When trying to find the best laser tag for kids, shopping in an online market can be frustrating. There are tons of manufacturers out there, and you’re never sure if you’re finding the right fit for you and your family. This is why we’ve identified the top 5 laser tag games for kids and included a short buying guide to walk you through the most important features to look for.
Let’s get started!
1. ArmoGear Infrared Laser Tag
- Immersive Laser Tag Arena at Home:...
- 4-Team Laser Tag Guns Set of 4: Compete...
- Realistic Toy Guns for Kids and Adults:...
- Voice-Guided Directions: Voice prompts...
- Thoughtful Gift for Boys and Girls Ages...
ArmoGear is one of the top sellers of laser tag games worldwide, and its infrared game for children is a bestseller for a reason. This set includes four separate targets and blasters to accommodate up to four players and features lights and sound to better engage children.
This in-depth set includes four different firing modes for players to choose from: pistol, shotgun, machine gun, and rocket. Each one changes the playing style and allows for increased activity and creativity from the players. The blasters are lightweight and easy to carry, and the targets slip over the shoulders and have a buckle to hold them in place.
The ArmoGear set is highly durable and made from non-toxic plastic. Your children will be able to drop or hit the gear again and again without it cracking or breaking. There are tactile vibrations to alert children of when an opponent has hit them, and the entire set uses a Child Safety Infrared Signal Emission of 0.9mW. This means the infrared rays will not hurt kids.
Plus, there are numerous accessories and special features included in the game. These include a flashlight, invisibility mode, night vision, and voice-guided directions. The shooting range of each blaster is 150 ft., and 6 AAA batteries are required to power a single vest/blaster combo. You will need 24 batteries overall for the entire set.
Things We Liked
- Extreme durability
- Child safe
- Numerous special features
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Great range
Things We Didn’t Like
- Requires a lot of batteries
2. Kidzlane Infrared Laser Tag
- 4 TEAM ACTION TOY ✨ Organize...
- PICK YOUR AMMO ✨ Select one of the 4...
- TOP NOTCH QUALITY ✨ These Laser...
- SAFE PLAY ✨ With a Child Safety...
- AMAZING GIFTING IDEA ✨ Treat your...
Kidzlane is a company that produces dedicated educational and engaging toys for children, which is why their infrared laser tag game is a top choice for families with younger players. This set utilizes only non-toxic materials that are safe to have around kids and included plenty of safety features so you don’t have to worry about the players hurting themselves.
This set includes four separate blasters in different colors so children can play on teams of their own choosing. The colors are red, orange, green, and blue. There are no vests included but the blasters keep complete track of ammo as well as a player’s health and the total number of hits. This is displayed along the side as a set of lights which are reset when the players start a new game.
The Kidzlane includes four separate weapon styles: pistol, shotgun, machine gun, and rocket launcher. This affects how much ammo a user has but also how much damage they can do. While adjusting the settings might be complicated for younger children, the blasters are still user-friendly and feature intuitive instructions and settings.
Plus, you can be assured of safety because the laser tag set uses a Child Safety Infrared Signal Emission which measures as less than 1 mW. The toy has been certified safe for children of all ages and even shoots up to 130 ft.
Honestly, this is one of the best choices for children under 10 years of age. The blasters are lightweight yet durable so they don’t hurt if there is an accidental hit, but the material will also not break. The infrared signal is safe and won’t damage the eyes, and children don’t have to worry about wearing vests or dealing with uncomfortable buckles and straps.
Things We Liked
- Safe for children
- Easy to adjust settings
- Great range
- Suitable for small kids
Things We Didn’t Like
- Does not include vests
3. Squad Hero Rechargeable Laser Tag Set
- The most innovative laser tag set yet:...
- Rechargeable gear: You never have to...
- 360° Combat: 3 target zones (chest,...
- More advanced features... Choose between...
- 100% satisfaction guarantee: Every set...
Squad Hero is the only current manufacturer of a rechargeable laser tag game for kids, making it excellent for moms who don’t want to keep buying AAA batteries for their children. This is a technologically advanced kit that features four separate blasters, four targets, and a charging station that can be plugged into the wall.
