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Splat Tag Paintball Park in Maplewood, MN is a popular destination for paintball enthusiasts.
The park features 22 uniquely designed outdoor play areas set in a wooded natural environment, with elements like full-size automobiles, sandbag bunkers, army vehicles, towers, crashed airplanes, and a castle. Walk-on games run Saturdays and Sundays with no reservation needed, while private sessions for groups of 10 or more offer customizable packages with referees, safety briefings, and exclusive field access. Monthly Jungle Rumble scenario events merge multiple fields into a massive warzone with changing missions, and the annual Giant Big Game draws over 300 players.
Beyond paintball, the park provides on-site charcoal grills, pizza and snacks for purchase, and a reservable party space. Low-Intensity Paintball with smaller 50-caliber balls makes the game accessible for kids ages 8 and up. Cosmic Paintball under black lights and floodlit evening games add variety. The park suits birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette events, corporate team building, school field trips, church groups, and youth organizations. Founded in 1996 by lifelong player Darrin Johnson, the park emphasizes fair play, safety, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
OutdoorsThe Fun Lab is located in the North Metro area of the Twin Cities, in Blaine, Minnesota, inside a converted 22,500-square-foot space.
The Fun Lab offers a wide range of attractions including a 5,000-square-foot multi-level laser tag arena, Hologate virtual reality, ValoArena interactive gaming, spinning bumper cars, a three-story ropes course, XD Dark Ride, laser maze, Ballocity soft play zone, and over 45 arcade games. Birthday parties come in three packages (High Voltage at $349.99, Nitro at $399.99, and Super Nova at $469.99) each including a private party room, dedicated host, pizza, cupcakes, and arcade cards. Field trips start at $12.99 per student with free chaperone admission. Day passes range from the Nutty Professor Pass to the Big Bang All Day Pass, with unlimited attraction passes starting at $19.99.
The on-site Food Lab restaurant serves brick oven pizzas, gourmet burgers, and craft beer and wine in a comfortable setting. The venue hosts corporate events, fundraisers, and group gatherings with customizable packages. There is no admission fee and parking is free. The facility was founded by Jim and Marilyn Webber and their family, with a team of dedicated Funologists managing parties and events. The space also offers a Summer Pass for $59.99 that grants access to both The Fun Lab and Zero Gravity through September 30, 2026. Memberships are available with 12-month billing and 2 months free when paying annually.
IndoorsVoxel Virtual Reality Parlour is located in the Vandalia Tower area of St. Paul, Minnesota, easily accessible from the surrounding Twin Cities metro.
The parlour features six VR bays with 12×12 foot play areas, big-screen live-streaming, and a curated library of nearly 30 experiences ranging from adventure and puzzles to art and education. Guests can book individual bays or reserve the entire space for private events. Party packages include dedicated headsets, setup and cleanup, and optional catering add-ons. The knowledgeable staff provides tutorials for first-timers and ensures a smooth, welcoming experience for all skill levels.
Beyond gaming, Voxel offers a comfortable lounge with complimentary popcorn, student discounts, punch passes for regulars, and Mobile VR rentals for off-site events. The space is well-suited for birthdays, corporate team-building, date nights, bar and bat mitzvahs, and any gathering where shared experiences and genuine connection are the goal. The event coordinator works closely with groups to customize every detail.
IndoorsAction Packed Paintball Games is located southwest of Minneapolis in Jordan, MN, just off Highway 169.
The park offers eight themed outdoor paintball fields — including a Western ghost town, jungle terrain, Civil War battlefield, speedball course, and more — along with low-impact paintball for younger players. Guests can join walk-on games or reserve a private field for their group. Rental equipment, protective masks, and extra paintballs are available on-site. Game scenarios range from capture-the-flag to elimination matches, and the experienced staff provides safety briefings and party hosting for private groups.
