Although people of all ages can play laser tag, specific issues can influence how suitable it is for each age group.
So, can a 5 year old play laser tag or users of other age groups?
Well, the type of blasters used might be more suitable to specific age groups. Various phasers come with manufacturer recommended ages, which is a helpful guide to determine the suitable age. However, you need to consider various aspects of the blasters such as the weight, dimensions and complexity in using it.
Moreover, various arenas might be more attractive to specific age groups. Adults might prefer tactical setups while very young kids might prefer simple setups.
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Age Specifications of Laser Tag Guns
Here are specific age recommendations for various brands and product dimensions that might impact suitability for different age groups.
An example is the manufacturer recommended age of 6 – 15 years for the LASER X 88016 ORIGINAL BLASTER DOUBLE SET. Moreover, due to having small parts, it’s not intended for children under 3 years of age. However, many people beyond 15 years still use the blaster, so the age recommendation isn’t set in stone.
Another example is the Nerf Official: Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack with a recommended age of 8 – 99 years, basically for both kids & adults. You might also consider whether the size is appropriate for different age groups, like the Kolegend Laser Tag Set which has package dimensions of 11.9 x 7.5 x 6 inches. That wouldn’t be too big to handle for kids and adults.
Several blasters have a minimum recommended age of 8 years, including:
- ArmoGear Laser Tag – four pack
- ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag Guns and Vests – Set of 2
- ArmoGear Rechargeable Laser Tag | Laser Tag Guns & Vests Set of 4
- Nerf Official: Lazer Tag Phoenix LTX Tagger 2-pack
- Kidzlane Laser Tag Gun
- play22 laser tag gun
- Squad Hero – Rechargeable Laser Tag Set + Innovative LCDs and Sync – 4 Infrared Guns & Vests
Another set of blasters has a lower minimum age recommendation of 6 years.
These phasers include the following:
- Laser X Double Sports Blaster
- LaserX Micro B Blasters (2 Pack)
- laser x MICRO B2 BLASTER DOUBLE SET
- Laser X Long Range Blaster
Within the category of 6-year minimum age recommendation, there are various brands that also have a maximum age recommendation of 15 years. However, many older people will still find these blasters enjoyable to use.
Some examples include:
- LASER X 88016 ORIGINAL BLASTER DOUBLE SET
- Laser X Single Player Gaming Set
Strangely, the LASER X MICRO BLASTER DOUBLE SET has one of the highest minimum recommended age of 12 years, despite being a micro blaster. This age recommendation matches the MESIXI Laser Tag with Vests Set of 4 which has a minimum age recommendation of 13 years.
Take note that many of these brands indicate that the products are not suitable for kids younger than 3 years old, since the products may have small parts.
Some blasters indicate the 3 years age as the minimum recommended age, including:
- Kolegend Laser Tag Set
- POKONBOY Laser Tag Guns with Vests Set of 4 with Carry Case
- Kidpal Infrared Laser Tag with Vest – Set of 4
- Best Choice Products Set of 4
- HISTOYE Laser Tag Guns Sets of 4 with Gun and Vest
- DYNASTY TOYS Family Laser Tag Set – 4 Transparent Special Edition Blasters
In contrast to many other blasters, the Steradian S-7 Laser Tag Gun is best suited to adults due to its advanced RF system for real-time scoring.
Check Out This Blaster We Reviewed Recently.
Laser X - 88016 ORIGINAL Reviewed | ||
  | Pros: - Still good as new after 5+ years of heavy commercial use Cons: - no screws to open it up | |
To read the full Laser X Review, click here.
Blaster Size Influences the Age Range of Potential Users
Simply put, if the phaser is too big, young kids may not be able to use it effectively. Furthermore, if the blaster is too small, it might be too uncomfortable for adults to use.
However, most laser tag blasters are right in the middle, so most people of different ages can enjoy them.
The grip section generally determines whether you can hold a blaster.
Generally, the grip section (the part where you grasp the blaster) typically has the cross-sectional dimensions of about 1 1/2 inch by about 1 inch. This makes it possible for a 6-year old with a hand length of 4.4 – 5.7 inches to grasp around the blaster.
However, the barrel dimensions can make it cumbersome for kids to handle the blaster, especially for rifles. Not so much for pistols.
There are several pistols that are designed for tiny kids. These weapons generally have a smaller size and can be easily handled by children. In contrast, there are also blasters that are meant for adults. These larger-sized weapons usually provide more features and can be used for longer gaming sessions.
Blaster Weight Influences the Age Range of Potential Users
The weight of the blaster also contributes to whether children and adults can wield them.
Although many blasters weigh less than 1 pound (500g), there are still some that go up to 8 pounds (3.6 kg.). These heavyweights include laser tag rifles. They can be too heavy for kids to hold, especially those younger than 8 years old.
Remember that lighter blasters might be easier to hold for long periods of time. However, some people might feel that heavier blasters have more realism since they mimic cannons or rifles used by soldiers around the world.
Vests also come in different sizes and weights.
Some are as light as a feather, while others might feel like you’re carrying a “tank” on your back.
