At The Cradle of American Golf, you’ll find a family vacation destination your kids can enjoy from the time they’re in a cradle, too. There’s Lake Pinehurst with its sandy beaches, playgrounds and calm waters. There’s the pool complex where kids can splash and play while parents lounge. There’s delicious food around every corner, with items on every menu kids are sure to love.
And, of course, there are family-friendly golf activities for players of all ages and skill levels, from putting on Thistle Dhu to short course fun at The Cradle to teeing it up on one of our 10 renowned golf courses. Kids under 17 play free with a parent, so make it a family affair and build your kids’ passion for golf at Pinehurst.
*Kids 17 and under stay free when sharing a room with a parent. Two kids per paying adult play for free on Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and The Cradle. Additional fee per child applies when playing Nos. 2, 4, and 10. Kids 5-and-under dine free and ages 6-17 dine at a la carte pricing.
DAY 1
AFTERNOON:
Explore the fun of golf in our “front yard”.
Whether the kids – or the parents – are golfers or not, we hope everyone who visits Pinehurst can have some exposure to the game we love. It’s why the “front yard” of the main clubhouse is devoted to the fun of Pinehurst golf.
Putt-putt golf gets an upgrade at Thistle Dhu, our 18-hole putting course, filled with hills, bumps and valleys over a 75,000-square-foot green around the famed Putter Boy statue. Play is free, so just ask our starter for a few putters and golf balls, grab a scorecard and off you go.
Next door is The Cradle short course, featuring nine holes ranging from 45-120 yards. Perfect for every level of golfer, and if there’s enough room, you can play as many loops as you’d like. Kids play free with a paying adult, so kick off your shoes, take in the tunes and enjoy.
EVENING:
Tator Tots and Treats with a view.
The Deuce, one of the best pubs in all of golf, overlooks the 18th green of Pinehurst No. 2. Here her can regale the kids about the history of No. 2 and the great finishes there. (Pro tip: Take a moment to take the kids out to the Bryson Plaque if there’s a gap in play.) The Deuce features extended hours and expands its menu to include dinner. It’s the perfect spot to cap your first day.
DAY 2
MORNING:
There’s breakfast everywhere you look. Beginning April 23 while the Carolina Dining Room enjoys a renovation, breakfast will still be available at The Carolina, but also at places like the Deuce, Station 21 at Pinehurst Sandmines and PL8TE at No. 8 – the perfect option especially if as a family you’ve chosen to stay at the Cottages at No. 8.
AFTERNOON:
Choose your adventure.
For the golfing family:
You’ve come to the right place. Everyone knows about No. 2, and nothing compares to the crescendo of cheers you’ll hear as you walk up the 18th fairway while you wrap up the round of a lifetime with your kids. Believe us – the score won’t matter.
If not everyone is ready for No. 2, there are nine other courses to choose from. Pinehurst No. 5 is fun, forgiving and one of our best-kept secrets. Pinehurst No. 1 gives you a chance to show the kids the classic stylings of Donald Ross – and the harness track and horse stables that run along it.
Not a golfer?
Lounge and play at the pool at The Carolina. Bike into the Village of Pinehurst – there are also kids-sized bikes available – or take in a day of shopping. Walk the Arboretum or bound over to the Camelot playground, a favorite of local families. Or head over to nearby Southern Pines – a 5-minute drive – for more parks and shopping in another quaint small town.
Eats
Mix in with the locals for lunch anywhere in the Village, or try any of our casual restaurants like the relaxed and vibrant Pinehurst Brewing Co.
EVENING:
Fine dining and tall pies.
For dinner, enjoy a nice evening with the family at the Carolina Vista Lounge. Sure, it’s a tad more upscale, but there’s no jacket and tie requirement – there’s none of that here – and there’s always something for the kids.
Such as…
Kids’ Choice
Don’t leave Pinehurst without trying – and seeing – the Mile High Key Lime Pie. Go big and order the brownie sundae, too.
Have the camera phone ready when they come out. You’ll want to capture those faces.
DAY 3
MORNING:
Rocking chairs and relaxation.
Time tends to slow down at Pinehurst, so don’t feel like you have to rush off. Sit a spell. Wake up slowly and head to the Coffee House at The Carolina for a pastry and beverage. Kick back in a rocking chair on the veranda and take in the refreshing scent of the pines. If the kids need to stretch their legs, The Carolina’s front lawn or West Lawn offer plenty of room to toss a football or sneak in a few more putts on The Carolina’s sneaky-cool putting green.
AFTERNOON:
Stock up on the gear.
What didn’t you get to on Day 2? It’s all available again today. The golf, Spa services, the Village, the restaurants, The Cradle, Thistle Dhu again.
On your way out, stop by the main golf shop at the Clubhouse or the gift shop at the Carolina and shop a wide selection of Putter Boy logo’d apparel, drinkware, golf accessories and more to commemorate your Pinehurst family trip.
What better way to remember your family trip to Pinehurst than when the kids head to school in their Cradle T-shirt?
Play A Round, Share Around.
See what others are doing and share your own Pinehurst adventures.
Share the moment
