Best Of

Best Laser Tag In Sacramento

October 17, 2014 / 5:00 AM PDT / CBS Sacramento

As fans of "How I Met Your Mother" will recall, Neil Patrick-Harris' character Barney Stinson frequently announced "playing laser tag is AWESOME!" In the game, teams or individuals work to win points by tagging other competitors with a harmless infrared laser beam. Often seen as a tactical game of wits, laser is a pain-free – and much less messy – activity than paint ball, and can be done either indoors or outside. Whether you are just learning how to play, go with friends periodically just for fun or are a highly competitive "newbie-nuker" like Barney, these Sacramento laser tag arenas are sure to please.

Lazer X at Country Club Lanes
2600 Watt Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 483-5105
www.countryclublanes.com

Located inside the Country Club bowling alley, Laser X is open for laser play until 3 a.m. on Fridays and until 2 a.m. other days of the week. The facility includes bowling lanes, billiards, a café and a full bar. Laser players typically have endless ammo and "lives" – aside from six seconds of downtime any time they are hit by a competitor – and pay by the game, which last 15-20 minutes. "Lock-outs" are also available, when up to 28 people take over the arena and each pays for a length of time rather than by the game. There are special laser deals available for individuals, families or groups; some specials include freebies like bowling, refreshments or arcade games. Check the website for deals such as "Fire Til U Tire," with unlimited laser tag play from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lasertag of Carmichael
6031 Fair Oaks Blvd.
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 972-7395
www.lasertagofcarmichael.com

Known as the area's largest stand-alone laser facility, LoC dedicates 6,000 square feet of the facility to fun and fast-paced laser courses. Game modes can be switched up by the helpful staff, ensuring that each battle brings new challenges to be faced. Open to both adults and children, the two-story facility is open seven days a week, offers food and drinks for sale and can host birthday parties or other celebrations. Private use of a black light party room is available with some packages, and can include party set-up and clean-up by employees. Fees are charged by the game, with cost breaks available when multi-game packs are purchased; promotional deals are also offered periodically through sites like Groupon. Battle-ready night owls will love midnight madness specials, which allow laser play from 12 a.m. until 7 a.m., and other great deals are available throughout the week.

LaserCraze
6694 Lonetree Blvd.
Rocklin, CA 95765
(916) 259-2729
www.lasercrazeca.com

This huge, clean and well-maintained facility is state-of-the-art, with a fantastic, multi-sensory landscape of arena challenges for up to 46 laser taggers of all levels. Unlike many other places, LaserCraze features real-time scoring; current scores are shown on players' vests and on monitors around the arena. At the end of their battles, players get a copy of their scorecard, which includes who they tagged and who tagged them. The business also has a café with free Wi-Fi and large HDTV screens, and a video game room where earned points can win prizes like an iPad mini. Kids can also enjoy the CrazyZone, a fun play area full of slides, jungle gym equipment and huge, inflatable structures for bouncing and climbing. LaserCraze is also handicap accessible, where people with disabilities can compete with other players in the laser tag arena.

Gamez on Wheelz
(916) 646-4263
www.gamezonwheelz.com

Let the laser arena come to you with Gamez on Wheelz' mobile service, offering everything you need for exciting games indoors or out. Package deals include various options for the number of players and the lengths of playing time, and can include a well-trained "mission commander," camouflage bunkers, party invitations and dog tags. For a special thrill, arrange to have the company stage your outdoor "warfare" after dark. There are different missions and deployments available to keep players challenged and interested.

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.