Are you a fan of Laser Tag? Hooked on the thrill of hiding and tagging your opponents while adrenaline-surging background music heightens the experience? Of course you are, laser tag is a ton of fun for all ages no matter what group of friends you are with!
I remember playing laser tag at so many birthday parties growing up at a place called Cyber Zone, too bad it closed down. It made me wonder what other similar activities you could do like laser tag, so I compiled a list of 16 activities that are just as enjoyable as laser tag. Lets check them all out!
1. Axe Throwing
Have you ever tried axe throwing? When I first heard of this sport, I was skeptical. I mean, how much fun could you really have hurling an axe? But I’m happy to report, I had it all wrong. It’s the camaraderie and friendly competition that really gets you hooked, just like laser tag.
The reason I am making it number one on this list is because the laser tag location I used to go to converted into an axe-throwing location. This sort of proves its a similar activity, doesn’t it?
Anyway, you’ll be separated into teams, cheering each other on, as you focus on the dartboard-like target as you let the axes fly. There’s usually instruction offered if you’re a first-timer. Axe throwing requires a steady hand, grace under pressure, and good hand-to-eye coordination.
Axe throwing centers often sell food and beverages, too, so it’s a great opportunity to socialize as you’re waiting for your turn. Though the atmosphere can get pretty loud (thunk! thunk!), some centers have blasting music like laser tag locations.
See 19 more activities like axe throwing here.
2. Virtual Reality Centers
Like Laser Tag, Virtual Reality (VR) centers offer an immersive experience that builds focus, strategy, and quick reflexes. You can play solo games or in teams, but competing in teams offers the most fun!
VR centers offer a bunch of different cutting-edge games and simulations. Whether it’s exploring outer space, fighting off zombies, or playing sports against other players, the possibilities are endless. The technology is the real grab here. You’ll be completely drawn into into the 3D graphics as you explore virtual worlds and take on challenges. Once you get a taste of what’s available in VR Centers, you may be hooked!
You can choose to experience VR gaming at a VR arcade or choose a VR immersive experience that is more about the experience than playing games.
Examples of great VR locations:
- Dreamscape Immersive – Los Angeles
- Andretti Indoor Karting & Games – Multiple Locations
- Zero Latency VR – Las Vegas
- Sandbox VR – Multiple Locations
3. Paintball
If you’re looking for a closer match to laser tag, one that involves combat and strategy, paintball is an ideal alternative. You’ll be geared up in protective clothing and armed with paintball markers while you engage in battles against opposing teams.
To win, you’ll have to make a strategic plan with your teammates and use your surroundings to outmaneuver your opponents. Paintball shares the same stalk, duck, hide and blast principles as laser tag, so it’s sure to get your adrenaline flowing.
Interested in paintball? Read our list of 10 activities like paintball here.
4. Archery Tag or Archery Range
Even since I was a kid, I’ve thought archery was a pretty cool-looking activity. Maybe I just have a Robin Hood thing going on, I don’t know. But archery tag is a fairly new concept (thank you, Hunger Games franchise), and I bet it will still be going strong twenty years from now.
In archery tag, you’re divided into teams, just like laser tag. You’ll be shooting foam-tipped arrows at your opponents while dodging incoming fire. What a blast!
An archery range is all about target practice, where you can shoot real arrows into various targets. This is where you can learn the basics and slowly become an archery-aiming expert. It is a great new activity to try with your friends if you all enjoy a bit of target practice.
5. Mini Golf
Mini golf? I know some of you are wondering how mini golf made the list. But, like laser tag, mini golf is getting you out in an immersive environment, aiming at holes and competing against your friends. Nothing better than a bit of friendly competition, am I right?
The pure silliness of mini golf is part of the draw. Who can keep a straight face while you’re putting your ball over a mini windmill with whimsical statues? It’s a great way to compete with your friends very relaxed and light-heartedly.
Many mini golf locations are similar to a laser tag location, especially the glow-in-the-dark mini golf as the lights, glowing paints, and dark atmosphere have a super similar vipe.
Enjoy a simple game of mini golf? You will definitely like these 19 mini golfing alternative activites listed here.
6. Go-Karting
If you enjoy the fast-paced excitement of laser tag, then go-kart racing might be the perfect activity for you. Strap on your helmet, buckle up, and race against your friends. You can decide to go all-out full speed ahead or try to make up for less speed by cornering like a pro – it’s up to you.
Whichever you choose, go-karting is guaranteed to get your pulse racing. It’s thrilling to spend an afternoon with your buddies, no matter who wins!
I find whenever I am go-karting with my friends I can’t stop laughing, I find looking at my friends zooming around in these mini cars is hilarious, especially if you accidentally have a few bumps along the race.
If racing is your style, then read 17 more activities like go-karting here.
7. Airsoft
For those looking for a more realistic and intense version of laser tag, Airsoft is the perfect choice. Just like laser tag, you and your teammates will plan a strategy for taking out the other team. In Airsoft, you’re armed with replica firearms that fire small plastic BBs. Under the right conditions, Airsoft weapons can shoot up to 200 feet away.
