Photo: The Evans at Canal Shores
Photo: Lee Eckert
Photo: Michael Hines
The Evans at Canal Shores
★4.3(181 reviews)$Sports
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours for nine holes, depending on your child's pace and skill level👶 Best for ages 6 and up. Younger elementary-aged children can handle the shorter distances and learn basic swing techniques, while tweens and teens can work on refining their skills. Patient preschoolers (ages 4-5) may also enjoy tagging along with parent supervision.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
About
The Evans at Canal Shores offers a relaxed, nine-hole golfing experience that's perfect for introducing children to the sport without the pressure or expense of a full-size course. Set along the scenic North Shore Channel in Evanston, this welcoming public course provides an affordable way for families to spend quality time outdoors while kids learn the fundamentals of golf in a low-stress environment.
Highlights
- ✓Affordable green fees make it budget-friendly for families to play regularly
- ✓Nine-hole layout is manageable for kids without overwhelming them with a full 18-hole commitment
- ✓Scenic views along the North Shore Channel provide a peaceful outdoor setting
- ✓Beginner-friendly course design helps build children's confidence
- ✓Public access welcomes all skill levels without intimidating country club atmosphere
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to confirm tee times during peak hours, especially on weekends, as this affordable course can fill up quickly with families and beginners
- 2.Bring your own clubs if possible to save on rental fees, or start kids with just a 7-iron and putter to keep things simple and affordable
- 3.The course terrain is relatively flat along the channel, making it easier for kids to walk and carry their own lightweight bags
- 4.Visit on a weekday afternoon when the course tends to be less crowded, allowing kids to play at their own pace without feeling rushed
- 5.Pack water and snacks as amenities are basic,this is a no-frills course focused on accessible, affordable golf
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (Tuesday through Thursday) between 2:00-4:00 PM offer the quietest conditions for families. Spring and fall provide comfortable temperatures for walking the course, and the scenic channel views are especially beautiful during these seasons.
What to Know
This is a budget-friendly option with affordable green fees perfect for families testing out golf before investing heavily. Parking is available on-site. The facility is basic with limited amenities, so plan accordingly with your own refreshments.
Seasonal Notes
Open seasonally from spring through fall, typically April through October depending on weather. Closed Sundays and during winter months. Check current conditions after heavy rain as the course sits along the channel and may experience wet conditions.
Nearby Eats
Head to Bat 17 (about 2 miles away) for casual burgers and chicken tenders kids will love, or stop at Firehouse Grill on Central Street for pizza and sandwiches in a family-friendly atmosphere.
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