A Heartwarming Family Adventure at Outdoor Xtreme Hudson

We decided to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon as a family at Outdoor Xtreme Hudson, and our five-year-old ended up having more fun than we could have ever imagined. At first, he was nervous — the idea of a “game with guns” sounded serious in his little head. But from the moment we started the gellyball experience, his worries melted away.

When we arrived, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and made sure our son felt safe and comfortable. He was outfitted with a gellyball marker, a pair of safety goggles, and even a lightweight chest protector — everything perfectly sized for a five-year-old. The field wasn’t intimidating: instead of towering bunkers and rough terrain, we saw soft, non-inflatable obstacles, gentle cover, and very kid-friendly layouts.

As the game began, he squeezed the trigger shyly — and the first few rounds bounced off with a gentle “pop,” leaving him wide-eyed in delight. Gellyballs are water-based and soft, so there was no sting, no mess, and no stains on his clothes.

Soon enough, he was running around corners, hiding behind bunkers, and giggling every time he nailed a “target.” We cheered him on, and at one point even joined in ourselves — chasing each other, playfully tagging, and laughing together like kids again. The genuine joy in his face when he realized he was “winning” made all of us feel like proud teammates.

Between rounds, we relaxed on the picnic tables in the shaded rest area. While he caught his breath, we talked about strategy (from a very beginner’s perspective), praised his shots, and just enjoyed being together in that breezy, open-air setting.

When it was finally time to leave, he didn’t want to go. He insisted on another game, and asked if we could come back next weekend. Watching him walk to the car with a huge grin, dirt on his knees, and a newfound confidence—it was the kind of memory you don’t forget.

Final thought: Outdoor Xtreme Hudson’s gellyball setup is the perfect way for a family to play together, regardless of age. It’s safe, welcoming, full of laughter, and made our little one feel like a hero. We’ll definitely be going back.

Rating: 10/10 — a gentle but thrilling first-time experience for our child, and a beautiful family day.