prams on the course.
BOOM’s golf is intended for ages 11 and over.
Lane7 is all ages before 7 PM, while Volcano Falls is the most clearly family-oriented of the four.
Birthday parties
Mini golf works well for birthdays because every guest can participate regardless of sporting experience.
Before booking, ask:
- What is the minimum group size?
- Is food included?
- How long is the party?
- Is a private area provided?
- Can a cake be brought?
- Are candles permitted?
- Does the party include one or two rounds?
- Is a host included?
- Are drinks included?
- Can adults accompany children?
- Is there a maximum age?
- Are invitations supplied?
- What happens if fewer guests attend?
- Is the deposit refundable?
Volcano Falls and Portal are well suited to children’s parties.
BOOM publishes birthday packages for guests aged 11 and over, with under-18s permitted before 7 PM.
Lane7 can accommodate birthdays and larger private bookings, particularly where bowling or other games are included.
Date-night planning
Mini golf provides a shared activity and removes some of the pressure of sitting across a table for an entire first date.
A useful date-night format might include:
- Mini golf
- One additional game
- Food or drinks
- Time to continue elsewhere if the evening goes well
Lane7 is particularly convenient because it is inside St James Quarter and close to many bars and restaurants.
BOOM is across from St James Quarter in the Omni Centre and provides several bookable games.
Portal and Volcano Falls are less focused on nightlife but may suit couples who prefer a calmer activity or do not want an alcohol-led evening.
Work socials and team building
Mini golf is accessible to most groups and does not require the same confidence as karaoke or the physical intensity of some sports.
It works particularly well when:
- Teams are mixed randomly
- Groups begin at staggered holes
- A simple scoring format is used
- Participation is optional
- Food follows the activity
- Alcohol is not central to the event
- Accessibility is checked
- The finish time is clear
- Nobody is pressured to perform athletically
Lane7 can hire its golf course for groups of up to approximately 56 and combine it with a gaming hall for larger events.
Volcano Falls accepts tailored and exclusive-event enquiries.
BOOM has dedicated group packages and event-planning support.
Portal can combine mini golf, bowling and food for smaller workplace groups.
Accessibility considerations
Mini-golf courses can present barriers that are not immediately obvious.
Possible issues include:
- Steps between holes
- Narrow walkways
- Raised platforms
- Steep ramps
- Low lighting
- Loud sound effects
- Flashing lights
- Uneven floors
- Limited seating
- Crowded spaces
- Heavy doors
- Mechanical obstacles
- No wheelchair-accessible route
- No space for prams
Visitors should ask detailed questions rather than only asking whether the building is accessible.
A useful enquiry might state:
- The type of mobility equipment used
- Whether the person can transfer
- Whether steps can be managed
- Whether seating is needed
- Whether a quieter session is preferable
- Whether flashing lights create a problem
- Whether assistance will be required
BOOM confirms that Crazier Golf is not wheelchair accessible.
The other venues should describe their current course layout directly.
Sensory environment
Indoor mini golf can involve strong sensory effects.
Depending on the venue, these may include:
- Ultraviolet lighting
- Darkness
- Loud music
- Dinosaur sounds
- Moving models
- Volcanic effects
- Flashing lights
- Crowds
- Echoing rooms
- Bright neon
- Unexpected mechanical movement
Portal and Lane7 have strong neon and arcade-style environments.
Volcano Falls uses themed effects and dinosaurs.
BOOM combines music, mechanical holes and the wider noise of a games bar.
Visitors with sensory sensitivities should ask about quieter periods. Weekday mornings or early afternoons may be calmer than Friday and Saturday evenings.
Ear defenders may be useful where permitted.
Scoring mini golf
Traditional scoring records the number of strokes taken at each hole.
The player with the lowest total wins.
A simple scorecard may look like this:
| Player | Hole 1 | Hole 2 | Hole 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
| Player B | 2 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
Venues may set a maximum number of strokes, commonly six or seven.
Alternative group formats include:
Team total
Players are divided into teams, and each team’s scores are added together.
Best ball
Every player attempts the hole, but the team records only the best score.
Match play
The player who wins the most individual holes wins the match.
No-score round
The group plays purely for entertainment and does not keep a total.
This can be better for younger children or groups with very different ability levels.
Mini-golf etiquette
Good etiquette helps prevent delays and accidents.
Players should:
- Wait until the previous group has cleared the hole.
- Keep putters below waist height.
- Do not swing the club like a full golf club.
- Allow the ball to stop before the next stroke.
- Keep drinks away from the playing surface.
- Do not climb on scenery.
