Week three's Adventure Tuesday involved a ton of planning due to kid and weather complications. While in the long run it is good we have raised independent thinkers, sometimes it was easier to just be able to jump in a car and TELL the kids where we were going. Additionally, the weather was threatening impending doom, limiting outside ideas.
The Drive: Lancaster is approximately 50 minutes from Harrisburg and there are multiple ways to get there. We went one way (with a 16 yr old driver) and Kim left about 15 minutes later and went a separate way meeting us about 5 minutes after we got there.
The Arrival: The Landing Zone is located in a strip mall with a Crossfit, PlayItAgain Sports, and Bounce Kraze (and indoor inflatable park for younger kids). Once inside we were greeting with the same nice man that answered my phone questions. (I am starting to feel like this is our year for amazing customer service 3/3 so far this summer- truly outstanding!) He had me fill out a few waivers (again signing our kids lives away) and talked about the pricing options- $20 for one hour $30 for two. As I was iffy about our time frame (softball and soccer), I hesitated and he said I could start with one hour and then if time allowed, he would add the second for $10 (love this guy!).
The Adventure: Right after paying, the kids were given wrist bands with their ending time and they were whisked away into the prep room. Kim and I were told that we did not have to stay, but that if we did they also allow BYOB! This would have been fantastic if it were night and we were staying for 2+ hours and there would be a DD. We opted to head over to PlayItAgain and meander around.
After a bit we came back and were about to relax in the amazing lounge area, but were told we could go and watch the kids. Super excited, we were lead through the prep room (tactical vests and weaponry), into the "play" zone. There we were met with red lighting, fog, and the sounds of war. As we sat on the bench starring through the THICK mist, we occasionally saw a child run by. As 4 of the 6 playing we ours, it was somewhat easy to pick them out-somewhat. We watched for the entire round as they traversed back and forth shooting at each other and boxes. While Kim and I were uncertain as to the mission, the kids seemed know.
After each round, the winners were announced and the group was allowed to pick the next "style" of play- free for all, death match, relic raiders, room clearers... The staff did a nice job trying to neutralize the advantage the older boys had (the other 2 boys playing were 12 as well, but seemed inexperienced in kill 'em all games) as to keep if fun for all (even if they were losing).
One round of spectatorship was enough for Kim and I. She purchased a drink and we landed ourselves in the lounge area until the kids were done. After 4 rounds (one hour) the kids were tired and sweaty and done.
This was rated highly by both kids. My kids both liked this better than regular laser tag, while Kim's kids said they prefer regular laser tag. I do believe we will becoming back here! My kids liked being able to choose the different types of games and the different types of guns. Abby was upset that there was one gun she was not allowed to use- due to age and weight of the gun.
Tips/ Tricks: Not a lot to report here. I talked with the man behind the counter (should have gotten his name- possibly the owner), and he said the last two weeks in June are his slowest. It was nice not having to wait for other groups to cycle in, although there did seem to be a LOT of guns and vests available. He also told me he does not do Groupons or the likes, so his plan is to keep the prices low.
Also, if you have a big age mix, the older ones could go to LZ and parents can take younger ones to the Bounce Kraze.
Other than that: socks, sneakers, dark clothing (or red), and pack lots of drinks that need to stay in the car- unless you BYOB
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