If the vest is too heavy, kids might get tired quickly. This is especially the case if they are running around. Adjustable straps can help to make sure that the vest fits snugly against your body, and distribute the weight evenly.
Even so, some kids might be able to use blasters meant for adults, while some adults might find that smaller-sized weapons are much easier to handle.
Laser Tag Blaster Design and Features Influence the Age Range of Potential Users
Aside from size and weight, the design of the blaster affects who can use it.
For example, some blasters have a tactical rail section on the top. This is where you can attach scopes, torches and other accessories. If you’re older and looking for a more realistic gaming experience, then you might prefer a blaster that has this feature.
However, this tactical rail section might be too high-end for tiny kids. They might not understand what it is and find it difficult to use.
At least some blasters are designed specifically for smaller people. These include pistols and mini phasers that are more lightweight and easy to use.
Some blasters come with a choice of camouflage patterns. This might be a nice feature for adults who want to use an army-style weapon or simply stand out from the crowd.
Kids, on the other hand, might not always prefer those patterns. They might want something that’s more colorful and fun to look at.
There are also blasters that come with sound effects and light attachments. These can be great for attracting attention and enhancing the gaming experience for kids. However, they might not be necessary for everyone and could end up being distractions for experienced adults.
The Laser Tag Game Influences the Age Range
The safety regulations for various arenas state that children under the age of 5 need to be accompanied by an adult at all times, but they are welcome to play if supervised. Many kids enjoy playing laser tag with their friends or siblings who are close in age, but it’s also a great game for parents to play with their children.
Aggressiveness for kids’ games is moderate. Aiming accuracy decreases with age, so adults might have an easier time shooting the other players in this game; hence, kids should play with other kids.
Younger kids are closer to the ground, so they have an advantage when hiding, but older kids are faster runners. It’s possible for adults playing this game with their children to let them win, although they’re often more competitive.
The Type of Laser Tag Arena Influences the Age Range of Potential Players
When parents are deciding on the appropriate age range for their kids to play laser tag in an arena, they need to consider the type of arena.
There are different types of arenas.
Indoor, Outdoor, and Dark Arenas
Indoor arenas are similar to a traditional indoor games center or arcade, but many of them have more advanced technology that results in players being shot from different directions. Outdoor arenas are on open ground, typically with inflatable obstacles between the play zones. Dark arenas are lit only by blacklights, which can cause players to look like they’re glowing.
The minimum age range for indoor arenas is typically 5-12 years old, and the same applies to outdoor arenas. Dark arenas are typically appropriate for older kids aged 10+. This is due to the fact that the darker the arena, the more challenging it is to see your opponents.
Commercial, Home, and Battlefield Arenas
The commercial arena is typically found in an amusement park or arcade. These arenas are brightly lit, have obstacles around the playing field, and often include special effects like smoke and loud noises. The home arena is typically a smaller version of the commercial arena and can be played indoors or outdoors. The battlefield arena is usually found in paintball fields and requires players to wear camouflage gear.
Commercial arenas can be used by older children, and teenagers depending on the type of arena.
They can be loud and distracting, there might be other people watching, and special effects like smoke could cause the player to pause in order to figure out what is going on. These distractions can cause younger kids to lose concentration and may impact their ability to play the game.
Some commercial arenas have a wider range of options when it comes to the age of players and these options may be listed on their website or included in promotional materials for your review. They may also offer special events like sleepovers and birthday parties where guests get to play laser tag and other games with friends and family.
However, parties in these arenas can also be tricky when guests of different ages attend, so you need to make sure you choose the right types of games like Capture-The-Flag or Freeze Tag if you want everyone to enjoy themselves.
Home arenas are a good choice for younger children because they are typically quiet, small, and don’t have any special effects. Cameras that monitor the game are also a good idea so parents can watch or even join in.
If you prefer a more relaxed laser tag experience with your young kids, the home arena is probably your best bet. Make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable so no one becomes distracted by their surroundings or frightened by other players. This may mean limiting the number of guests that can play at once but it will be more fun for younger players if they don’t get overwhelmed.
The battlefield is typically played by teenagers and adults. It requires camo clothing and other supplies that could cause problems for younger players, spooking them or making the game too complicated to learn.
Tips for Playing Safely with Kids
When playing laser tag with young children, it’s important to be aware of their capabilities and limitations.
Here are some tips for playing safely:
- Make sure the child is able to hold the blaster comfortably before purchasing it.
- Choose a blaster that is lightweight and easy to use for younger children.
- Make sure the child understands how to use the blaster safely.
- Make sure the child understands how to play safely.
- Make sure the child understands the rules of the game.
- Do not allow small children to play unsupervised.
- Remember to keep an eye on the children at all times when they are playing.
- If kids get tired, let them take a break.
- Set some ground rules for the game.
- Stop playing if there is a disagreement or someone gets hurt.
Additional Resources That can Help You
You may also be interested in the following useful resources.
How Many Players Do You Need for Laser Tag?
Do You Have to Play Laser Tag at Night? (30+ Blasters Evaluated)
What is Laser Tag? Everything You Need to Know
If you’re new to laser tag, here’s an introduction video to it and you can also check out our ultimate guide on our homepage.
