A group of kids, outfitted with safety goggles, Nerf guns and darts ready themselves for an epic battle. When the music begins, soft foam bullets fly across the room, hitting their targets and creating an atmosphere perfect for a kid’s birthday bash.
This war zone is just part of the fun that is created at Battle Zone Birthdays in Robinson, TX. The idea behind this Nerf-inspired party venue came from owners Scott and Candie Bainton’s 10-year-old son.
“Bradyn was expressing interest in going to a birthday party where they had Nerf guns,” Bainton said.
“We attended the party with him and saw how simple the set up was and thought: we could do this.”
So, they decided to turn their Central Texas Family Karate studio into a battle zone of birthday fun for weekend parties.
“We supply all of the [Nerf] guns, the bullets, and everything else they need to play,” he said. “And there are no shared birthdays, so each party gets the place all to themselves.”
Guests are welcome to bring in their own food, drinks, cake and party games, which can be set up in the large dining space. Bainton said he’s even seen people come in and hook up crock pots to cook hot dogs.
And while you’re waiting to battle it out on the Nerf gun gridiron, you can enjoy dodge ball, ping pong, foosball, air hockey or jump, joust and play basketball inside the large inflatable.
Even though there’s lots to do at this party venue, the Baintons try to keep prices affordable.
“The first package is $150 for 15 kids or less,” he said. “That’s pretty inexpensive for a party venue where all of the games, guns and bullets are supplied for you.”
Not only do they want to lighten the financial burden birthday parties can sometimes put on a family, they also want a place where their own children want to hang out.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.