How Safe is Outdoor Laser Tag for Kids & Adults?

Outdoor laser tag has become a favourite activity for families, schools, and groups looking for something active and entertaining. Unlike other combat-style games, it uses light-based technology instead of physical projectiles, making it a safe yet thrilling option for both kids and adults. The activity combines strategy, movement, and teamwork while being designed with features that reduce risks and prioritise player safety.

In this blog, we’ll look at the factors that make outdoor laser tag a safe choice, from the way the equipment is built to the role of supervision and the differences compared to alternatives like paintball and airsoft. We’ll also cover practical tips that help families enjoy the game with confidence.

The biggest difference between laser tag and other combat-style activities is that it’s non-contact. Players use phasers that emit harmless infrared beams, similar to a TV remote, which are picked up by sensors on a vest or headband. This design eliminates the chance of painful impacts or accidental injuries.

• No projectiles are fired, unlike paintball or airsoft.
• No bruises, welts, or stings after a session.
• Minimal need for protective padding or masks.

This non-contact setup means children can participate safely while adults enjoy the game without worrying about injury.

Laser tag equipment is built for ease of use and safety. The phasers are lightweight, and the head or vest sensors are padded for comfort. Unlike heavy paintball markers or restrictive protective gear, laser tag equipment doesn’t weigh players down or limit movement.

Features that make the equipment safe and practical include:

• Ergonomic phasers that kids and adults can hold comfortably.
• Soft, padded sensors that prevent discomfort.
• No cables or attachments that could trip players.

The focus is on creating an immersive game environment where the equipment feels natural and easy to manage.

Another key safety measure is the supervision provided by trained marshals. Before each session, staff run through the rules, explain the equipment, and emphasise safe play. During the game, they oversee the field to ensure everyone follows the guidelines.

• Marshals monitor for unsafe behaviour like roughhousing.
• They provide guidance to new players, ensuring fair and safe play.
• Staff step in quickly if anyone breaks the rules or needs assistance.

With this level of supervision, families can relax knowing that children and adults alike are playing in a controlled environment.

Purpose-built outdoor arenas are designed with safety in mind. Obstacles and bunkers are carefully placed to create a challenging layout without introducing unnecessary risks. Unlike makeshift spaces, these fields are checked regularly to remove trip hazards and ensure safe conditions.

An outdoor setting provides:

• Clear pathways and structured play zones.
• Barriers and bunkers designed for safe cover.
• Natural space to run, hide, and strategise without sharp objects or clutter.



The result is an environment that allows players to get active and enjoy the excitement of tactical play without being exposed to unsafe surroundings.

Outdoor laser tag is inclusive, making it one of the few activities suitable for children, teens, and adults all at once. Most venues set a recommended minimum age of around seven, but beyond that, there are no upper limits.

• Kids can safely join without the need for bulky gear.
• Teenagers enjoy the fast-paced, competitive nature of the game.
• Adults can join in for fitness, fun, and team-building.

This inclusivity makes laser tag ideal for family outings, school events, and group celebrations where a mix of ages is expected.

Paintball and airsoft have long been popular with older players, but both involve high-speed projectiles that can cause bruises, welts, or even eye injuries if protective gear isn’t used correctly. Laser tag eliminates these risks by using harmless infrared beams instead of impact-based ammunition. This makes it a more accessible choice for families who want an inclusive activity that is both exciting and safe.

Here’s how the three activities compare:

• Laser Tag: Harmless infrared beams with no painful impacts, enclosed shoes are usually the only requirement, and kids as young as seven can safely join in.
• Paintball: High-speed paint pellets can leave bruises and stings; protective masks, gloves, and padding are mandatory. Generally not recommended for children.
• Airsoft: Uses small, hard pellets that can cause injuries on contact. It requires full face and body gear for protection, and it is not considered suitable for younger players.

This comparison highlights why many families prefer laser tag—it delivers all the adrenaline of combat-style games without the risks associated with paintball or airsoft.

While outdoor laser tag is inherently safe, there are still some basic precautions families can take to make the day run smoothly. These aren’t about avoiding major risks, but rather about ensuring comfort and preventing minor mishaps.

• Wear enclosed shoes to protect feet and improve grip.
• Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing for easy movement.
• Listen carefully to the safety briefing at the start of the game.
• Take water breaks to stay hydrated between rounds.
• Avoid running headlong into obstacles—strategy is more effective.

By following these simple steps, families can enjoy a worry-free day of fun.

One of the standout benefits of outdoor laser tag is that it combines physical activity with mental strategy, without the risks of injury often associated with other recreational sports. Players are constantly moving—running, hiding, and chasing—while also working as a team to outsmart the opposition.

This mix of fitness and fun provides:

• Cardiovascular exercise in a safe environment.
• Teamwork and communication practice for kids and adults.
• Stress relief for adults seeking an engaging weekend activity.

It’s a game that gets everyone moving, thinking, and laughing, proving that safety and excitement can go hand in hand.

At The Big Buzz Fun Park, we’ve created outdoor laser tag sessions that are safe, exciting, and suitable for all ages. Our purpose-built arenas, trained marshals, and carefully designed equipment mean you can focus on fun without worrying about safety.

Get in touch via our contact page or give us a call to book your next outdoor adventure. We’d love to welcome you for an action-packed day the whole family can enjoy.