Short answer: book a birthday package if you have six or more kids, want private games, need a room for pizza and cake, or want the day to feel like a proper party. Choose a walk-in visit if you are celebrating with two to four friends, want to keep costs as low as possible and plan to eat somewhere else afterward. At Lazer Runner, packages start at $290 + HST on weekdays for 10 kids plus the birthday child free (11 in total), and walk-in games start at $8 per person Tuesday to Thursday.
Not every birthday needs a full party. Some kids want a big celebration with the whole class; others want an afternoon with their two best friends. Lazer Runner in Aurora offers both: private birthday packages and walk-in sessions. Here is how they compare, with real numbers, so you can choose what fits your child and your budget.
Lazer Runner’s two birthday packages, the Special and the VIP, are built for celebrations. Each includes:
Prices: Special $290 + HST weekdays and $360 + HST weekends; VIP $390 + HST weekdays and $420 + HST weekends. Extra players are $26 to $37 depending on package and day. Full details are on the party packages page.
Walk-ins are per person, per session. You join a public session in the arena:
| Session | Tuesday to Thursday | Friday to Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Single game (20 minutes) | $8 | $10 |
| Double game (40 minutes) | $15 | $18 |
| 3 games (60 minutes) | $23 | $27 |
A walk-in does not include a private room, private games, food or invitations. Arrive at least 10 minutes before your session, and if your group has more than six people, reserve a time slot so everyone plays together. Rates and the booking calendar are on the walk-in pricing page.
Here is a side-by-side for a two-game visit, before tax. Walk-in prices use the double game rate.
| Group size | Walk-in, Tue to Thu | Walk-in, Fri to Sun | Special, weekday | Special, weekend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kids | $45 | $54 | $290 | $360 |
| 5 kids | $75 | $90 | $290 | $360 |
| 8 kids | $120 | $144 | $290 | $360 |
| 10 kids | $150 | $180 | $290 | $360 |
At first glance, walk-ins look far cheaper. But the package adds things you would otherwise buy or arrange: a private room for nearly two hours, private games where your group has the arena to itself, 12 pizza slices, water, plates, invitations and a gift card. For 8 to 10 kids, once you add pizza and drinks to a walk-in visit, the gap narrows considerably, and you still would not have a room to eat in.
Two to four kids: a walk-in works well. Six or more: a package gives you structure and space. Over six, walk-in groups also need to reserve a time slot.
If cake and candles are part of the plan, you need the party room, which comes with a package. Walk-in groups can play and then head home or to a restaurant.
Package games are private. Walk-in sessions are public, so your group may play alongside other players. Some kids love the mix; others, especially younger or first-time players, feel more comfortable with just their friends. Staff can tune game settings like lives and shots for private groups.
For a 13 or 14-year-old who wants a low-key afternoon with friends, a walk-in may feel more grown up. For a 7-year-old who has been counting down the days, the package, with its invitation cards, room and cake time, makes it feel like a real party.
A walk-in double game is 40 minutes. A package is 1 hour and 50 minutes. If you are fitting a celebration between other commitments, a walk-in is quicker.
For midweek ideas, see our after-school laser tag guide and our walk-in visit guide for families.
Our Special vs VIP comparison helps you pick between the two packages.
Your 11-year-old wants to celebrate on the actual birthday with three friends. A walk-in double game on the Tuesday to Thursday special is $15 each, so $60 for the group. Reserve a time on the walk-in calendar, play two games, then head home for cake. No package is needed, and the party fits neatly between school and dinner.
A 7-year-old with a list of nine friends, a cake and grandparents coming to watch. This is a package party. The weekend Special at $360 + HST covers the nine friends plus the birthday child free, with room for one more, and the grandparents get in free. It includes two private games, the private room, 12 pizza slices, 10 waters and invitations. A walk-in for 10 would cost $180 for double games and would leave you without a room for the cake.
A 15-year-old who wants a laid-back evening. Either works. A Friday walk-in triple game is $27 each, or $162 for six, for a full hour of play. A weekday-priced package would add a private room and food. Many teens choose the walk-in and go out to eat afterward; others like having the room. Ask your teen which feels right.
Whichever you choose, the arena experience is the same: swirling fog, effects lighting, energetic music and fibre-optic vests. Seven game modes are available, and the arcade (air hockey, Super Car, Super Bike and Aliens Armageddon) is on site for after the games. Both options start with a staff briefing so first-time players know what to do.
No. The single or double-game gift card for the birthday child comes with the Special and VIP party packages.
Yes. Vests are available for all ages, and walk-in prices apply per person, adults included.
Walk-in visits do not include a party room. For cake, candles and presents, book a party package with a private room.
Walk-in sessions are public. Party packages include private games for your group only.
Reservations are recommended, and groups of more than six can reserve a time slot. Check availability on the walk-in pricing page.
A Tuesday to Thursday walk-in double game is $15 per person, so four kids is $60 before tax.
No. The package price is the same for 1 to 11 players, birthday child included. That is why a package is best value with 6 to 11 kids.
Parties are booked in advance with a deposit. Call 647.500.8512 to ask about availability.
Big party or small hangout, both start in the same fog-filled arena at 2 Allaura Blvd #10, Aurora. Book a birthday package online, or reserve a walk-in time. Questions? Call 647.500.8512.
Still unsure? Start with the guest list. If it has more than six names, or a cake is part of the plan, the package wins. If it has three or four names and the plan is to play and go, a walk-in keeps it simple and affordable.
Related reading: Kids birthday party cost in Aurora · Affordable birthday party ideas · Teen birthday party ideas
Reserve a private party online, or check live walk-in availability. Questions? Call 647.500.8512.
