FAQ – Weather

What is your weather policy?

We try to do the party despite of the weather, at the host’s discretion.

What do we do if it rains?

If the rain is light there is really no good reason to postpone a party. Moderate or heavy rain can effect the toys. We do not do parties in thunderstorms or in freezing rain out of concern for the player’s safety. Light rain, or snow only add to the experience.  Fog is a rare special treat as the phaser muzzle flashes create visible streaks across the yard.  We have even done parties during the remnants of hurricanes.

Frequently mothers will tell us how their son is disappointed that his party is not in the rain like his friend’s party.

When do we decide if a party is to be postponed?

We strongly advise waiting until the last possible time you are comfortable with before we change your party schedule. Weather forecasters (weather guessers) are often wrong. We have three types of rain; spotty showers, thunderstorms and all day soaking rain.

Spotty showers can be difficult but we can usually work around them.

We can not play in thunderstorms for safety reasons but they usually blow over quickly and sometimes we can wait them out.  I regularly blast the weather guessers for their inaccuracies but the online radar services are great to see what the short term conditions truly look like,

All day soaking rain is usually obvious early in the day and we should probably reschedule for another date depending on the quantity of rain predicted and the conditions in your yard.

Snow is an added bonus on the rare occasion we have snow in the DC metro area.  I would get a real thrill if it snowed in Florida for a party.

Freezing rain dates should be postponed as we do not want the kids getting sick and the safety concerns created by icy conditions.

Can I book a rain date?

No.

Inconsiderate people have postponed parties with a small potential of rain because we gave them a rain date. Parties that had great weather were lost because of the incorrect weather forecasts. Families that wanted parties were denied due to a selfish client’s insistence on booking multiple time periods to insure optimal party times. Rain dates are just not fair to other families.

Do you play laser tag in the winter in DC/MD/VA?

Yes. People go skiing in the winter, why not play laser tag?

Winter weather conditions can be challenging but if the guests wear layers of clothing the games are just as fun as the Summer. The biggest concern is thawing and refreezing conditions as ice can be a safety problem. Players need to be reminded to wear clothing appropriate to the weather on their invitation. Gloves are a big plus. Layered clothing is strongly suggested so that players can shed layers as they get hot from running. Good shoes or boots with socks are very helpful, crocs in January are a fashion faux pas in DC.  Fire pits, patio heaters and cheap knit gloves are great to have available for the players comfort.  Hot chocolate and hot cider are favorite winter beverages in the graveyard.  S’mores after the laser tag is always fun treat for the kids.

The players will be running around,  the parents tend to watch from the windows, the coldest person at the party will be the mission director.

Do you play laser tag in the hottest parts of the Summer even in Florida?

Yes. The players just need lots of water and generally they move slower. We can take longer breaks if needed. Mainly, you just need to provide lots to drink and a shady graveyard.  Some families have even taken short breaks in the air conditioning so that the kids can do the birthday cake.