Pros 
Cons Roaring Good Times or Extinct Expectations? A Look at Tee Rex Mini Golf
Tee Rex Mini Golf in Thompson, Connecticut, consistently earns a 4.2-star rating, suggesting a largely positive experience for visitors. But what exactly makes this dinosaur-themed putt-putt a hit – and where does it fall short? We’ve scoured reviews to bring you the lowdown. Located at 274 Riverside Dr, this course promises a prehistoric adventure, and for many, it delivers. Operating seven days a week with consistent hours (10 AM - 9 PM most days, extending to 10 PM on Fridays & Saturdays and Sundays), Tee Rex seems easily accessible for a spur-of-the-moment outing. The course prides itself on being family-friendly and wheelchair accessible, offering both accessible entrance and parking. Payment options are modern and varied, accepting credit, debit and NFC mobile payments.
Course & Atmosphere: A Prehistoric Playground
The overwhelming consensus is that Tee Rex Mini Golf is fun. Visitors consistently compliment the course’s design, noting the well-maintained 18 holes and the creative incorporation of dinosaurs throughout.
- Dinosaur Delight: The dinosaur theme is prominently featured, with one reviewer highlighting the "live" dinosaurs (likely animatronic), and another pointing out the initial, admittedly startling, large moving dinosaur at the first hole.
- Challenging & Smooth: The course offers a good mix of challenges for all ages and skill levels. Reviewers use terms like “smooth play” and appreciate the variety in hole design.
- Amenities (Limited): While there’s a bathroom available, it’s a port-a-potty located in the parking lot – a drawback for some. There's a cooling mist feature and a "cool" cave offering some respite from the sun. Benches are scattered around the holes, providing places to rest.
- Value for Money: Prices are considered reasonable, with mini golf costing around $10 and small ice cream treats around $3.
Here's a quick price comparison:
| Item | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Mini Golf (18 Holes) | $10 |
| Small Ice Cream | $3 |
Despite the praise, some reviewers noted that the course's appearance doesn't quite match the images advertised on the website, leading to a sense of disappointment.
Sweet Treats & Service: A Mixed Bag
Beyond putt-putt, Tee Rex Mini Golf offers ice cream - both hard and soft serve – frozen lemonade, soda, and water. The availability of flavored soft serve received particular praise, described as “awesome”. However, the service surrounding these treats is where opinions sharply diverge.
Many visitors mention pleasant staff, but a significant number of reviews detail negative experiences with the ice cream service. Complaints include:
- Inaccurate Orders: Frequent mistakes with orders, such as forgetting components of a banana split.
- Slow Service: Staff prioritizing later-arriving customers over those already waiting.
- Lack of Knowledge: "Clueless" staff demonstrating difficulty fulfilling orders.
This inconsistency in service is a notable concern and a common complaint amongst visitors. It seems the ice cream counter experience isn't always as smooth as the golf itself.
Accessibility & Operational Concerns
While Tee Rex advertises wheelchair accessibility with both parking and entrance access, other aspects of a smooth visit are sometimes called into question. Several reviewers reported arriving to find the course closed despite the website indicating otherwise. This discrepancy in operating hours is a major source of frustration, particularly for those who traveled a distance – one visitor drove from Rhode Island specifically to visit.
- Website Discrepancies: The website’s accuracy is a recurring issue, with concerns about outdated information regarding both hours and the course’s appearance.
- Stroller/Wagon Access: The course isn’t considered particularly stroller or wagon friendly, though younger children are able to walk it.
- Cleanliness Concerns: There's one comment that the course doesn’t look clean or well taken care of.
Potential visitors are encouraged to call (860) 923-1800 to confirm operating hours before making the trip, especially if traveling from afar.