Players are able to choose from four separate weapon styles and can play as singles or teams. There are vibrations and sound effects galore, and a digital readout on the player’s targets tells them how much health currently remains. All lives and team data automatically sync and can be easily reset. There is even a reloading feature on the weapons and tons of additional options like stealth mode and a flashlight. The infrared is also safe for children of all ages.
This is also one of the most durable laser tag kits, made from reinforced plastics with extra protection for the electronics inside the blasters and targets. They are great in any type of weather and have a powerful range of 130 ft. If you have older kids or would like to play yourself, this is the right choice for you.
Things We Liked
- Rechargeable
- High-tech
- Data syncs
- Easy to set up games
- Durable
- Great Range
Things We Didn’t Like
- Heavy blasters
4. Best Choice Products Laser Tag Set
- FUN FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Faceoff in an...
- LONG-DISTANCE GAME: These infrared...
- LIGHTS & SOUNDS: Each ammo mode produces...
- ULTIMATE TEAM-BASED GAME: Choose between...
- INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE: Kids get a real...
Best Choice Products creates a ton of toys and games for kids, and their laser tag game is a great addition to any child’s toy chest. This is one of the simplest sets of blasters currently on the market. It does not feature any vests but keeps track of ammo and life using three lights along the side of the weapons. There are four in a set and each one is a different color to keep track of teams.
The lights and sound effects of the set are basic and friendly for sensitive ears. There is no vibration or recoil, so kids don’t have to worry about being hurt from motion during play. Plus, there are still several special features including different weapon modes, the ability to play singles or teams, and a 130 ft. shooting range.
Because this is a basic set, it is great for parents whose children want to try laser tag but are unsure of making a bigger investment.
Things We Liked
- Simple
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Multiple play styles
- Great range
Things We Didn’t Like
- Hit sensors can be inaccurate
5. NERF Phoenix Laser Tag Set
NERF is often a family favorite. This company already produces a ton of toy weapons and games designed for older kids, so it is no surprise NERF designed to branch out and develop a laser tag set. Similar to some other products we’ve seen, the NERF Phoenix set only includes blasters and does not use vests or a targeting system that is placed on the player’s body. Instead, hits and ammo are monitored by the blaster, which is also what players must hit.
This set only includes two blasters but utilizes better technology than the majority of games meant for children. However, the set is compatible with other NERF blasters and can be adjusted to play as teams or a battle royale. So, you can always buy additional weapons if you need them or would like to have extras for your kids’ friends.
The NERF blasters feature tons of special features and incorporate fun sci-fi lights and sound effects to better entertain the players. Users can choose from four separate weapon styles, and there is recoil, vibrations, and an authentic ‘reload’ system which keeps children engaged. Also, this is one of the only sets which allows players to be hit between 10 and 25 times instead of only three. This is an excellent anti-frustration feature for kids since they won’t be kicked out of the game as quickly.
If you have older children, the NERF Phoenix Laser Tag game is the way to go. This set uses a more powerful infrared sensor which is still safe for general play but might be irritating for young, sensitive eyes. The blasters have more settings and are more intuitive, allowing older kids to be more engaged.
Things We Liked
- Authentic recoil and vibrations
- Allows for numerous hits
- Highly durable
- Compatible with extra blasters
Things We Didn’t Like
- Resetting can be difficult
Buying Guide
Not all laser tag games are the same. Sometimes, the manufacturers decide to cut corners or use low-quality materials in an attempt to save money. This is also often done because the games are designed for kids, and there is the assumption the product does not need to last long because children will break or outgrow the set rapidly.
However, you want to get your children the best, which is why this buying guide focuses on the features you need to ensure you have a fun, long-lasting game for your kids. Before investing in any kit, take a look at the following characteristics.
Lifespan
The lifespan is one of the most crucial components of a laser tag game. The majority of portable sets for home play will use batteries to function, so you won’t have the option to charge the blasters and targets. Batteries are great for portability, but it can be frustrating if they need to be changed frequently. When you are looking for a set, try to find a game with a long battery life of an hour or more.
Quality
Again, laser tag sets are often targeted to children. This means the default material for the guns and targets is often cheap, flimsy plastic. However, laser tag is not a gentle game. There is a lot of running, jumping, and dodging, so there are plenty of opportunities for gums to be dropped, smacked against hard objects, and broken.
When deciding on a set, avoid buying the least expensive option. Although affordability is a plus, it often means the company cut corners on part of the product. When possible, consider researching what the main material used in production is.
