Nerf Battles

Nerf battles are team games played with foam blasters that fire soft foam darts. Players dodge, dive and take cover behind obstacles while trying to tag their opponents with a well-aimed shot. The darts are light and soft, so it's fast and thrilling without being rough, and it's a brilliant way for families to run around and play together.

Most blasters are spring-powered. You pull back a slide or pump a handle to prime it, then squeeze the trigger to fire.

Pistol-style blasters are small and light, which makes them easy for young hands to hold and aim.

Bigger blasters hold more darts in a clip or a rotating drum, so you can fire several shots before you need to reload.

Some blasters are motorised and fire darts in quick bursts, while others shoot soft foam balls instead of darts.

Team elimination is the classic. Tag an opponent and they're out, and the last team standing wins. Capture the flag means sneaking into the other team's base, grabbing their flag and getting it home without being tagged. In defend the base, one team holds a spot while the other tries to take it. Every game is about teamwork, quick thinking and knowing when to dash for the next bit of cover.

It starts with a safety briefing and the rules of the game. Everyone puts on protective eyewear, which stays on for the whole battle. Your Activity Leader shows you how to load and fire your blaster, then splits everyone into teams. Hay bales, barriers or inflatable bunkers make great cover, and there's plenty of ducking, sliding and cheering before the game is won.

Yes, and grown-ups get just as into it. Children love the mix of running, hiding and teamwork, and it's easy to join in with no experience at all. Some smaller children need a grown-up to help prime or reload their blaster, which is a great excuse for parents to join the team. Expect lots of laughing and a few epic comebacks.

Comfy clothes you can run and crouch in, and trainers or other closed-toe shoes with good grip. Knees can get grassy, so leave your best clothes at home.

You might also like Gel Blasters, SPYRA Water Blasters and Capture the Flag.

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