Amenities include concessions, grills, picnic tables, observation areas, paved parking, and indoor restrooms. The park is a popular choice for birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team-building events, school functions, and family reunions. A meeting room and catering options are available for larger groups. Players can also upgrade to electronic markers or add tactical gear for a more immersive experience.
OutdoorsAnnandale Paintball is located in South Haven, Minnesota, less than an hour west of the Twin Cities, easily reachable from Highway 24 or Highway 55.
The park offers three versions of paintball (traditional .68 caliber, low impact 50-caliber, and family-friendly Splatmaster for ages 8–14), plus outdoor laser tag and airsoft. With 10 outdoor courses including a professional-grade turf field, a city-themed arena, and an airball practice facility, players of all skill levels find something to enjoy. The park has no time limits on rental packages, and group discounts are available for parties of six or more. Special Mission Game Days, tournaments like the Summer Cup and Fall Classic, and open play on weekends round out the calendar.
Private groups are welcome seven days a week, making the park a natural fit for birthday parties, bachelor parties, corporate team-building, youth groups, and school outings. The staff handles all setup and cleanup, and each group is assigned a dedicated referee or host. On-site amenities include picnic tables, a BBQ area, concessions, and a pro shop. The park also offers mobile paintball, black light paintball, and laser tag for off-site events like county fairs and post-prom parties.
OutdoorsSandbox VR Indoor Center is located in Eden Prairie, MN.
This is a full-body virtual reality venue where groups of up to six players step into private holodecks equipped with motion capture and haptic vests. The experience lineup includes Squid Game Virtuals, Stranger Things: Catalyst, Deadwood Valley zombie adventures, Age of Dinosaurs, and more. Each 60-minute session includes gearing up, playing, and receiving a personalized cinematic highlight reel. The space is clean, modern, and designed for shared adventures rather than solo play.
The venue features a dedicated party room for celebrations and works well for birthdays, corporate team building, bachelor parties, and date nights. The staff is known for being attentive and helpful, guiding guests through the technology and safety protocols. Gift cards and occasional promotions are available, and a replay discount can be requested on-site for return visits. The experience is active — guests are advised to wear tennis shoes and breathable clothing.
IndoorsWhirlyBall Twin Cities is located in Maple Grove, Minnesota, just off I-94 near the Shoppes at Arbor Lakes.
The venue is built around WhirlyBall — a team sport combining basketball, hockey, and lacrosse played from bumper cars — with two dedicated courts. It also features a 4,000-square-foot multi-level laser tag arena, an escape room, arcade games, billiards, and darts. The kitchen is led by an award-winning chef, and the bar offers 17 beers on draft plus signature cocktails.
Four event rooms and a banquet space are available for private gatherings. The venue hosts kids’ birthday parties, youth sports team celebrations, corporate team-building events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and adult private parties. Walk-ins are welcome for WhirlyBall and laser tag, and regular leagues run for recurring play. The staff is consistently praised for being attentive and professional.
IndoorsChampion Valley is located in Lakeville, Minnesota, just five minutes off Interstate 35W, on 150 acres of wooded hills and open fields.
The park offers paintball, airsoft, low impact paintball, archery tag, axe throwing, GelBlasters, and escape rooms. Activities run in two-hour sessions with equipment provided. Combo packages allow groups to combine multiple activities into longer experiences. The fields feature natural terrain, bunkers, Hyperball lanes, and special ops mission scenarios. Group sizes range from small parties to large corporate outings.
Private pavilions are available for gatherings, and guests may bring their own beverages. On-site camping is offered through Hipcamp for overnight stays. The park hosts birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate team building, school field trips, and family reunions. Season passes are available for paintball, airsoft, and all-access adventure. The staff provides equipment orientation and oversees safety throughout all activities.
OutdoorsPINZ is located in Oakdale, Minnesota, a suburban community east of Saint Paul.
