Looking for a fun activity for the family? Why not play Goblin Golf in the back yard! This modified version of miniature golf is a hoot for a Halloween party.

 Materials Needed:

  • Several medium and large pumpkins (for the holes)
  • Carving knives
  • Acrylic paint (for details like eyes, noses, etc.)
  • Krylon clear spray varnish (to finish off the pumpkins)
  • Posterboard (for flags)
  • 1 (1/4″ x 10″) dowel for each pumpkin
  • Glue
  • 1 scorecard for each player
  • Golf clubs (preferably putters)
  • Golf balls

 

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkins    

Cut around the top of each pumpkin and remove the seeds and membranes. Carve the faces with the mouths flush to the floor or ground, so that a golf ball can roll in. Make small and large mouths to vary the difficulty of the course.

The eyes and nose could be painted with acrylic paint rather than carved out. Spray with a clear varnish after the acrylic paint is dry.

Step 2: Prepare the Flags

For each pumpkin, make double-sided posterboard “flags” in the shape of bats, witches or ghosts. Label with “Hole #1,” “Hole #2,” etc. Glue the two sides together with the dowel in the middle. Push the flags into the tops of the pumpkins and arrange the course.

Step 3: Set Up the Course

  1. Arrange the pumpkins: Set up your pumpkins around your yard, varying the difficulty of the course by changing the distances between them.
  2. Determine a par: Decide on a par for each hole based on the distance and difficulty. For example, a hole that’s further away might have a higher par number.

Step 4: Play the Game

  1. Scoring Method 1: Use traditional scoring (like real golf). The player with the lowest score after completing all holes wins.
  2. Scoring Method 2: If you have limited space, set up one pumpkin at a time and let each player take turns. Score based on how many strokes it takes to get the ball in.
  3. Scoring Method 3: Assign point values to the pumpkins based on their difficulty. If a player gets the ball into the pumpkin in one stroke, they earn the points assigned to that hole.

Step 5: Prizes

Give the pumpkins as prizes.