Pros 
Cons A Whirlwind of Experiences: What People Are Saying About Funland
Funland in Tewksbury, MA, currently boasts a 3.7 rating, but a dive into recent reviews reveals a far more complex picture than a simple number can convey. It’s clear this isn’t your average miniature golf experience. While some rave about a magical atmosphere and incredible attractions, others detail encounters that are…unique, to say the least. The core offering of Funland appears to be diverse; beyond the miniature golf, patrons mention batting cages, arcades, go-karts, and even a jungle-themed slide. However, the experiences within those attractions vary wildly.
Here’s a breakdown of what visitors have shared:
- Family Fun Focus: A significant portion of reviewers highlight Funland as a fantastic destination for families. One parent recounted a memorable 2-year-old’s birthday party, emphasizing the enthralling airplane displays (specifically a model Boeing 911), and praised the owner's vision. Another parent consistently returns with their child, calling it a “go-to” place.
- Enthusiastic Birthday Celebrations: Multiple customers plan and celebrate birthdays at Funland and confirm great experiences and good memories.
- Unexpected Mascot Encounters: Recurring mentions of a friendly (and sometimes wild!) mascot – a raccoon and others – add a touch of whimsy. One review details a particularly… unusual “adventure” involving a child supposedly being taken on a fun-filled trip by the mascot, accompanied by a bizarre, and potentially concerning, financial exchange.
- Mini Golf Mania: Several reviews center specifically on the mini golf itself. One golfer delights in the talking dog that appears after a hole-in-one, while others enjoyed the jungle-themed course.
- A bit rough around the edges: Some reviewers mention the park has a trashy vibe, and warn of a foul smell coming from somewhere on the premises.
Beyond the Greens: A Dive into Amenities & Accessibility
Funland clearly puts effort into inclusivity, offering several accessibility features. Patrons can expect:
- Wheelchair accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating.
- Gender-neutral restrooms.
- Wi-Fi (though one review indicates it may not always be functional).
- Credit and debit card payment options.
However, amenities beyond these are a mixed bag. A restaurant is present, but its quality isn’t consistently addressed in the reviews. Accessibility is a clear strength, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all guests. The park also identifies as family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safe space.
Here's a quick overview:
| Feature | Enabled |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Entrance | ✅ |
| Wheelchair Parking | ✅ |
| Wheelchair Restroom | ✅ |
| Gender Neutral Restroom | ✅ |
| Restaurant | ✅ |
| Wi-Fi | ❌ |
| Family-Friendly | ✅ |
| LGBTQ+ Friendly | ✅ |
| Transgender Safe Space | ✅ |
The Good, The Bad, and The… Unusual?
It’s impossible to ignore the distinctly different experiences reported by Funland visitors. While many praise the staff and atmosphere, a significant number of reviews detail odd, and sometimes worrying, occurrences.
Here’s a sampling:
- The Smell: One review bluntly warns potential visitors to “get past the smell of dead skunk.”
- Burning Porta Potties: Reports of screams emanating from a burning porta potty (and a desire to revisit the attraction when operational) add a surreal element.
- Missing Children & “Funland Child Services”: A concerning account of a child wandering unattended prompted the reviewer to contact “Funland Child Services.”
- Unsupervised "Alone Time": A curious observation about older children allowing younger ones to partake in unsupervised "play dates."
- Strange Vibe: A general sense of a “trashy vibe” and confusion surrounding the presence of costumed individuals (potentially not employed by the park) adds to the overall eccentricity.
These inconsistencies paint a picture of a park that’s either intentionally aiming for a chaotic, almost improvisational atmosphere, or is struggling with serious management and safety issues.
A Park in Flux: Is Funland Worth a Visit?
Currently, there are reports of Funland being temporarily closed. Several reviews mention checking and finding the park shut down, directing visitors to alternatives like the Merrimack Valley Pavilion. This adds another layer of uncertainty to planning a visit.
Despite the mixed (and often bizarre) reviews, a clear thread of affection runs through many accounts. People seem drawn to Funland’s uniqueness, even if that uniqueness comes with a side of questionable smells, potential safety concerns, and the possibility of a bizarre encounter with a mascot.
For those seeking a polished, predictable amusement park experience, Funland is likely not the ideal destination. However, for thrill-seekers, those who enjoy a touch of the unconventional, or families looking for a wonderfully weird outing, Funland might just be worth a visit – assuming it’s open, and you’re prepared for anything. Checking the hours and potentially contacting the park directly before heading over is highly recommended.