Laser tag is a team shooting game with no paint, no pellets and no bruises. In a typical arena, players wear a vest covered in sensors and carry a phaser, then hunt each other through a dark maze of ramps, walls and towers lit by black lights and filled with fog. Despite the name, most systems use infrared beams rather than real lasers. Each hit scores points and briefly knocks the target out, and when the round ends everyone gets a score sheet showing exactly who tagged whom.

Games are short, usually well under half an hour, and arenas often sell single games or packages of several. Many sit inside family entertainment centers with arcades, go-karts and mini golf under one roof. Outdoor laser tag is a separate option, played in the woods or on open fields with infrared gear and plenty of room to roam.

The Date Activity

Laser tag is a playful, competitive date that needs no skill or experience, and the score sheet hands you something to tease each other about over dinner. Team up and cover each other's backs, or play on opposite sides for bragging rights. Either way, it's a good way to see someone's goofy, strategic side early on.

Arenas can be packed with kids on weekend afternoons, so aim for a weeknight or a late session, and ask whether there's an adults night. Afterward, keep the competition going with a round of games at the arcade, or head outside for a few laps on the go-karts.

On Your Own / With Friends

This is where laser tag shines. It's a natural pick for birthdays, team-building and bachelor or bachelorette parties, and many arenas sell private games so your group plays only against itself. Mixed ages and fitness levels work fine. If you show up alone, you'll be added to an open game with other players, which is a fun way to meet people. Once your group is hooked, paintball is the messier next step.

Good to Know

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes with good grip, since floors and ramps can be dark and uneven. Most arenas have house rules worth taking seriously: no running, no physical contact, no climbing on walls or barriers and no lying on the floor. Book ahead for groups, since weekends fill up with parties. Some arenas set a minimum age or height, and the fog, flashing lights and darkness can bother people with asthma, light sensitivity or a dislike of tight spaces, so ask the staff if that's a concern.