How to Host a Fun Gel Ball Blaster Birthday Party for Kids?

Hosting a gel ball blaster birthday party is a great way to celebrate your child’s special day. Gel ball blasters, also known as gelsoft guns or gel blasters, are toy guns that shoot water-filled gel balls. They are similar to paintball guns and airsoft guns but are safer for kids since they use soft projectiles that don’t hurt or leave marks.

Gel ball blaster parties allow kids to engage in exciting mock battles and target practice games. The action-packed fun will create lasting memories for your birthday boy or girl. With some planning and preparation, you can host an unforgettable nerf-style party that all the attendees will enjoy.

The rising popularity of gel ball blasters among kids and teens has sparked an exciting new party trend. Gel ball blaster battles bring video game adventures to real life through adrenaline-fueled NERF-style action.

Partnerships with gel ball companies now enable parents to rent equipment and coordinate elaborate birthday battles. Backyard wars with family and friends are also an option with retail gel blaster kits.

From “capture the flag” to specialized scenarios, the game possibilities are endless. Gel ball blaster parties celebrate your child’s birthday with combat fun and allow attendees to embrace tactical roles.

The action-packed battles will create lasting memories without genuine danger. While intense, gel blaster games emphasize teamwork and strategy over realistic violence. With proper precautions, hosting a gel ball blaster party is an engaging way to entertain kids and teens.

This comprehensive guide will walk through everything required for orchestrating an unforgettable gel ball blaster birthday bash. Follow the instructions to host an exciting party while keeping safety the top priority. Let’s dive into the preparations and planning that will make your child’s celebration blast off.

Securing an Appropriate Party Location

The first step in planning a gel ball blaster party is choosing an appropriate location. You’ll need sufficient space to set up a battlefield with obstacles, hiding spots, and firing positions. The location should also have a seating area for breaks, cake, and presents.

Consider these factors when selecting a site:

Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor locations like community centers, churches, and industrial warehouses simplify logistics. Outdoor sites require more setup but provide authentic battle immersion.

Backyards, parks, campgrounds, paintball fields, and open recreational spaces work well. Avoid public places without permits. Also consider weather risks for outdoor parties.

Playing Area Size

The playing area should accommodate planned attendance with room to maneuver and take cover. A minimum of 1500 square feet is recommended for small parties. Larger parties may require 5000+ square feet.

Measure the space or ask the property manager for exact dimensions. Also account for off-limit areas, seating space, refreshments, and gear storage.

Safety and Supervision

Ensure the location follows safety protocols and permits gel ball blaster play. Adequately supervise battles or hire staff to monitor activities. Verify liability insurance policies to cover any incidents.

For public spaces, acquire permits and reserve designated fields. Keep spectators protected behind nets or boundaries.

Accessibility

Opt for easily accessible locations near major roads and highways. This simplifies guest arrival and equipment transport. Check for parking availability to accommodate all attendees.

Amenities

Look for locations with restrooms, power outlets, lighting, water access, seating, and shelter in case of rain. Nearby shade and sources of drinking water are ideal for outdoor battles on hot days.

Cleanup Process

Confirm policies for cleaning up gel ball splatter if playing indoors. Outdoors, sweep or rake spent gel balls and pick up litter. Verify any site restoration needed after moving obstacles and barricades.

With the right location secured, you can focus on planning the battles and other party fun. Make sure to reserve the space well in advance of the party date.

Renting Gel Ball Blasters and Safety Gear

The centerpiece of any gel ball blaster party is an arsenal of gel blasters and tactical gear. You have two options for obtaining equipment:

Rental from Gel Ball Companies

Many gel ball companies offer full-service party packages with rentals. They provide the blasters, goggles, vests, obstacles, and staff to operate battles. Equipment is transported to your party location.

This simplifies planning but can get expensive. Packages often start around $30 per person for a 2-hour party. Add-ons like food and cake can drive up costs further.

DIY Rentals

As an affordable alternative, buy or rent a personal gel blaster arsenal. Basic starter packages with 2-4 blasters run $150-300. Outfit everyone with tac-gear and safety equipment purchased online or from tactical shops.

Recruit family or friends to help referee and supply your own obstacles. Take time to test gear and practice games before the party. This DIY approach requires more effort but will cost much less overall.

Gel Ball Blaster Considerations

When acquiring blasters, prioritize safety, durability, and performance:

• Select automatic electric gel blasters rather than manual pump action ones. Electric provides rapid semi-auto firing critical for battles.
• Ensure gel blasters chronograph under 250 FPS for safety.
• Pick mid-tier blasters from reputable brands like Gel Blaze, Tac Edge, and G-Force. These offer reliability and tactics-ready performance suited for battles.
• Get at least 2 blasters per participant so kids can switch off if one needs reloading. A good mix of rifle, SMG, and pistol-style blasters adds variety.
• Stock up on plenty of spare gel ball magazines and speed loaders to keep the action going.
• Buy non-toxic, biodegradable gel balls that meet safety standards. White or fluorescent colors work best for visibility.