Does it hurt? Nope, in fact, paintball hurts a lot more. The force used in airsoft is 10x less than that of paintballs. And since teamwork is such an important factor in Airsoft, it’s a great way to bond with your buddies.
8. Dodgeball
Did you know dodgeball has been around since 1905? That’s crazy, right? But the game still remains a classic. People love dodgeball for its simple, straightforward rules, basic equipment needs, and the sheer fun of it.
Just like laser tag, you’ll engage friendly competition, working closely with your teammates. Dive, duck, and dodge your way to victory! It’s not only a fun way for friends to bond, but also a great opportunity to stay active and improve your agility.
9. Bowling
If you’re looking for a night out that combines friendly competition with skill and lots of laughter, then bowling is the perfect choice. With its simple rules and fast-paced nature, bowling is a fantastic way to bond with your friends.
Just like laser tag, bowling tests your abilities and brings out your competitive spirit, making every frame a memorable adventure filled with strikes, spares, and cheering. A lot of bowling alleys these days offer food and drinks, too, which is an excellent way to unwind after the game.
If you enjoy going bowling you should check out our post of 19 activities like bowling here.
10. Nerf Wars
Nerf wars is an exciting game where you and your friends use Nerf blasters to fire foam darts at each other. Just like laser tag, Nerf wars combine strategy, teamwork, and accuracy, offering a fun and light-hearted way to pit your skills against your friends.
Players can set up obstacles and barricades to create entire battlegrounds, making it interesting. You can play Nerf wars either indoors or out, so you’re not dependent on the weather cooperating, and you can choose among different game variations, like Capture the flag or Last Man Standing.
I used to play a lot of Nerf Wars when I was a kid. My good friend and neighbor had a bunch of cool nerf guns, and we would battle in his basement after school. This is a lot of fun when you use cushions and furniture to set up your base at home. Nerf wars is perfect for all ages!
11. Arcade
Bring out the kid in you by visiting an arcade. Arcades these days offer a whole universe of entertainment, with a mix of classic and modern games all in one place. Just like laser tag, arcades capture your attention with immersive, real-time engagement and fast-paced action.
Add in the colorful animations and electronic music, and you’ll see why the appeal of arcades has stood the test of time. You can choose to race against friends, defeat virtual enemies, or test your skills on vintage pinball machines… it’s all right there. You and your friends will have an amazing time!
12. IMAX Movie
Are you looking for a totally immersive entertainment experience? One that transports you to another place? Then check out an IMAX movie. IMAX movies take you on an adventure like no other, placing you into the heart of the story and pumping your adrenaline – a lot like the rush of playing laser tag. These giant-screen movies showcase the latest titles, with superior quality both in image and sound.
Kick back with your friends and enjoy the thrill of battles and impossible journeys, as if you were actually there. This is an especially cool activity when you want to have fun with your friends, but it’s been a long day, and your energy is dipping low. IMAX movies let you sit back and relax all while you get an immersive movie experience.
13. Escape Rooms
Laser tag requires quick thinking and strategy, and so do escape rooms! Gather your friends and put your minds together to solve puzzles, decipher codes, and unravel mysteries within a limited time frame. In the world of escape rooms, teamwork is essential.
As the clock ticks down, the intensity will build as you work together to beat the challenges. Escape rooms offer many choices– scary/haunted rooms, mystery/detective, adventure/explorer, and more. Check out what’s available near you, most cities offer many escape room experiences.
14. Disc Golf
Disc Golf is the cool cousin of golf, where you’re throwing frisbee-like discs at baskets or targets. The rules are very similar to a game of regular golf. The person who nails the targets with the least number of throws wins. Just like laser tag, disc golf depends on accuracy. It also involves hand-to-eye coordination, and maybe a dash of luck that variables like wind won’t interfere. It’s a challenging game that’s a lot of fun!
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, disc golf offers an entertaining way to play against your friends while enjoying the great outdoors.
15. Roller Skating
Roller skating has been a classic activity for generations. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s past its prime. With the advent of roller blades, skating has hit new heights of maneuverability, giving you the freedom to try out cool moves and awesome stunts.
With all the spins, jumps, and racing around the rink showing off, skating is an excellent way to get a workout while having a great time with your friends. In this way, it’s similar to laser tag – guaranteed to burn those calories. And the more friends involved, the better the experience, so that makes it an awesome choice for an entire group’s night out.
Enjoy roller skating? Read our post 10 Activities Like Roller Skating to Do With Your Friends here.
16. TopGolf
If you’re in the mood for an activity that’s less crowded than skating, you should try TopGolf. This relatively new game combines golf with target practice. You hit microchipped balls from the tee box towards glowing targets on the outfield.
A lot of venues offer food and drinks, some even have a dedicated dining area, so it’s easy to make an entire night of it. Like laser tag, it’s a cool way to compete with friends in a sport that rewards accuracy. But with TopGolf, there’s plenty of time for socializing and laughing at the friends who can’t hit a golf ball.
If you like TopGolf, read our 12 activities like TopGolf here!
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, laser tag fans. Hopefully, this guide has opened up a lot of choices for you. Whatever you choose to do, be it a night out, or a day’s excursion, hanging out with your friends and enjoying activities like these will make for some great memories.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!