The venue brings together bowling, a two-story Avatar-themed laser tag arena called Zap City, an arcade with over 80 games, and the HOLOGATE multiplayer VR system. Kids’ birthday parties, corporate events, and group gatherings are supported with private event spaces, customizable packages, and full-service catering options.
The Guild bar serves beer, wine, and craft cocktails, while the food menu offers classic American fare. A private bowling suite, a semi-private lounge with a 60-foot screen, and over 5,000 square feet of event space make the venue suitable for celebrations of all sizes, from casual family outings to milestone events.
IndoorsTwin Cities Airsoft Park is located in Emerald, Wisconsin, about 45 minutes east of the Twin Cities metro area.
The park spans 80 acres of diverse terrain including forests, meadows, streams, hills, a lake, and themed zones like a castle and small city. It operates as a Co-Op style facility with no membership fees, offering walk-on games every weekend, private group bookings, and massive scenario events such as Operation Overlord DDAY, Armageddon, and the Giant Airsoft Game series. Game modes include capture the flag, team deathmatch, and objective-based missions. The park is open year-round and requires bio BBs only.
A warming house with heat and food service is available during colder months, and camping is permitted on-site for multi-day events. From May through October, a mobile airsoft store visits the field offering rentals and HPA fills. The park is family-friendly, welcoming players from age 10 and up with a signed waiver. The staff and referees are known for being supportive and encouraging, making it an excellent choice for birthdays, corporate team-building, and casual weekend outings with friends.
OutdoorsSpecial Forces Paintball is located at 5494 Fairhill Dr SE in Buffalo, Minnesota, about 40 miles west of the Twin Cities. The facility features a 20-acre outdoor field with varied terrain, obstacles, and structures designed for tactical paintball and airsoft play. Game options include .68 caliber paintball, .50 caliber low-impact paintball, gel-cap Surge games for younger kids, and a signature D-Day scenario that uses real military boats. Private events are available for groups of 6 to 100+ players, with packages that include equipment rental, unlimited air, and a set number of paintballs or gel caps.
Beyond the games themselves, the venue offers a free private picnic area and gas grill for groups who want to extend their visit into a full-day outing. Kids in the Surge program are transported in authentic military trucks, adding a memorable touch to the experience. The facility is well-suited for birthday parties, corporate team-building events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, school groups, and youth organizations. The staff provides hands-on instruction and supervision throughout every game, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for players of all ages and skill levels.
OutdoorsArea 22 Paintball is located six miles north of Glencoe and nine miles south of Hutchinson on Highway 22, just south of Biscay.
The facility features a five-acre woodsball field with full-size buildings and a recreational speedball field with inflatable tanks and bunkers. Players can enjoy capture the flag, elimination, and scenario-based games. Rental packages include Tippmann A-5 and X-7 markers, masks, unlimited air fills, and paintballs. The staff includes P.T.I. Certified referees, and the facility is open for private parties by reservation.
A covered picnic area, clean indoor bathrooms, and on-site refreshments add comfort to the experience. The facility is locally owned and welcomes families, businesses, church groups, and youth organizations. It is a great fit for birthday parties, bachelor parties, corporate team-building events, family reunions, and other group celebrations.
OutdoorsBig Lake Tactical Wargames (BLT) is located on 100 acres at 22615 County Road 75 in Big Lake, Minnesota. Open since 2009, the field operates from March through December and offers a wide variety of airsoft game types, from casual weekend open play to large-scale monthly MBA Big Games that draw over 100 players. The field features vehicles, objective-based missions, and creative scenarios like Operation Spartan Shield, Viking Raid, and Mexican Drug Wars. Rental gear is available for $40, and all-day entry is $30, with MBA games at $40 and the Big Fun Game at $50.
Beyond the gameplay, BLT fosters a strong community atmosphere with raffle prizes, swap meets, and free camping on Friday and Saturday nights during MBA events. The property provides ample space for group gatherings, birthday parties, corporate team-building, and weekend retreats. The staff is experienced and welcoming, making the field accessible to both first-time players and seasoned veterans. Safety is a priority, with clear rules and a friendly environment that has kept regulars coming back for years.
