If you’ve got a child who’s curious about golf — or maybe you’re just looking for a new outdoor activity you can enjoy together — you might be wondering where to start. A full-length course can be intimidating for kids (and even for some adults), and the pace, difficulty, and pressure aren’t always the best recipe for a fun first experience.
That’s where The Children’s Course in Gladstone comes in. Just minutes from Portland, this nonprofit 9-hole, par-3 course is designed specifically for young players and beginners. Here, kids can pick up a club, take a swing, and fall in love with the game — all in a supportive, friendly environment.
Built with Kids in Mind
The Children’s Course was founded in 1996 by Duncan and Cindy Campbell with one simple, powerful mission:
“The place where every child is provided the opportunity to pursue a pathway to personal success through building a strong mind and learning lessons for life through the game of golf.”
The course layout is short (holes range from 65 to 160 yards, with a total yardage under 1,000 from the front tees), so kids stay engaged and feel successful right away. Even seasoned golfers love playing here for the relaxed pace and approachable feel.
And it’s affordable: kids 17 and under can play a full round for just $6. Adults pay only about $16, which makes this an easy choice for a family day out.
More Than Just a Golf Course
What makes The Children’s Course so special is that it’s not just about learning to hit a golf ball — it’s about helping kids grow as people. The course is home to a state-of-the-art Learning Center with classrooms, golf simulators, and year-round programming for up to 1,500 kids.
Programs range from individual and group lessons to multi-day camps where kids can make friends, have fun, and build skills together. Many families start with a group lesson or camp, since learning alongside other kids often makes the experience even more enjoyable.
Life Skills Through Golf
The Children’s Course is also the headquarters for First Tee–Oregon, a nationally recognized program that uses golf to teach important life skills and nine core values — honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. Kids come for the game, but they leave with so much more.
If your child is ready for a little competition, there’s the PGA Jr. League — a team-based format where kids play in pairs against other local teams in short, friendly matches. It’s a great way to introduce your child to competition without the pressure.
A Place Parents Love Too
Parents appreciate that The Children’s Course is a welcoming, low-stress environment for kids to try something new. No one’s rushing them, the course is the perfect length, and the focus is on fun and learning rather than scores. Plus, it’s an activity you can do together — golf is truly a game for all ages, and it’s something your child can play for a lifetime.
Plan Your Visit
- Where: Gladstone, Oregon — just a short drive from Portland.
- What to bring: Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, water, and a smile.
- Cost: Kids play for $6, adults around $16.
- How to start: Book a tee time, sign up for a lesson or camp, or get involved in First Tee or the PGA Jr. League.
The Children’s Course isn’t just a golf course. It’s a place where kids can learn, grow, and have fun — all while discovering a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. Whether your child is swinging a club for the first time or already showing signs of becoming the next golf superstar, this is the perfect place to start.
Tiffany Wilson is a 42-year-old stay-at-home mom from Tigard, Oregon, raising three kids—Sophie, Noah, and Riley. She’s a warm, hands-on parent who mixes daily routines with creative fun, whether it’s a backyard scavenger hunt or building a blanket fort in the living room.