Taking to the links, whether expansive or miniature, proves to be a popular go-to pastime in the waning days of summer in Renton and beyond.

Tukwila’s Family Fun Center and the Maplewood Golf Course and Driving Range in Renton are this week’s “Cheap Date” picks.

Through generations, mini golf has been the answer for inexpensive, summer fun.

Daniel and Wendy Jones were seeking just that on a little adventure last Friday afternoon, when they ventured onto the Memory Lane putt-putt course at the Family Fun Center.

Memory Lane and Arctic Adventure are the two courses and 36 holes of golf at the park. Players get to rack up 28 points for $7 per person for 18 holes.

“(We) just wanted to be outside, doing something fun,” said Wendy.

She doesn’t know why it appeals to her but blamed her husband for their visit on Friday.

“It’s fun,” said Daniel, explaining how he grew up playing the game frequently on courses in Eastern Washington. He played with his family growing up for fun, but the Joneses enjoy their putt-putt dates for another reason.

“We’re competitive,” said Wendy. “It’s an easy way to be competitive with one another.”

At the Family Fun Center, there’s a castle, cartoon-ish schoolhouse, a replica of the Eiffel Tower, waterfalls, pools, miniature houses and other obstacles to navigate.

“Miniature golf is about as high golf competitive as I get,” said Daniel.

Pasquel Terwillegar, assistant general manager at the center, said staff has noticed “couples or dates often golfing” at the fun park. Typically Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest.

“It’s fun, nostalgic, and has a little competitive edge, while still promoting teammanship,” wrote Terwillegar via email.

But if the miniature version of the game isn’t your idea of a good time, head to Maplewood Golf Course and Driving Range to take a few full-size whacks.

There, couples can choose from one of the 30 driving range stations and purchase a $25-card, good for $30-worth of golf balls. It’s a bring-your-own-clubs affair or they can be borrowed from the Maplewood Pro Shop. The price break down is 20 balls at $2, 40 balls for $4, and 70 balls for $7.