Whether it's visiting grandkids or a group of nieces and nephews, entertaining a wide range of kids can be challenging.
One solution: For elementary-school-age kids and up, try an hour of laser tag.
Federal Way's Laser Quest, which combines hide-and-seek (a nod to the younger kids) with laser-tag gadgetry (cool for teens), also appeals to adults willing to dart around a black-light maze. At 7,200 square feet, the multilevel arena is nearly twice as large as other local laser-tag spots.
After signing up, visitors choose a code name and receive an activation key. After hearing a rundown of the rules, players don vests with attached laser guns (which more resemble a flashlight with a gun handle than, say, a pistol) and circles of flashing lights on the shoulders, stomach and back. If someone hits these sensors with their gun's red beam, the vest vibrates and shuts down for a few seconds.
As many as 30 guests at a time are released into the dimly lit wooden maze, which features fog, three towers, stairs, windows and mirrors. Players wander around trying to beam others without getting tagged by stalkers above or behind.
Getting hit doesn't hurt (like it can in paintball) so there's no real penalty other than damage to the ego. (By code name, players are ranked at the end of the session.)
Don't be deceived by Laser Quest's seemingly small storefront location; the tag arena stretches behind it. Since the gear is kind of bulky, Laser Quest recommends children be age 6 and up or have a parent wear the vest while kids wield the laser gun.
Call ahead for reservations or to find out how busy the facility is (it's popular for birthday parties).
Parents with younger kids might prefer to visit earlier in the day when there aren't as many teenagers.
IF YOU GO
Laser Quest
Where
2210 S. 320th St., Federal Way
Getting there
From Interstate 5, take the South 320th Street exit (Exit 143). Turn west on South 320th Street and then right onto 23rd Avenue South. Take the first left into the shopping area.
Cost
$7 for a 20-minute game or $16 for three games
Hours
2-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
More information
253-946-4500 or www.laserquest.com
More laser tag
Several amusement centers also offer laser-tag arenas, including the Seattle Center's Fun Forest (206-728-1585), Issaquah's Illusionz (1025 N.W. Gilman Blvd., Issaquah, 425-427-2444), Edmonds' Funtasia (7212 220th S.W., Edmonds, 425-775-2174) and Tukwila's Family Fun Center, (7300 Fun Center Way, Tukwila, 425-228-7300).