OutdoorsTactical Urban Combat is located inside the Eden Prairie Center mall in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
The club offers Tactical Laser Tag (ages 8+), Tactical Nerf Battles (ages 6+), and Free Roam VR in what they describe as the largest indoor urban Nerf arena in the Midwest. The arena is designed like a real-life first-person shooter game with constantly changing obstacles, barrels, crates, and hiding spots. Sessions feature organized games including Capture the Flag and Team Elimination, led by staff who keep the action moving. Advanced Tactical Laser Tag nights run Fridays through Sundays with more complex scenarios, and Modded Nerf nights offer upgraded equipment for experienced players.
Private parties accommodate up to 20 players with exclusive arena access, making the venue well-suited for kids’ birthday parties, corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and school groups. While there is no private party room on site, the mall’s food court is located just upstairs with ample seating and dining options, and a private event room is available through mall management. The club is family-owned and consistently receives positive reviews for its helpful staff and well-organized sessions.
IndoorsGrand Slam Sports is located in Burnsville, Minnesota, just south of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in the southern Twin Cities metro area.
This family entertainment center spans over 30,000 square feet and features a two-level laser tag arena, an X-treme Trampoline room, 18 holes of indoor pirate-themed mini golf (Pirate’s Lair), Krazy Kars bumper cars, batting cages, a three-story Play Zone for children 12 and under, and a video arcade. The venue offers birthday party packages with dedicated party rooms, pizza and soda, and a special gift for the birthday child. Walk-In Packages provide three hours of unlimited activities, and After-Hours rentals are available for groups of 20 or more, making it suitable for corporate events, school groups, and private celebrations.
The on-site snack bar serves pizza, sandwiches, shakes, and other refreshments. The facility includes party rooms with table setup and cleanup handled by staff. Grand Slam was voted #1 for Best Children’s Birthday Party Venue and Best Family Entertainment Center by Minnesota Parent magazine readers. The venue also offers school group packages, fundraising opportunities, and a VIP club with exclusive coupons and event announcements.
IndoorsCrossfire Paintball & Airsoft MN is located at 1601 195th St. E in Clearwater, Minnesota, just northwest of St. Cloud, on 40 acres of natural woodland next to AJ Acres Campground.
The club offers both paintball (standard .68 cal, low-impact .50 cal, and gel blasters for kids) and airsoft across five dedicated fields on over 30 acres. Walk-on games run Saturdays and Sundays, with private parties available by reservation. Rental packages include markers, masks, air, and ammunition, with additional options like GoPros and camo BDU sets. The airsoft side is the oldest continuously operating field in Minnesota, with over a decade of experience.
Group events are a specialty — birthdays, bachelor parties, corporate outings, and team training all welcome, with tiered discounts for parties of 10, 15, 20, or more. Military, police, fire, and EMS personnel receive a 10% discount, and students with good grades can also save. The staging area provides a safe zone for gearing up, and the staff handles refereeing, equipment orientation, and safety enforcement throughout the day.
OutdoorsREM5 Virtual Reality Laboratory is located in the St. Louis Park neighborhood of the Twin Cities metro area, just a few minutes west of downtown Minneapolis.
The lab operates around the concept of renting semi-private VR Pods, each equipped with a high-end headset and a curated library of games and simulations. Groups of two to five people share a Pod, taking turns exploring worlds that range from action-packed adventures to creative and educational experiences. A dedicated concierge assists throughout the session, and guests can order food and drinks — including pizza and local craft beer — right to their Pod. The space is also used for corporate team-building, leadership training, and school field trips through its REM5 For Good program.
Beyond open play, REM5 serves as a full-service event venue for birthdays, corporate parties, and private celebrations, accommodating up to 150 guests. The on-site kitchen prepares made-in-house dishes, and the lounge area provides a comfortable space to gather before or after a session. The staff is known for being welcoming and knowledgeable, making the experience accessible to first-time VR users and seasoned players alike.