- Follow the stated stroke limit.
- Move away after completing the hole.
- Record scores at the side rather than blocking the course.
- Supervise children.
- Follow staff instructions.
- Avoid hitting the ball excessively hard.
- Return equipment after playing.
- Report damage or lost balls.
Themed objects are part of the venue rather than climbing equipment.
Food and drink
The four venues have different food arrangements.
Volcano Falls
Food and drinks are available within the venue, including two bar areas. Fountain Park also contains several other restaurants.
Portal
The site includes Barrel and Stone pizza and a licensed bar. Bowling and food can be added to the visit.
Lane7
Food includes pizzas, hot dogs and casual games-bar dishes. A full drinks menu is available.
BOOM Battle Bar
Street-food plates, burgers, cocktails, beer and alcohol-free drinks are available. Bundles can include food and drinks.
Families should confirm kitchen hours, as food service may end before the venue closes.
Groups with allergies should contact the food operator directly rather than assuming every part of a leisure complex shares one kitchen or allergen process.
Booking or walking in
Advance booking is advisable when:
- Visiting on Friday or Saturday
- Attending during school holidays
- Planning a birthday
- Booking several activities
- Bringing a large group
- Requiring accessibility arrangements
- Visiting during August festivals
- Attending in December
- Travelling a significant distance
- Needing a specific time
Walk-ins may be accepted where capacity is available.
Lane7 and BOOM both state that walk-in customers can use the venue, but bookable activity slots may be unavailable.
Volcano Falls and Portal are also likely to become busy during wet weekends and school holidays because they are indoor family attractions.
Cancellation policies
Cancellation terms vary.
BOOM states that bookings are generally non-refundable. Customers experiencing an emergency can contact the venue at least 24 hours before the session, and staff may try to move the booking.
No-showing participants are not refunded.
Lane7’s cancellation conditions depend on the selected activity or package and are shown during booking.
Volcano Falls and Portal customers should review the checkout terms before paying, particularly for parties or group bookings.
The organiser should note:
- Cancellation deadline
- Amendment deadline
- Refund method
- Booking-fee treatment
- Group-number rules
- Rescheduling policy
- No-show policy
- Late-arrival consequences
Arriving late
A timed mini-golf booking does not necessarily move because the group arrives late.
Potential consequences include:
- Reduced playing time
- Loss of the slot
- Transfer to a later time where available
- Inability to complete every hole
- Delay to another booked activity
- Loss of payment
Groups should arrive approximately 15 minutes before the booking.
Additional time may be required for:
- Parking
- Finding the venue inside a complex
- Toilet visits
- Signing waivers
- Collecting equipment
- Ordering drinks
- Checking children’s ages
- Accessibility arrangements
- Dividing into teams
Lane7 is on an upper level of St James Quarter. BOOM is inside the Omni Centre. Volcano Falls is within Fountain Park. First-time visitors should allow time to locate the correct entrance.
Parking and public transport
Volcano Falls
Fountain Park has a car park and is served by buses along Dundee Street. It is west of the city centre.
Portal Golf
Portal is on New Market Road near Slateford. It is more convenient by car, taxi or local bus than on foot from the central tourist area.
Lane7
Lane7 is inside St James Quarter, close to Waverley station, the tram and major bus routes. St James Quarter also has paid parking.
BOOM Battle Bar
BOOM is inside the Omni Centre. The complex has a car park with an entrance on Greenside Row. Waverley station is approximately a short walk away.
Groups planning to drink should use public transport, taxis or a designated driver.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main mini-golf venues in Edinburgh?
The principal indoor venues are Volcano Falls, Portal Golf, Lane7 and BOOM Battle Bar.
Which Edinburgh mini-golf venue has the most holes?
Volcano Falls has two separate 18-hole courses.
Portal also provides an 18-hole course. Lane7 has 14 holes, and BOOM has eight.
How much is Portal Golf?
Portal currently charges £9 per person for 18 holes.
The same price applies to all ages.
How much is BOOM Battle Bar crazy golf?
BOOM currently charges £8 per person for its eight-hole Crazier Golf activity.
How long does BOOM crazy golf take?
The venue estimates approximately 45 minutes.
How long does Lane7 mini golf take?
Most rounds take around 45 minutes, depending on group size and pace.
Is Volcano Falls indoors?
Yes. Both Edinburgh courses are indoors at Fountain Park.
Does Volcano Falls have two courses?
Yes. The Edinburgh venue has Volcano Valley and Skull Falls, each containing 18 holes.
Is Portal Golf suitable for children?
Yes. Portal welcomes all ages.
