Ocean Casino Resort unveils the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino

Just because the holidays are over and our collective lives have settled back to normal doesn’t mean weekends need to be boring.

I’ve always believed January trips are underrated. If you pick the right place, you can actually relax.

That’s exactly what happened when my family and I took a short mid-January getaway to Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City and happened to attend the grand opening of Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar.

Yes, mini golf. Inside a casino.

I was skeptical, too, but soon realized this was not your childhood boardwalk course with warped carpet and sun-faded windmills.

The space spans two levels with two nine-hole courses, and everything about it feels lively, modern and surprisingly welcoming.

The grand opening celebration was fun— a steady buzz in the air, replete with an appearence of “Shooter McGavin” himself, actor Christopher McDonald, best known for his roles in “Happy Gilmore” and HBO Max’s “Hacks.”

He tested his mini golf skills, mingled with guests and posed for photos, including one with my daughter and me.

Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City – the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino – was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. Pictured is Charista Mroczek, trying her hand at a hole in one. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)

MTV’s Jersey Shore stars Sammi Sweetheart (Sammi Giancola) and JWoww (Jenni Farley) also stopped by, taking a few swings on the course, snapping a photo with McDonald as the Avalon Mummers entertained the throngs of attendees.

At one point, even the Phillie Phanatic made an appearance, which felt perfectly on-brand for a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Despite all the excitement, Ocean’s 18 never felt overwhelming.

From the moment we stepped onto the course, the vibe was upbeat but relaxed — neon accents, music humming, people laughing, drinks clinking.

The hole-in-one challenges were a standout for us. They added just enough friendly competition to keep things interesting without turning it into a pressure-filled sport.

Let’s just say some of us took those challenges more personally than others. Just kidding. Mostly.

Another thing I loved was how easy it was to settle in. There’s a full-service bar right in the middle of everything, so you can sip a cocktail between holes, take a breather and just enjoy being on vacation.

It had that “nothing else to do, nowhere else to be” feeling that’s surprisingly hard to find — especially in January — but delivered the fun.

The space itself leans heavily into technology, but in a fun, not intimidating way. There’s a multilingual virtual host, Ava the Avatar, who greets guests and adds to the interactive feel, along with a massive and mesmerizing 12-foot Great White Shark hologram hovering above the bar.

It sounds over-the-top, but it works — playful, immersive and very much in the spirit of Atlantic City.

And then there was the photo booth. I cannot stress enough how unexpectedly fun this was.

I can’t remember the last time I saw adults genuinely excited about a photo booth, but there we were, lining up, laughing through retakes like it was 2009.

Those silly, spontaneous moments ended up being some of my favorites of the whole trip — and yes, the photos are now permanently living on my phone and soon, on my fridge.

The indoor Ocean’s 18 is tucked inside the casino level next to LaScala’s Fire, and it feels like a little world of its own. You will love it, if you love mini golf, like I do.

What I appreciated most about Ocean’s 18 is that it doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard. It taps into nostalgia without being cheesy and feels current without being intimidating.

That balance is hard to pull off, especially in a city known for big, flashy experiences. This felt different — more approachable, more human.

We visited during the day, when all ages are welcome, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting.

But it’s easy to imagine how the space shifts at night, when it becomes more of a grown-up hangout. And why not? Young people — and the young at heart — should have fun from time to time.

And to be honest, Ocean’s 18 is the kind of place you could visit twice and have two completely different experiences.

Afterward, my wandered back through the casino, fed the slots some dollars, grabbed a bite at the delicious Ocean Steak and called it a night — feeling genuinely refreshed. Not overstimulated. Not overwhlemed. Just content and recharged.

And honestly, that’s the best compliment I can give a mini-vacation activity.

If you’re looking for a reason to escape Staten Island for a quick reset — especially during the quieter winter months — Atlantic City might surprise you.

And if you find yourself at Ocean Casino Resort with an hour to spare and no pressure to do anything serious, Ocean’s 18 is worth a swing.

Just don’t be surprised if you get a little too competitive about mini golf. Or if you leave with way too many photo booth pictures.

To reserve a room at Ocean Casino Resort, click here.

Gambling problem? Help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City – the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino – was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)The grand opening celebration was fun— a steady buzz in the air, replete with an appearence of “Shooter McGavin” himself, actor Christopher McDonald, best known for his roles in Happy Gilmore and HBO Max’s Hacks. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City – the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino – was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City – the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino – was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City – the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino – was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)Ocean’s 18 Mini Golf & Bar at Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City – the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino – was unveiled on Saturday night, Jan. 17, 2026. (Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Staten Island Advance/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)

Ocean Casino Resort unveils the first mini golf course ever built inside an Atlantic City casino

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