Anonymous wrote:We went to a paintball party and all the kids LOVED it. The place had different sets and moved in the forest to different locations each round. They loved filling the guns with ammo, learning to take cover, and playing on teams. The worst part was the ‘hit’. Even with low impact guns, all the boys were in tears at some point—even the b day boy. They needed padding which they did not have. I recommend to wear padding.

DS also had a wonderful time at Pev’s. He was invited to a big co-birthday (2 families + all their friends) so it was a big group and lots of fun.

He’s been asking to go back ever since.

We went to a paintball party and all the kids LOVED it. The place had different sets and moved in the forest to different locations each round. They loved filling the guns with ammo, learning to take cover, and playing on teams. The worst part was the ‘hit’. Even with low impact guns, all the boys were in tears at some point—even the b day boy. They needed padding which they did not have. I recommend to wear padding.

Paintball hurts more than you’d expect. Even the so-called “light” or “air soft” version. I’ve taken my kids to Pev’s before, and was surprised by how uncomfortable I felt around the adult players, many of whom are all tricked out in paramilitary cosplay. YMMV, but I didn’t care for the Big Gun Energy of the place, and neither did several of the kids.

I agree on the transferred anxiety thing, but it goes way beyond fear of a paintball game:

Anonymous wrote:I asked my middle schoolers casually if they knew anyone who did paintball and they both looked sort of horrified about the idea of pretend gun play. They have lived ladder yet and Easter hunts in the past but have an active shooter drill at school this week

. . . they want that they'll of probably without the pain and scary looking weapons.

This is so weird.

Paintball is just a game. It does not even use a “gun;” it’s called a “marker.”

Sounds like lots of transferred, unfounded, anxiety. Poor kids!

Paintball is a great idea! My 12yo would be thrilled to attend a paintball party (so would his 14yo brother lol). Good choice.

Paintball is a great idea. I know I’d have loved it at 12. Heck, I wanna do that for my birthday now.

Anonymous wrote:Soon to be 12 yo has been asking for a paintball birthday party. He and his friends love playing nerf guns and have been to laser tag parties. I’m nervous about all the bruises and welts from paintball play. Thoughts? Other ideas?

Give the kid the paintball party

My 13 year old loves paintball and so do all his friends. They’re pumped when we make the drive and it’s a great way to get boys that age together and moving around instead of in front of a screen.

DD had really fun time at a recent paintball party. I think the place was called “Pev’s” ?

It’s super weird people object to paintball. It’s just a game.

Weird auto correct sorry
Ladder yet is Lazer tag and Easter hunts is water guns

I asked my middle schoolers casually if they knew anyone who did paintball and they both looked sort of horrified about the idea of pretend gun play. They have lived ladder yet and Easter hunts in the past but have an active shooter drill at school this week and an actual shooting near school last month so it probably felt too close to home.

Rather than a sleepover, my kids have loved late night parties where they get picked up between 10 and 11. Makes them feel a little more grownup without the worst sleep deprivation and middle of the night antics of a sleepover.

One fun night game is flashlight tag if they want that they'll of probably without the pain and scary looking weapons.