Let me introduce myself. My name is Jim Rose and I’ve been actively involved in the paintball and airsoft industry since 1987. My kids are now hitting that age where they want to have days out and this sort of thing is definitely on the radar. At the time of writing they are 10 and 12. I’ve owned and operated several paintball/airsoft venues and have welcomed thousands of visitors, young and old, to their first games of grown-up Cowboys and Indians. Here’s my guide.
Navigating the new world of kids turning into teens and young adults is a tough one! You’re constantly trying to get them off their screens or out into the real world and yet you also don’t want them out of sight, or maybe you do :-) Over the years I’ve seen the age come down as it’s become much safer, where kids as young as 10 now are enjoying their first games of airsoft and paintball. It’s a natural progression from NERF and laser tag sometimes.
So where do you start? Unless you know someone who’s done it before it’s a tough thing to navigate for worried parents. Let’s get one thing straight from the off… It’s one of the safest activities you can get your kids to experience. Not only that, it’s challenging mentally and it gets them outdoors, often into woodlands.
If you choose the right venue, and right here is the place to speak directly to the field operators themselves, not booking agencies, then you can give kids a day they will never stop talking about.
If your kids are gaming online with any shooting game, they are already exposed to the hunting skills that come with a great day out. I’ve put together a list of things to look out for when you’re organising your kids’ first paintball or Airsoft experience. And I’ve also answered all of the questions that you will definitely be asking yourself.
Minimum ages
Paintball is 10-12. Certainly I would recommend 12+ for Original Style Paintball .68 Calibre, whereas .50 calibre (low impact) can start from 10 years.
Airsoft pretty much follows the same path as paintball.
All the other variants such as Gel Blaster, Nerf and laser can start much earlier at 6-8 years.
Is it safe?
Yes, very. All paintball and airsoft venues have experienced staff that monitor the games from start to finish. Paintball has been played since the mid 80’s and has one of the best safety records for activities above all of the others you’ve probably already tried with your kids.
Airsoft or paintball?
Both are beginner-friendly. Paintball will probably have the edge on Airsoft for the kids as it’s been a commercial activity for longer and most venues are already youth prepared. Airsoft is quickly catching up with this. Most venues offer both these days.
Does it hurt?
Much has changed from when I started. Paintball pellets have reduced in size, which reduces the impact significantly, here I’m talking about .68 down to .50 inch calibre. So for kids we would always recommend that you seek out a field that offers .50 Cal Paintball or Low Impact as it’s known.
Otherwise, no it doesn’t hurt, unless you run into a tree. You feel the impact of the pellet and worst case scenario it can sting if you get caught at close range, but it is totally within the realms of most kids 10/11+. By speaking directly to the venue owner you can put your mind at rest. This is doubly why you need to use this Combat Field Finder to find your venue. By a Google search, you can be speaking to a booking agent with no experience.
Can they play just among themselves?
Yes absolutely, but this is why you need to be booking direct with venues to ensure they can accommodate this. It is a very normal request. However it does come down to numbers. Exclusive games usually come with a minimum head count, so if you have a big group you will easily be able to request this. Big groups are usually considered to be 15+.
If you only have a small group, most venues will run kids-only games (which you should always stipulate, excluding guardians who often get involved). So you can join onto other kids groups which is great fun.
How long does a typical session last?
Sessions vary at all venues, but often a session will be around 3–4 hours once you have factored in getting kitted up and safety briefing. Full days are also possible and were very common back in the day, but many venues now tend to offer shorter days as a preferred option. If you have the numbers you may well be able to dictate when you start and finish. Speak direct to the venue as we always recommend.
How much does it cost?
As a rough guide, expect £20–£30 / US$45–$65 / €25–€40 per person, depending on the venue and what’s included.
Paintball used to have a notoriously bad name for luring people in with a cheap entry price and then upselling you with all of the additional paintballs and upgrades, so you could never know the true price. Things have changed a lot.
Beware of offers saying £5 or £10 days. You are highly unlikely to get away with paying this; there will be hidden upsells with super cheap advertised pricing.
Can parents stay, play or watch?
Speak direct with the venue; all of these are possible. If you have the numbers and an exclusive group there’s no reason for guardians not to get involved. They just make for bigger targets, right?
As for viewing, this is always a little restricted if it’s a woodland. Many fields have viewing areas and some may allow you on field with protective gear. Again, enquire; all venues are different.
Is it suitable for girls?
Absolutely! The game requires perception, cunning and a sense of adventure. It’s a real leveller, where physical strength has little purpose.
What to wear
Footwear
You will nearly always have to supply your own footwear, so make sure kids don’t arrive in flip-flops or socks and sandals, as cool as they think they may look. They will often crawling around a woodland being shot at. Losing a flip-flop mid combat is definitely not cool.
Gloves and clothing
Gloves are always worth packing, especially thin ones, just to protect your hands from brambles and paintball shots. Ski gloves and mitts will prove effective only if the venue is at the top of Mont Blanc. Otherwise it’s a no for these. Keep gloves thin.
Most venues sell or rent gloves, but check first.
Will their clothing get ruined? Expect some wear and tear. Paintballs generally do not stain, but rolling around a woodland isn’t for your best shirts and Italian handmade shoes.
Be organised
Set up a WhatsApp group with the other parents, just for your event. Then important messages don’t get lost in other chats.
While browsing our directory, here’s your checklist for what to look out for.
- Correct age group
- Low-impact equipment available
- Qualified marshals
- Good safety record
- Clean facilities
- Café, refreshments or picnic area
- Parent viewing area
- Free parking
- Accessible toilets
- Birthday party options
- Verified Combat Field Finder listing