Prams are not allowed on the course.
Is Lane7 suitable for children?
Lane7 welcomes all ages before 7 PM.
After 7 PM, the venue is for adults only.
Can children play at BOOM Battle Bar?
Crazier Golf is listed for ages 11 and over.
Under-18s can attend before 7 PM when accompanied by an adult. The venue becomes strictly 18 and over after 7 PM.
Is BOOM’s mini golf wheelchair accessible?
No. BOOM currently states that its Edinburgh Crazier Golf course is not wheelchair accessible.
Can we play mini golf without booking?
Walk-ins may be possible, but availability is not guaranteed.
Booking is recommended during evenings, weekends, school holidays and festival periods.
Which venue is closest to Edinburgh Waverley?
Lane7 and BOOM Battle Bar are both close to Waverley station.
Lane7 is inside St James Quarter, while BOOM is in the Omni Centre.
Which venue is best for a date?
Lane7 and BOOM provide the strongest combined games-bar experiences.
Both offer food, drinks and additional activities.
Which venue is best for young children?
Volcano Falls is the most strongly family-oriented attraction and provides dinosaur theming and two full courses.
Portal is another good all-ages option.
Which venue is cheapest?
Portal charges £9 for 18 holes, while BOOM charges £8 for eight holes.
The best value depends on whether the group prioritises course length or wants to combine golf with other activities.
Can we play bowling and mini golf together?
Yes.
Portal shares its site with World of Bowling, while Lane7 provides bowling within the same venue.
Can mini golf be booked for a work event?
Yes.
Lane7, BOOM, Volcano Falls and Portal all support group bookings in different forms.
Lane7 provides the most extensive published corporate-hire capacity.
Do venues serve alcohol?
Portal, Volcano Falls, Lane7 and BOOM all have licensed drink options.
Age and time restrictions apply.
Can we bring our own food?
Usually not.
Ask the venue directly about birthday cakes, dietary requirements and outside-food exceptions.
Can we take a pram onto the course?
Portal expressly states that prams are not allowed on its course.
Check the current policy at the other venues before attending.
Is mini golf suitable in bad weather?
Yes. All four listed venues are indoors.
Travel disruption may still occur during severe weather.
How many people should play in one group?
Four to six players is usually manageable.
Larger parties may be divided into several groups with staggered starts.
Can we hire a complete course?
Some venues accept private or corporate-hire enquiries.
Volcano Falls offers tailored and exclusive events, while Lane7 publishes course-hire options for larger groups.
Do we need golfing experience?
No. Mini golf is designed for beginners and casual players.
Are clubs and balls included?
Yes. Standard mini-golf equipment is normally included in the admission price.
What should we wear?
Comfortable everyday clothing and flat footwear are appropriate.
High heels may be uncomfortable on ramps, steps or uneven themed surfaces.
Can we drink while playing?
Lane7, BOOM and some other venues allow drinks around the activity, subject to their rules.
Keep glasses away from the course and follow staff instructions.
What happens if we lose a ball?
Inform a member of staff rather than entering scenery or restricted areas to retrieve it.
Are the courses very dark?
Portal, Lane7 and parts of other venues use neon or low lighting.
Anyone with visual or sensory concerns should ask about the environment before booking.
Is mini golf suitable for a first date?
Yes. It provides an informal shared activity and usually lasts less than an hour.
Lane7 and BOOM make it easy to continue with food, drinks or another game afterwards.
Final booking checklist
Before booking mini golf in Edinburgh:
- Confirm the venue and address.
- Check the number of holes.
- Review the current price.
- Check adult and child rates.
- Confirm the expected duration.
- Review the age policy.
- Check whether the venue becomes adults-only.
- Ask about wheelchair access.
- Confirm whether prams are permitted.
- Review lighting and sensory effects.
- Book ahead for weekends and holidays.
- Read the cancellation terms.
- Check group-size restrictions.
- Confirm food and drink options.
- Ask whether a birthday cake is permitted.
- Plan parking or public transport.
- Arrive before the booked time.
- Allow time between separate activities.
- Wear practical footwear.
- Supervise children throughout the course.
Edinburgh’s mini-golf venues serve different purposes.
Volcano Falls offers the most substantial adventure-golf experience, with two full courses and strong family appeal. Portal combines an affordable 18-hole round with retro arcade styling and bowling. Lane7 is the strongest city-centre choice for groups combining mini golf with several games, while BOOM Battle Bar provides a shorter, more mechanical course suited to an activity-led evening with food and drinks.
Choosing the best venue therefore depends on whether mini golf is the main event or one part of a wider day or night out.
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