Looking for a fun way to enjoy the Nelson-Atkins with kids? How about playing a round of mini golf — right in the museum’s Sculpture Park?

Art Course at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art combines art and mini golf in a nine-hole outdoor course in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. And with the fall season beginning September 11, it’s a great addition to your family’s Kansas City fall bucket list.

This isn’t your typical miniature golf course, either. Each of Art Course’s nine holes was designed by an artist and inspired by a work in the Nelson-Atkins collection, turning a round of mini golf into an interactive way for kids (and grown-ups!) to experience art.

Here’s what Kansas City families need to know before they go.

What Is Art Course at the Nelson-Atkins?

Art Course is a nine-hole, artist-designed mini golf course located outdoors in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

Each hole offers a creative interpretation of a work of art from the museum’s collection. For example, one hole is inspired by Wayne Thiebaud’s Jawbreaker Machine, with players navigating their golf balls past colorful “gumballs” and through the machine.

That means families can play mini golf outside and then head inside the museum to find some of the actual works that inspired the course.

And there’s an extra activity for kids who want to do exactly that!

Pick up an Art Course scavenger hunt at the Putter Pick-Up Station and search the museum for the collection pieces that correspond with the mini golf holes. Complete the activity and take it to the Museum Store for a special prize.

Nelson-Atkins Art Course Fall 2026 Dates & Hours

The fall Art Course season runs:

Friday, September 11–Sunday, October 25, 2026

Fall hours are:

Fridays: 5–9 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Fall tickets are on sale now.

How Much Does Nelson-Atkins Mini Golf Cost?

Current Art Course admission is:

• Adults: $18
• Nelson-Atkins members: $14
• Kids ages 4–12: $12
• Kids ages 3 and younger: FREE

Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

There’s another nice perk: your Art Course ticket also includes general admission to the Nelson-Atkins.

Do You Need Reservations for Art Course?

Yes. Everyone playing Art Course — including children and Nelson-Atkins members — needs a reserved tee time.

Advance reservations are encouraged. Same-day reservations may be available on-site on a first-come, first-served basis, but each tee time is limited to 12 players.

KC Metro Moms Tip: If you know when you want to go, we’d book ahead rather than count on getting a walk-up spot — especially for a beautiful fall weekend in Kansas City.

VIEW ART COURSE TICKETS & TEE TIMES

How Long Does Art Course Take?

Plan on approximately 45 minutes to one hour to play all nine holes.

The Nelson-Atkins recommends arriving at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tee time to allow time for parking and check-in.

When you arrive, head to the Art Course Putter Pick-Up Station. Your ticket will be scanned there, and you’ll receive your putter, golf ball and scorecard.

Where Is Art Course?

Art Course is located in the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park on the south side of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
4525 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64111

Because the course is outdoors, weather can affect play. If Art Course closes because of inclement weather, affected ticket holders receive a voucher to reschedule for another time.

Can You Bring a Stroller?

Yes. Standard-size strollers are welcome, although stroller access may occasionally be limited. Stroller parking is available at the beginning of Art Course.

Families who need accessibility accommodations should also know that five of the nine holes are wheelchair and mobility-aid accessible. The museum recommends contacting Guest Services for additional accommodation information.

Are Food and Drinks Available?

Yes! Art Course has a snack bar open during course hours with snacks plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

There are also picnic tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make It a Family Day at the Nelson-Atkins

One of the things we love about Art Course is that it can be more than just a round of mini golf.

Play the nine-hole course, grab the Art Course scavenger hunt, head inside to look for the artwork that inspired the holes and spend some time exploring the museum.

For families who may think an art museum sounds a little intimidating with kids in tow, Art Course gives them a fun and interactive way to make a connection between what they’re seeing outside and the art they’ll discover inside.

And because your Art Course ticket includes general museum admission, it’s easy to turn your tee time into a full family outing.

Nelson-Atkins Art Course: Quick Details for Families

What: Nine-hole artist-designed mini golf course
Where: Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Address: 4525 Oak St., Kansas City, MO
Fall dates: September 11–October 25, 2026
Friday hours: 5–9 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Adults: $18
Members: $14
Kids ages 4–12: $12
Ages 3 & under: FREE
Time needed: Approximately 45–60 minutes
Reservations: Required for all players; advance reservations recommended
Bonus: Art Course admission includes general admission to the Nelson-Atkins.

RESERVE AN ART COURSE TEE TIME

Looking for more things to do with kids in Kansas City? Keep checking KC Metro Moms for family-friendly events, activities, attractions and ideas throughout the KC metro.