IndoorsBlacklight Adventures is located in the southern part of St. Cloud, Minnesota, just off 33rd Avenue South.
This family entertainment center features a 3,000+ sq ft blacklight laser tag arena for up to 20 players, two themed 9-hole mini golf courses, private escape rooms (including the Old West Jail scenario), immersive Adventure Rooms, a Laser Maze, a Pixel Arena with interactive floor games, two batting cage simulators, and an arcade with over 40 machines plus a redemption prize center. The venue also offers two Virtual Reality bays and a Mobile Attractions unit that brings escape rooms and Bazooka Ball to outside events.
Private blacklight party rooms are available for celebrations with pizza and beverages included, and the staff handles all setup and cleanup. The venue is well-suited for birthday parties, corporate team building, youth groups, graduations, and family gatherings. Additional amenities include a free Kids Club with birthday month perks, group discount pricing for parties of 15 or more, and the ability to bring outside catering or your own cake. The facility operates with a mission to provide affordable, safe, and unforgettable entertainment for all ages.
IndoorsGrand Slam Family Fun Center is located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, just north of Minneapolis.
With over 45,000 square feet of indoor attractions, the center features a multi-level laser tag arena, an 18-hole themed mini golf course, a two-story Play Zone for kids 12 and under, bumper cars, a ninja obstacle course, and the Valo Arena mixed-reality gaming experience. The arcade offers more than 50 games, and four batting cages accommodate baseball and softball players of all skill levels. Walk-in unlimited packages and single-play pricing give guests flexibility in how they experience the venue.
The facility is a popular choice for birthday parties with reserved tables and three-hour celebration windows, as well as for school groups, sports teams, and corporate outings. After-hours private events can accommodate up to 80 participants with full access to all attractions. A snack bar serves pizza, burgers, and other favorites. There is no entry fee for spectators, and the staff is consistently praised for being friendly and accommodating. Socks are required for the Ninja Course, Play Zone, and Valo Arena; waivers are needed only for the Ninja Course.
IndoorsZero Gravity is a unique indoor trampoline park located in Mounds View, MN.
This locally owned, family-run park has been operating since 2011 as Minnesota’s first adventure park. The facility offers wall-to-wall trampolines, a 3,000-square-foot laser tag arena with an intergalactic theme, an Aerial Ninja Net Course with 17 obstacles, a climbing wall, dodgeball courts, a slam dunk zone, an interactive Pixel Game Floor, and a Human Claw Machine. Party packages accommodate groups from 6 to 30 guests with private rooms available, and the park hosts birthday parties, corporate events, field trips, youth groups, and holiday celebrations.
The park also features a full arcade with redemption prizes, a three-story indoor playground, and special events like the Northern Lights Glow Party on weekends. Outside food and drink are welcome for booked parties. Membership options start at $18.99 per month with no blackout dates. The laser tag system allows unlimited hits — tracking points rather than eliminating players — making it accessible for ages 5 and up.
IndoorsSandbox VR is located inside the Rosedale Center in Roseville, Minnesota, just off Highway 36 between Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
The venue offers full-body, free-roam virtual reality experiences using motion capture and haptic vests for groups of up to six. Players can choose from a rotating lineup of immersive adventures including Squid Game Virtuals, Stranger Things: Catalyst, Age of Dinosaurs, Deadwood PHOBIA, and several other story-driven worlds. Each session runs about 60 minutes and includes a free personalized cinematic highlight reel.
A dedicated Party Room is available for birthdays, corporate events, and team-building gatherings. The Gold Package bundles two experiences for up to six guests with snacks and beverages. The staff is known for being attentive and flexible — willing to switch games mid-session if needed. A lounge and recreation area provide space to relax before or after the experience.