Price
Affordability is important when choosing toys and games for kids, but it can be difficult to find high-quality models at inexpensive prices. In general, you can expect to spend between $20 and $35 per blaster unless you invest in a discount set. The high price is justifiable because there are numerous electrical components in the blasters and targets which need to be set and hidden to facilitate gameplay.
On average, you should expect to pay between $60 and $100 for a total game for children. If you want a more durable set, this price could increase to $100 or $150.
Number of Blasters
Depending on the size of your family, you might want to find a larger kit to accommodate and include everyone. Some of the more expensive, high-quality kits will only include two blasters. While this works well for families where there are only two children, larger families will wind up with people feeling excluded.
Luckily, the majority of laser tag games for kids will include four blasters and four targets. This means up to four people can remain occupied, and there might be enough players to split into teams and get creative with matches.
Functionality
Your laser tag game should be functional. By that, it means the game is simple, easy to use, and does not struggle with any basic errors. It should be able to read the shots as you fire and accurately reflect when another player has been hit. The health and ammo readout should also be precise. Without these features, the game becomes less fun and children are prone to fight and have disputes over the real winner of the game.
On average, a more affordable or basic game will be less accurate. Affordability is not bad, but there is always the possibility of corners being cut to produce the product cheaply. Simpler models, meanwhile, tend to have less complicated technology that might struggle to read hits. Overall, such games can be frustrating during play and might make children less willing to have fun with their game.
To achieve optimal functionality, carefully examine the settings and built-in features available in your game. What method is used to score and tally points? Do the guns and targets utilize sound effects or vibrations to warn players about hits? Is there a digital display or are lights used to calculate lives? Such elements affect the functionality and can determine how easy the game is for children of all ages.
Range
Finally, check the range of the blasters. Since laser tag can be played at a long distance or in close quarters, the games for children will vary considerably in how far the blasters can fire. To reduce the risk of personal injury, strive to get a set that will shoot at distances between 50 and 120 ft. This keeps kids away from one another and can reduce the chances of them hitting one another or getting into fights from a cramped game.
Best Laser Tag Brands
One of the benefits of buying a laser tag game is that the market has continued to grow, allowing more and more manufacturers to enter. This means there is competition among creators, which produces better games for children to enjoy. If you are interested in finding the best one, there are a couple of brands to stick with for the ultimate results. These include NERF, ArmoGear, and Kidzlane.
NERF
NERF is considered the OG toy weapon manufacturer for a reason. Besides producing high quality dart rifles and similar toys, the company recently started producing laser tag games for all ages. NERF is already well-known for quality, and it is one of the only manufacturers which produces toys with older children in mind. This is the best company to buy from if you are willing to spend a little extra money for improved durability.
ArmoGear
ArmoGear is a company dedicated to the creation of laser tag equipment. The toys and games produced by the business are more professional than those seen by NERF and Kidzlane, making them a great choice for older children, teenagers, and even parents. When you shop with this brand, you are more likely to get better technology and more advanced features, so you can plan more complex games. You might even want to invite the entire neighborhood because this is going to turn into a free for all.
Kidzlane
Kidzlane is different from NERF and ArmoGear since the company is focused primarily on younger children. This manufacturer ensures all of its toys are produced with non-toxic yet durable plastic. The guns and targets are more simplistic to have broad appeal, and they are easy to pick up for a quick game with the kids. Plus, the manufacturer is based in the United States and focuses on developing engaging yet educational toys. Buying from Kidzlane helps fund a business interested in teaching young children and helping them learn the values of cooperation and friendly competition.
Verdict
Laser tag is great for kids, and also works well for teenagers and parents seeking to play with the children and keep everyone entertained. Out of the different options currently on the market, our personal favorite is the Squad Hero Rechargeable Laser Tag Set. It’s rechargeable and durable, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking during the first game. It is also safe for children and includes plenty of features that will remain engaging as your kids grow.
If you happen to be looking for shooting glasses that can be used during your laser tag matches, consider some of the best shooting glasses right here.
However, even if you aren’t happy with the Squad Hero Rechargeable Laser Tag Set, there are plenty of other options available. Something is bound to be right for you!
Just remember to stock up on batteries and prepare plenty of snacks. The kids will be hungry from all of the exercise!