Urban Assault

No, not a club run by Belfast paramilitaries (of course since the ceasefire there are no paramilitaries), but a laser gun shooting type place for kids. And some sad adults who enjoy dressing up and pretending to be in the army.
We have had several of the kids birthday parties here and have been really impressed. Mainly because the staff take over completely and organise the kids, shouting at them if necessary. Well, this is the army soldier. Now drop and give me ten.
The kids love it as the first thing you do is go into a briefing room — this is the stage at which parents can opt out, although the waiting area is small with just a few vending machines for snacks. In the briefing room, one of the staff who will be dressed in army gear gives the kids all the rules and explains to them how to play the game. Then it’s on to the uniform room to get kitted up. I’m sure there’s a macho military name for this room — locker room? Kit room? Get your tough uniform on room?
Then the kids are unleashed and will get about half an hour of good old running about shooting each other with lasers. It’s quite dark in the combat zone so the minimum age is 6, but sensitive 6 or 7 year olds may not like it. The staff stay in this room too and the whole place is done out to be like an underground bunker, very atmospheric and military feeling.
If you are taking a large group, you can book out the facility but if there are just a few of you, you just join in with whoever else is there. In theory this may mean that your 7 year old is playing against some crazed adult who is convinced he’s in the army, so call and check who else is booked in when you are planning to go.

great place for a bit of fun, staff are friendly, and willing to lend a hand, also pretty cheap for the amount of time you get!