IndoorsEvery year, as the date circled on the calendar draws closer, we face the same recurring dilemma: Where should we celebrate this year? We’ve all done the predictable circuit—the bowling alley, the neighborhood pizza parlor, or the quiet dinner at home. While these traditions have their place, there is an ever-growing desire for something that pulses with adrenaline and breaks the monotony of the standard party routine.
If you are looking to elevate your next birthday from “routine” to “legendary,” it is time to turn toward the world of action gaming and free-roam VR. These experiences don’t just provide a venue; they provide an adventure.
The shift toward experiential birthdays is real. People no longer want to just sit around a table; they want to engage, compete, and immerse themselves in a different reality. Action games—encompassing high-intensity physical sports like laser tag, paintball, and airsoft—alongside cutting-edge Free-Roam VR, offer a dynamic solution.
These activities provide more than just entertainment; they foster team building, strategic thinking, and, most importantly, an unforgettable rush of endorphins. Whether you are running through a neon-lit arena or battling digital foes in a virtual cityscape, these venues turn the birthday guest of honor into the protagonist of their own action movie.
For younger birthday squads, laser tag remains the undisputed champion. It captures the imagination of children by transforming a dark, labyrinthine arena into a sci-fi battlefield.
What makes laser tag so perfect for kids? It’s completely painless, highly interactive, and safe. There are no projectiles to worry about, meaning parents can relax while the kids burn off their sugar rush in a controlled environment. The team-based nature of the game encourages communication and strategy, teaching kids to work together to “capture the flag” or secure the base. It’s the closest they can get to feeling like a space marine without ever leaving the ground.
As the birthday celebrants grow older, the stakes naturally get higher. Enter paintball—the classic high-octane birthday choice for adventurous teenagers and adults.
Paintball is not just a game; it is a visceral test of reflexes and grit. The “thwack” of a paintball hitting a bunker and the intensity of holding a position under fire creates a level of excitement that few other sports can match. For a teenage milestone or an adult getaway, paintball provides the perfect outlet for competitive spirit. It strips away the pretense of a formal party and leaves you with a group of friends engaged in tactical maneuvers, making the post-game “war stories” and birthday cake share an experience that will be talked about for years.
When you step into the world of airsoft, you are entering the realm of the tactical enthusiast. While paintball is chaotic and colorful, airsoft is designed for those who appreciate realism, precision, and authentic gear.
Airsoft is an excellent choice for adult birthdays, particularly for groups who enjoy simulation games or military history. The equipment closely mimics real-world firearms, and the gameplay relies heavily on stealth, patience, and marksmanship. It is a more “serious” style of play that appeals to adults looking for a sophisticated, immersive challenge. It turns a birthday celebration into an elite operations mission, providing a sense of accomplishment that is deeply satisfying for the tactical-minded adult.
If the physical demands of paintball or airsoft aren’t quite the right fit, the modern VR club offers a boundless alternative. Free-roam VR has effectively erased the physical barriers of traditional gaming, allowing players to walk, dodge, and interact within a simulated environment as if it were truly their own.
VR clubs are the ultimate equalizer because they offer experiences for every age. Children can dive into colorful, whimsical worlds where they battle cartoon monsters, while adults can engage in high-fidelity, heart-pounding survival horror scenarios or complex puzzle-solving quests. Because VR is entirely digital, you can change the “theme” of the party with the push of a button. One hour you are exploring a fantasy kingdom, the next you are defending a space station. For a diverse group of guests, VR provides a versatile, imaginative, and truly futuristic backdrop for a birthday to remember.
The choice of where to celebrate a birthday should reflect the personality of the guest of honor. Whether you choose the tactical precision of airsoft, the competitive fire of paintball, the classic joy of laser tag, or the endless possibilities of VR, you are choosing to gift an experience rather than just a party. This year, trade the confetti for goggles, the cake for a victory lap, and make your birthday an event that everyone will be eagerly anticipating for the next 365 days.
2626 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109
