Pixar Putt Chicago opened this weekend and we were invited to check it out! My daughter and I are into Pixar movies and it was fun to see the creative ways each one was represented as mini golf holes in this immersive experience. This pop-up 18-hole course is in Polk Brothers Park across the street from the fountain in front of Navy Pier. It was definitely fun to head to the city and make a day out of it. Pixar Putt Chicago is in town from May 28 – August 21, 2022.
There were many unique holes in the course, some even with sound effects. We thought the Ratatouille hole was really creative and had tons of obstacles, there were cascading piano keys that the ball bounces down for the movie Soul, and the Toy Story hole starts out by rolling your ball into the giant claw machine, which you then step into. The course concludes with the balloon scene from the movie Up, where your ball takes a journey up in the air in the house before finishing the hole.
Some of the holes were placed on inclines in the grass, which made them more difficult to play as the ball would roll back. Pixar Putt gave us a score card with a convenient clip-on pencil, but we found the game to be more about the photo ops and experience than playing mini golf and keeping score.
Location and Parking
Pixar Putt is located in Polk Brothers Park at Navy Pier, which is in front of the pier. We parked in the West Parking Garage and headed outside. When you see the fountain in the middle, turn to the right, cross the street, and you’ll be there! Pixar Putt does not validate parking, so if you’re up for a walk, you can use Spot Hero or find street parking further away.
Food at Navy Pier
Food and drinks aren’t offered inside Pixar Putt, but there are so many options for where to eat at Navy Pier! We opted to make reservations at Offshore Rooftop, which was named the World’s Largest Rooftop Deck by Guinness Book of World Records. We were a little disappointed that they only served brunch on a Saturday, but the food was good and it was fun to sit up there and enjoy the gorgeous lake views.
Bathrooms
We recommend stopping inside Navy Pier to use the restrooms before heading outside to Pixar Putt.
Hours
Monday – Wednesday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Thursday – Friday: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7-10pm are adult-only hours. Child tickets cannot be purchased during those times. Check their website for holiday hours and schedule changes.
Prices
Tickets start at $27.50 for children under 12 years old and $32.50 for adults and children 12 and over on the weekends. During the week, those prices decrease by $2 each. They also offer a Family Pack for $99, which includes 2 adults and 2 children tickets.
Prices are updated as of May 28, 2022 and are subject to change.
Recommended Ages
We would recommend Pixar Putt for ages 3+. The course is more challenging than other mini golf courses we have played, so young children might have a more difficult time being successful. However, the course is fun to explore.
The Pixar Putt website states: “Children under 3 are welcome to join a family group/team, free of charge, however the course has not been designed to cater to this age group. Children under 3 will not be assigned their own putter (golf-club) or ball. You may wish to pair your under 3 child with a sibling, in order to share their putter and ball, to play some of the simpler holes but not the entire course. We ask parents/guardians of children under 3 to be mindful of other paying patrons on the course following behind your team, as children under 3 tend to take longer to complete a hole. Please remain aware and considerate in order to avoid holding up play for other paying patrons on the course.”
Best Days/Times To Go
Weekends and holidays are the most busy, but since there are a maximum number of tickets sold each day, that helps manage the crowds.
Special Needs Accommodations
Since Pixar Putt is outside and there isn’t loud background music, so the sounds aren’t overwhelming. However, the course is not wheelchair accessible and we would recommend against bringing a stroller.
Discounts for Pixar Putt
We spotted a Groupon for Pixar Putt when it was in Texas, so maybe they will offer one for Pixar Putt Chicago? Click on the Groupon logo below to check.
Pixar Putt Chicago
Polk Brothers Park at Navy Pier
600 E. Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
