We tried Tampa's new indoor Nerf arena
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The heat is unbearable in Tampa Bay and just about everywhere else. But summer's too short to spend at home, so I've been on the hunt for places to chill — pun intended.
- That's how I discovered Laser Ops Xtreme Fun Center and its new indoor Nerf arena.
Flashback: Growing up, I spent countless summer nights running across manicured lawns and over concrete driveways with friends, firing foam darts at each other until we were out of breath and out of ammo.
- So, the idea of picking up an oversized, plastic gun again with the added benefit of air conditioning seemed like a no-brainer.
State of play: Laser Ops offers a deal that includes arcade games, an hour of laser tag, and a half-hour at the Nerf arena for $37 a person.
- I can only take so much nostalgia. So, I skipped the arcade games, which, aside from some VR options, gave off a Chuck E. Cheese vibe.
Zoom in: I ambled into the laser tag room and braced for a horde of children. Instead, I found a group of six adults. And for the next hour, we chased each other in a fluorescent room that soon felt like a sauna.
- Just a note — having the hit sensor on the gun, as Laser Ops does, instead of the vest makes you an easier target and the game much less fun. Add weak A/C, and I was ready to leave halfway through.
- I found the Nerf arena to be much more fun (and ventilated). The 30-minute free-for-all with unlimited foam darts made for a chaotic yet delightfully concise time.
Sweat-o-meter: 💧💧💧💧/5.
- You're signing up for an hour of cardio, so prepare to ring your t-shirt.