Have a Nerf blaster fan at home? There’s an awesome new spot for them to burn off their energy that’s about to open in Freehold. Pups of War Arena is a giant Nerf battleground where they can run, shoot and chase their friends in a safely controlled environment.
New Jersey’s first location – and the first in the Continental U.S. (the others are in Hawaii) – in East Brunswick is 6,000 square feet of New Jersey-inspired tunnels, lookouts and hideouts. The homage to our home state includes images from the Jersey Shore, brownstones, firehouses and farmstands.
The newest location in Freehold is 10,000 square feet of rainforest, Mayan and jungle-themed pathways, huts and hideouts. That means about 100 people can be screaming, laughing and chasing each other at the same time.
Everyone must sign a waiver and wear socks and protective eyewear. If you have your own glasses, that’s acceptable.
After you watch a safety video you’ll get a wristband and hand stamp, you’ll choose your blaster, sling on your satchel with starter darts, and off you go! You’ll get to run up and down ramps, hide out in corners, search through tunnels or head up to the lookouts. When you need to reload, you can find a spot to hide, or grab all the leftover darts you see on the floor and add them to your bag.
Keep your eyes open though, because there could be up to 100 kids and adults running around and shooting darts, and they do sting. The rule is no face shots–body shots only. The darts won’t leave welts like paintball, but they do ping the skin so it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and long pants.
Kids 4 and up can play, and anyone 5 and under needs an adult with them on the playing field. If you have younger kids, consider going at a time when it’s less busy.
You can bring your own blaster but leave the darts at home. Blasters do not have to be Nerf branded, but they must be standard and non-modified. Levels of the blasters typically depend on age (and size) and vary from smaller pull-back triggers that use standard 3-inch darts to battery-powered ones.
There are special adult nights where for an hour, after the mall closes, kids have to sit on the sidelines.
You can also plan birthday parties for kids, private adult nights and team and corporate building events.
The cost to play is $20 per person for 30 minutes or $30 per person for 60 minutes. The fee includes your choice of 8 or 9 Level 1 Blasters and unlimited darts. When you choose your package, you’ll get an extra 10 minutes at no charge.
Pups of War is open at the Brunswick Square Mall, 755 Rte. 18, East Brunswick. The grand opening at the Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Rte. 9, Freehold, will be Saturday, September 9, from 10 am to 9 pm; the first select customers get a free 30-minute session to play, and everyone gets a free upgrade to a Level 2 blaster. From now until the grand opening, everyone gets a free upgrade or a free pair of socks.
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