What Are the Best Laser Tag Spots in the U.S.? An Operator’s Guide

Quick answer: There is no single best laser tag center in the United States. The best experience depends on what you value: arena size, game variety, immersion, equipment, competitive play, birthday packages or the mix of attractions around laser tag. As a laser tag operator, we think the best centers are the ones that make you want to play another game as soon as the first one ends.

How We Look at a Great Laser Tag Center

This is not a paid ranking. Lazertag Extreme is our own facility in Simi Valley, California, so we are obviously not pretending to be a neutral awards committee. Instead, this is an operator’s look at the things that make a laser tag experience stand out.

• Arena design and flow

• Equipment reliability

• Game and mission variety

• Interactive targets and objectives

• Lighting, sound, fog and theming

• Staff briefings and game management

• Replay value

• Birthday and group-event experience

• Arcade, food and other activities

Arena Design Matters More Than Square Footage Alone

A large arena can be great, but size by itself does not make a great game. Sight lines, elevation changes, choke points, hiding places, bases and interactive targets all change how people play. A well-designed smaller arena can sometimes produce a better game than a huge open room.

Game Variety Is What Brings Players Back

The first laser tag game is easy to sell: people want to try it. The challenge is making them want game two, three and ten. Different missions, team formats, bases, targets and scoring systems can turn the same physical arena into a very different experience.

Examples of U.S. Laser Tag Centers Worth Knowing

In Southern California, Lost Worlds Laser Tag operates a two-story, 6,500-square-foot interactive arena in City of Industry with multiple game modes and a strong themed environment.

Also in the greater Los Angeles region, Blast City Laser Tag offers a two-story mission-based laser tag experience and handles birthday parties, groups, fundraisers and private rentals.

In Los Angeles, Ultrazone is a long-running dedicated laser tag facility and remains one of the better-known names in the region.

Across the country there are many more dedicated arenas and family entertainment centers. The Laserforce location directory alone lists Laserforce-equipped attractions in many U.S. states, showing how different the experience can be from one operator and market to another.

Where Lazertag Extreme Fits In

Lazertag Extreme in Simi Valley is our facility, so full disclosure applies. We operate a 5,200-square-foot laser tag arena using Laserforce equipment and combine the arena with arcade games, Pixel interactive gaming, private party rooms and the Space Café.

We focus heavily on replay value because laser tag should not be a one-and-done attraction. Different games, team strategies and interactive elements are what turn casual guests into repeat players.

Dedicated Laser Tag Center vs. Big Entertainment Complex

A large entertainment complex can be a good choice when your group wants bowling, food, arcade games and many different attractions. A dedicated laser tag center may be a better choice when laser tag itself is supposed to be the main event.

Neither is automatically better. Ask how many games are available, how long each session lasts and how much of the venue’s attention is actually focused on the laser tag experience.

What Should You Look for When Visiting a New Laser Tag Center?

• Does the arena have multiple paths and interesting positions?

• Are the packs and phasers maintained well?

• Are there multiple game modes?

• Does the arena have interactive targets, bases or objectives?

• Does the staff explain the game clearly?

• Do scores and results make sense after the game?

• Can experienced players enjoy the game without making it impossible for beginners?

• Is there something else to do between games?

The Best Laser Tag Center Is the One You Want to Play Again

A good laser tag center can impress you with blacklights and fog. A great one makes you walk out of the arena arguing about strategy and asking when the next game starts.

That is the standard we use when we look at other laser tag centers, and it is the standard we keep working toward at Lazertag Extreme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a laser tag arena good?

Strong arena design, reliable equipment, multiple game modes, clear staff briefings and enough replay value to make the second game feel different from the first are all important.

Are there dedicated laser tag centers in the U.S.?

Yes. The U.S. has dedicated laser tag centers as well as laser tag attractions inside larger family entertainment centers, resorts, bowling centers and amusement venues.

Where can I play Laserforce laser tag in the U.S.?

Laserforce maintains a public location directory listing participating venues across the United States, including Lazertag Extreme in Simi Valley, California.

If you are in Southern California, visit Lazertag Extreme at 591 Country Club Drive in Simi Valley or call 805-577-8400.