Mini Golf & Amusements in Helen

Helen has more to do with kids than most people expect from a small mountain town. Beyond the tubing and Oktoberfest, there is a solid lineup of family activities: mini golf, go-karts, arcades, laser tag, and more. Here is a breakdown of the main options.

For mini golf, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf has the best theming and upkeep, but Alpine Mini Golf (flower gardens) and Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf (scenic views) are both good alternatives. For high-energy activities, the Alpine Fun Factory is the central hub, with go-karts, laser tag, arcades, and a Tiny Towne for young children.

A couple of things to know: Charlemagne's Kingdom, the famous model railroad exhibit, closed for good in late 2021, so ignore older guides that still list it. And because Helen is mostly an outdoor town, rainy days take some planning. Your best indoor bets are the Alpine Fun Factory, Alpine Slot Cars, MindEscapes, and BabyLand General Hospital in nearby Cleveland.

Helen started out as a declining logging town and reinvented itself in 1969 with the Bavarian-style facades you see today. The look draws people in, but the family entertainment keeps them coming back. Between the mini golf courses, go-kart tracks, arcades, and the mountain coaster, there is enough to fill a full weekend with kids. Here is a breakdown of the main options, with pricing, hours, and what works best for different ages.

Miniature golf is a staple of the Helen tourism experience. There are three primary venues, each offering a distinct environment and price point.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Widely considered the "gold standard" of mini-golf in Helen, Pirate's Cove is part of a reputable chain known for high-quality landscaping and immersive pirate theming.

Course Features: The facility features an 18-hole adventure course designed to simulate a pirate village. The layout includes caves, footbridges, and cascading waterfalls. It is noted for being barrier-free, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. The atmosphere emphasizes "enchanting pirate lore" with historical plaques placed throughout the course.

Pricing:

Adults: $11.50

Children (Age 4-12): $10.50

Children (Age 3 and under): Free

Alpine Mini Golf

Located at the south end of town, Alpine Mini Golf focuses less on narrative theming and more on botanical beauty.

Course Features: This 18-hole course is characterized by extensive flower gardens and a park-like setting. It is pet-friendly and operates an on-site ice cream parlor, "Scoop De Scoop". It is open year-round, weather permitting, which distinguishes it from competitors that close in deep winter.

Pricing:

Adults: ~$13.00 - $13.95

Children (12 & Under): ~$10.00 - $10.95

Children (2 & Under): Free.

Bavarian Mountain Miniature Golf

This spot pairs mini golf with an arcade, set on a hillside with wide views over the village.

Course Features: The venue has two 18-hole courses with 30-foot waterfalls and streams. Its elevation provides scenic overlooks of Alpine Helen. However, recent reports indicate mixed reviews regarding maintenance, with some visitors noting unkempt greens or non-functional arcade games.

Pricing: Specific 2025 flat rates are less publicized online than competitors, though reviews cite them as "reasonable". Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more.

Operational Hours:

Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (or dusk).

Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

For high-energy fun, especially go-karts and indoor gaming, one big complex handles most of it, with a few smaller niche spots rounding things out.

Alpine Fun Factory (formerly Helen Fun Factory)

This is the main indoor amusement hub in Helen, an all-ages entertainment center that really earns its keep on a rainy day.

Attractions:

Go-Karts: The facility features an indoor track with electric go-karts. There are "Extreme Speed Dominator" karts for adults and teens, and slower karts for younger children.

Laser Tag: A Call of Duty/Black Ops themed arena offering tactical gameplay.

Tiny Towne: A driving education course for young children (ages 3-9) featuring mini cars, traffic signals, and a "tiny gas station" to teach road rules.

Arcade: A mix of classic and modern games (Pac-Man, Halo, Walking Dead) that runs on a token or card system.

Georgia Mountain Coaster

While not a traditional "bumper car" or go-kart, this alpine coaster is the most significant mechanical ride in Helen.

Experience: The first alpine coaster in Georgia, the Georgia Mountain Coaster features individual carts on a tubular steel track running through the woods. Riders control their own speed using hand brakes, with a maximum speed of 28 mph.

Pricing:

Adult (13+): ~$16.00 - $17.00.

Child (7-12): ~$13.00 - $14.00.

Child (3-6): ~$6.00 - $10.00.

Alpine Slot Cars (Alpine Speedway)

A niche but highly rated attraction for racing enthusiasts.

Experience: Features the largest 1:32 scale slot car road course in the US. Visitors can rent slot cars and race on four different tracks. It is a real hobbyist destination, but beginners will have a great time too.

Pricing: Races start at ~$5.00 to $10.00 per person per race. Spectating is free.

Hours: Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (Closed Tue/Wed). Weekends 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.