Safety Gear

Proper safety gear prevents injuries and keeps the battles fun for everyone. Be sure to obtain:

• Eye protection like goggles or face masks for all players, spectators, and staff. These must fully seal around the eyes.
• Tactical vests or chest rigs to protect core bodies.
• Bright armbands or hats to distinguish teams.
• Gel ball blaster repairs kits and first aid kits in case of malfunctions or minor scrapes.

Following local laws and age restrictions for gel blaster ownership and use is also critical for legal compliance and safety.

With certified safe equipment secured, it’s time to start planning the actual battles!

Planning Fun and Safe Battles

The battles themselves are the highlight of any gel ball blaster party. Take time to plan games and scenarios that balance excitement with safety:

Game Types

Consider these popular gel ball blaster games adapted for birthday parties:

• Team Deathmatch: Players divide into 2 or more teams and try to eliminate opponents. Set a time limit or score goal.
• Capture the Flag: Teams hide flags then try to capture the other team’s flag at their base. Great for large playing areas.
• Attack/Defend: One team defends a “base” while the other team tries to overrun it within a time limit.
• VIP: One player on each team is the VIP. Eliminate the enemy VIP to win.
• Zombies: One player starts as a zombie. Tagged players become zombies until all survivors are turned.
• Free for All: Every player competes solely for themselves rather than on teams.

Scenarios

Depending on the age group, choose imaginative scenarios to immerse kids in the action:

• Storm/defend a castle, fort, or base.
• Hunt for hidden treasures or missile plans.
• Fend off alien invasions or zombie outbreaks.
• Engage in rescue, escort, or reconnaissance missions.

Let the birthday child pick their favorite theme and help craft a story around it.

Obstacles

Use props like barrels, stacks of tires, walls, and bunkers to create obstacles and hiding spots:

• Milk crates, drums, and wooden blocks make versatile portable obstacles.
• Bring along picnic tables, playground equipment, trees, and dugouts as free obstacles.
• Ask party rental companies for inflatable bunkers, barricades, and plastic walls.

Targets

Add physical targets to practice aiming skills. Place items like cones, buckets, balloons, and pool noodles around the playing area. Assign point values for hits.

Rules

Establish safety rules like:

• Wear eye protection at all times
• Only shoot at torso and limbs, avoid headshots and close-range firing
• Stay within set boundaries
• Stop play immediately if anyone yells stop or timeout

Also set gameplay rules tailored to your chosen scenarios, teams, and objectives.

Adult Supervision

Assign referees to monitor boundaries, enforce rules, chronograph blasters, and facilitate games. Have at least 2 referees present.

Provide orientation for all players on rules, gear, and gameplay basics before starting. Continuously stress safe practices.

Dynamic Play

Keep the action lively by changing up scenarios, teams, and terrain. Switch game modes every 20 minutes and rearrange obstacles between rounds. Appoint new VIPs or zombies each game.

Stage some battles tournament-style with smaller skirmishes leading up to an epic final battle with modified rules. Award silly prizes to game MVPs.

With dynamic play and engaged supervision, the battles will stay energized and safe from start to finish.

Party Supplies and Decor

While battles may be the headliner, you still need standard party elements like decorations, favors, food, and cake. Add a combat theme with these party supply ideas:

Invitations

Create Army, Navy, Air Force, or Space Fleet themed invitations. Add wording like “Mission Briefing” with details on location and gear requirements. Mail or email formatted invitations 4-6 weeks before the party.

Tacti-Cool Favors

Give exciting take-home favors to all guests:

• Gel ball ammo cans for holding extra ammo.
• Tactical gear like bandanas, flashlights, compasses, and walkie talkies.
• Toy medal awards for achievements like “Sharpshooter” and “Recon Expert”
• Custom dog tags with each guest’s nickname or call sign

Combat-Ready Decor

Decorate with:

• Camouflage tablecloths, balloons, banners, and scene setters.
• Toy soldiers, army men, and faux sandbags.
• Cutout helicopters, battleships, and jets hanging from ceiling.
• Caution tape marking off “restricted” areas.

Birthday Tees

Make custom t-shirts for the birthday child featuring their name and age. Give all attendees matching colored shirts to easily distinguish teams.

Food and Drinks

Serve soldier-themed snacks and treats like army boot cookies, camo cupcakes, sandbag sacks (with candy), and green jelly grenades (with fruit snacks).

Label drink coolers or juice boxes with “Intel” or “Classified.” Camouflage plates, cups, and utensils also tie into the theme.

Having snacks available helps keep guests fueled for battle.

