If you’re into extreme sports and love shooting, I bet you’ve already tried paintball. Having been a popular extreme sport since the 80s, paintball offers a thrilling way to ‘battle’ your friends.
My first time playing paintball, my friends and I dressed up in multiple layers and went out in the forest behind our house. We made teams and started a fun team deathmatch-style game, after that, we were hooked! We would have many meetups and we basically started our own league.
One thing about paintball is that it takes up a lot of time due to preparation, such as gathering all your gear and filling up your CO2 tanks. Let’s not forget that it’s also pretty pricey too, since you have to pay for your gear, paintballs, CO2 refills, and rental spaces.
If you are looking for some activities like paintball that are more affordable, or less time-consuming, these 10 activities may be exactly what you are looking for.
Here are 10 exciting activities like paintball perfect for you and your friends:
1. Laser Tag
The first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for a paintball alternative is laser tag. It involves the same strategy – shoot your opponent before they shoot you – and calls for teamwork and quick thinking.
But there are a couple of differences which make it interesting! You’ll be in a dark, indoor environment, lit with neon lights, giving it a very futuristic vibe. You’ll have loud music thumping in the background as you dart through corridors, stalking and hiding. Plus, a lot of places go the extra mile with some cool smoke effects when you least expect it.
Laser tag is a fun way to bond with your friends as you team up together, formulate a strategy, and try to eliminate the “enemy” before they can get to you. It’s affordable, and you can play laser tag in any kind of weather – a definite perk!
If laser tag sounds interesting, you should see my related post that lists 16 Activities like Laser Tag to Do with Your Friends.
2. Airsoft Battle
If you’re looking for more of a realistic style war game, you should try Airsoft. Airsoft has the same principles as paintball, but the guns shoot small plastic BBs instead of paint. The weapons themselves are replicas of real-world military weapons, and die-hard fans of the sport will often dress in combat fatigues or military uniforms to play.
But it’s fine to wear regular street clothes, as long as you have sturdy footwear, and headgear to protect your face (most importantly, ears, eyes, nose and mouth). The sting of the BBs is often compared to the snap of a rubber band, but some players report bruising, so dressing in layers is wise.
You might also want to consider a small backpack for extra ammo, water, and a radio, depending how intense your game will be. Some casual players make do with cargo pants, vests, or utility belts to carry what they need.
Either way, you’ll have much of the same experience as paintball, except you’ll come home a lot less messy.
3. Extreme Water Gun Fight
For a light-hearted combat sport that will keep you laughing, consider extreme water gun fights. It’s a great way to beat the heat in the summer and cool off while still participating in an intense game. You can make this as casual or involved as you want, either going for a battle scenario with set rules like paintball, dependent on tactical strategies and teamwork, or you can just let loose and have a free-for-all, blasting and soaking anyone within range.
The choice is yours. Water guns have come a long way in recent years – you’ll find some on the market that can shoot up to 70 feet away! Expect to spend $20 – $30 for one of the newer models.
4. Archery Tag
Ok, this is for all of you out there who grew up watching Robin Hood movies. Archery tag is an adventurous activity that might check all the boxes for you. Your weapon is a bow with special arrows whose ends are tipped with small foam blocks. Teams compete against each other for points, and points are given for both tagging your opponent as well as for catching an arrow in mid-air.
It’s similar to paintball in that you’re shooting at your opponents, and accuracy wins the game, but, unlike paintball, it doesn’t make a mess. In a structured environment, players must wear a protective mask at all times – not a bad rule to follow, even if you play in someone’s backyard.
5. Axe Throwing
Axe throwing has grown incredibly popular since being established in Toronto in 2006. Visit any city in the US and there’s a good chance you’ll find multiple axe throwing venues. This game offers the same satisfaction as laser tag – your skill and accuracy resulting in a winning score. In axe throwing, you typically stand about a dozen feet from the target (like a giant dartboard) and aim for the bullseye.
