Young people are increasingly choosing active recreation. Among modern sports, paintball and laser tag hold a special place. These games let players test their endurance while having fun with friends. Paintball and laser tag have been gaining popularity every year, so today, we’ll explore where you can play these trendy games in Dallas. Read more about it on i-dallas.com.
The Origins of Paintball and Laser Tag
Paintball and laser tag are relatively modern games that appeared in the late 20th century. For example, in June 1981, three friends from New York — Charles Gaines, Hayes Noel, and Robert Gurnsey — bought pneumatic “guns.” Originally, these devices were used by foresters to mark trees. But the friends decided to use the markers for a game simulating military combat.
June 27, 1981, became a landmark day — the first paintball match took place in New Hampshire with 12 participants. Americans loved the new game, and by 1998, around 6 million people in the U.S. had played paintball at least once.
The foundation for paintball, however, goes back to the invention of French engineer Gustave Reclus, who in 1878 created a pneumatic device that shot latex balls filled with paint. Initially, the invention was used for military training, though only for a short time.
Laser tag appeared much later and is a completely safe game that poses no physical harm to opponents. Even children can play it, since it uses infrared beams and sensor devices that don’t cause pain when hit. Laser tag became popular in the 1980s and 1990s and has since continued to grow worldwide.
Where to Play in Dallas
In Dallas, you can enjoy paintball both on large outdoor fields and in indoor arenas.
One of the most popular locations is Cousins Paintball Park, located in Forney. Players can compete on more than 15 hectares (about 37 acres) of space. The park specializes in military-style games and attracts over 10,000 players each year.
Ascend Paintball is another well-known center located right in Dallas. It’s open year-round and offers indoor play areas, making it perfect for any weather.
For family events and celebrations, GatSplat Indoor Paintball in Rowlett is a great choice. The venue provides a safe environment for children, making it ideal for birthday parties and group outings.
Laser tag is also a local favorite among Dallas residents. If you or your kids love this game, check out PINSTACK, Adventure Landing, Alley Cats Entertainment, or Strikz Entertainment. These centers welcome more than 50,000 guests annually. Most are open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., including weekends, for maximum convenience.
As you can see, laser tag is considered the safer and more high-tech alternative to traditional paintball. That’s why it’s a popular choice for family-friendly fun.
Many venues also offer additional services such as birthday party packages, corporate team-building events, and group competitions. This makes paintball and laser tag in Dallas not just games, but a full-fledged form of recreation that’s growing in popularity across the region.
Paintball and laser tag are both exciting ways to spend time with friends, colleagues, or family. Paintball requires more strength and endurance and isn’t recommended for young children, while laser tag offers a safe, pain-free experience — though it still gives you a great workout!
We hope you enjoyed this informative article and learned something new about your city. Do you enjoy playing paintball or laser tag? Share your thoughts with us on social media!