Birthday Cake

Choose a tank, helicopter, battleship, or army Jeep cake in keeping with the party theme. Alternatively, order a specialty camouflage or army cake. Use figurines of soldiers or gel ball blasters as cake toppers.

With supplies and decor in place, it’s time to finalize preparations the day before the big event.

Gel Ball Blaster Party Preparations

Proper planning prevents poor performance! Follow this pre-party checklist to ensure a smooth battle:

• Reconfirm location and delivery times for any rentals.
• Charge up all gel blaster batteries and chronograph guns for safety.
• Buy fresh gel ball ammo and fill magazines and loaders.
• Prefill water jugs and ice coolers. Prep food trays and utensils.
• Pick up the birthday cake.
• Gather and inspect all safety gear.
• Print out waivers and rules for distribution to all players and parents.
• Pack first aid kits, repair tools, and spare equipment.
• Load up props, obstacles, signs, tape, and decorations.
• Designate staging areas for gear, safety briefings, and battles.
• Develop a minute-by-minute party schedule and game rotation.
• Recruit referees and communicate their duties.
• Set up masking tape targets and range markers if playing indoors.
• Confirm parking availability and place direction signs if needed.
• Get a good night’s rest for energy!

Advanced preparation takes the stress out of party day. With all systems ready for launch, it’s time to host an epic gel ball blaster birthday bash!

Hosting the Big Day: A Battle Plan

Follow this sequence of events to guide the party from start to finish:

Setup and Early Arrivals

• Arrive at least 1 hour before the party for setup.
• Unload and unpack all gear and supplies into staging areas.
• Assign referees to patrol playing area boundaries as they are set up.
• Greet early arrivals and have them sign waivers before they play.
• Chronograph all gel blasters to verify safety.

Safety Briefing

• Once most guests have arrived, gather everyone for introductions.
• Review safety rules and demonstrate proper handling of gel blasters.
• Ensure every player is equipped with eye protection and other gear.
• Divide players into teams or squads if playing team matches.
• Assign colored armbands, hats, or shirts to identify each team.
• Reiterate key boundaries and restrictions.

Commence Missions

• Launch into the first game type according to your preplanned schedule.
• Keep rounds under 15 minutes initially as participants get familiar with equipment and terrain.
• Take breaks every few games to reload, hydrate, refill air tanks, and swap out gear.
• Provide snacks and beverages in designated areas outside gameplay boundaries.

Cake and Presents

• After a few rounds of battling, gather everyone for cake, singing, and presents.
• Let the birthday child open gifts and then serve cake and refreshments.
• Allow at least 30 minutes for this birthday break before returning to battle.

Epic Finale

• Build up to a climactic final mission with adjusted teams, higher stakes, or modified rules of play.
• Present silly prizes or awards to game MVPs.
• Play one last round as a free-for-all finale if time allows.

Cleanup

• Have guests hand in gear and do a final policing for lost items.
• Assign cleanup crews to take down obstacles, decorations, and signs.
• Transport all rental items to secure storage or pickup areas.
• Complete final collection of gel balls and disposal of trash.
• Hand out take-home favors as guests depart.

With the mission accomplished and base secure, you can relax knowing the gel ball party succeeded! Now let’s address some frequently asked questions:

Gel Ball Blaster Party FAQs

What is the recommended age range for a gel ball blaster party?

Ages 8-16 tend to enjoy gel ball blasters the most. Verify your state or country’s laws regarding minimum ages. Provide extra supervision for younger kids. For teens, get waiver signatures from parents too.

How many guests should I plan for?

8-12 kids is ideal for backyards. Larger venues can accommodate 20+ players. Limit to ages and abilities with similar interests. More guests require more gear, space, staffing, and supervision.

How long should the battles last?

10-20 minutes per battle with breaks in between keeps the action lively. Very young kids may only have attention spans for 5-10 minutes of play. Total battle time depends on the party duration.

What safety precautions should I take?

Enforce use of eye protection, safe firing rules, boundaries, and proper handling. Chronograph blasters below safety thresholds. Continuously monitor play and resolve issues immediately. Gear up referees also.

How much does a gel ball blaster party cost?

Between location, rentals, decor, favors, food, cake, and other party elements, expect costs from $300 for small backyard parties to $1000+ for large-scale hosted events with catering.

What happens if it rains on the day of an outdoor party?

Have indoor backup locations in case of downpours. Tarps can protect limited shelter areas outside. Postpone if severe weather and reschedule as soon as possible.

Should parents sign waivers for gel ball blaster parties?

Yes, require liability waivers from legal guardians of all minor attendees. Have parents acknowledge inherent risks of recreational battles. Check your state laws regarding waivers.

What foods and drinks work well for gel ball parties?

Pizza, sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookies, juice boxes and bottled water are easy selections. Avoid sticky or messy foods that can interfere with gear. Have plenty of bottled water available to stay hydrated.