It can take a few visits to really get the hang of how to properly hold the axe for the best results. A lot of venues will offer coaching before a game for newbies. You can compete individually or separate into teams and cheer each other on (more fun to be had this way!) Most axe throwing centers offer refreshments, including adult beverages, so you can hang out and socialize before, during, or after your game.
Does axe throwing sound like fun? Check out our related post that lists 19 activities like axe throwing here.
6. Bowling
You may not immediately see the similarity between paintball and bowling but hear me out. In both sports you’re separated into teams, within which the focus and accuracy of each player is ultimately rewarded. Rolling a heavy ball down an alley on a precise path might be a lot different from firing a paintball marker, but you’ll get the same thrill of victory when you hit your target.
Bowling can be a super relaxed and casual group activity when you want less intensity than paintball. A lot of laughs and maybe a few brews later, and you’ll be caught up in the excitement, cheering on your teammates and eagerly waiting for your turn. And let’s face it, chuckling over other peoples’ “victory dance” is entertaining all on its own!
If you are interested in bowling you may want to see our list of 19 similar activities like bowling here.
7. Nerf Wars
Nerf wars has more similarity to paintball than bowling does, and it shares a little with archery tag, too. You’ll be shooting foam darts at your opponents using Nerf Blasters, engaging in a strategic battle against the opposing team. This sport is very versatile as far as location. Larger groups can play in public spaces like parks or playgrounds, while a small group like a group of four could even play indoors in a house (more stuff to hide behind!)
There’s a variety of games you can play in Nerf wars – Capture the Flag, Defend the Fort, and Humans vs. Zombies are some popular choices. Players should always wear goggles or protective eyewear, but beyond that, no uniforms or protective clothing is required. If you don’t have enough friends who want to play, you can recruit players online, but make sure you always go over the rules before starting.
Nerf wars is a safe and friendly way to have a good old game of war. If you have the guns and ammo, the activity is accessible to all ages and makes for a fun game!
8. Arcades
It doesn’t matter whether you’re old or young or in-between, arcades never lose their appeal. In old-school arcades you can still play classic pinball games, Space Invaders, or even Pac-Man. It’s really kind of fun to revisit the golden age of arcade games, back where it all started.
If you’re more into cutting age, you can visit a VR arcade facility. If you’ve never been to one, you’ll be blown away by the experience! It becomes a totally immersive environment with high-tech visuals that whisk you away into alternate realities. Every choice before you, every strategic decision made, can drastically influence the game’s outcome, just like an intense game of paintball.
Bond with your pals while you take on alien invaders, explore enchanted realms, or battle against zombies. You’ll still be talking about the experience for days later.
9. Dodgeball
Dodgeball, anyone? Dodgeball remains one of the most convenient choices for an impromptu fast-paced game that gets your blood pumping. The equipment needed is extremely minimal – a large, soft, inflated ball and some sort of boundary marker (tape or chalk will do in a pinch), and a pretty big flat area like a field or parking lot. Just like paintball, accuracy is rewarded, but speed and agility can make you the champ.
Divide your group into two teams and let the games begin! Expect a lot of laughing and cheering, and some good-natured ribbing when you inevitably get knocked out. It’s a good alternative to the more intense and stealthy sport of paintball, and it’s great exercise.
10. Gun Range
Speaking of intensity, there is nothing more intense than visiting a gun range when you want to put away those toys and handle the real thing. It’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy the power of firearms, a gun range would be an ideal activity. Most gun ranges have a huge variety of weapons that you can try out, making for a truly engaging afternoon. Bring a few friends or the whole gang, and show off your marksmanship in a unique, safe environment.
Although you won’t get the workout inherent in most of the sports we’ve listed above, the sweet reward of hitting your target can give you the same thrill of victory. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned marksman, visiting a gun range can hone your skills and leave you with a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
I hope some of the activities above have hit the mark, giving you some cool ideas for your next weekend adventure. Whatever you choose to do, remember, having fun is always more important than winning.
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!