Ultrazone551

Parents who spent a lot of growing-up time in virtual space while manning arcade games and Atari sets will understand the appeal of the international laser-tag craze called Ultrazone. Best described as a live video game, Ultrazone pits three teams against each other inside a 5,000-square-foot maze.

Black lights and fog machines keep things mysterious as players try to tag each other with laser beams shot out of a hand device (which most closely resembles a water pistol) attached to a utility vest. The recommended age range for the game is six years and up, especially because of the complex nature of the maze and the eight-pound weight of the vest. Kids love the adventure and competition and often want to go on a regular basis.

Though Ultrazone keeps kid-friendly hours throughout the week (closed Mondays for private events), it's particularly popular for parties. A group of 15 or more can immerse itself in the game for $20 per player. For regular play, the prices are pretty moderate: one game is $8; members pay $6; and an all-day pass is $21.