What Happens at a Laser Tag Birthday Party? Timeline

Short answer: a laser tag birthday party at Lazer Runner in Aurora runs for 1 hour and 50 minutes. Guests arrive 10 minutes early, check in and get a quick briefing, play two private 20-minute games in the arena, and spend the rest of the time in a private party room for pizza, drinks, cake and presents. Knowing the flow in advance makes the day calmer for you and more fun for the kids.

If you have never hosted a party at a laser tag arena, it is natural to wonder how the time is used. Will the kids be bored? When does the cake happen? What should parents be doing? This guide walks through a typical party from the parking lot to the goodbye, with practical tips for each stage.

Before the day: the setup work

The smoothest parties are set up in the week before. Here is what to take care of at home:

Confirm your headcount. Both the Special and VIP packages cover 10 kids plus the birthday child free (11 in total), and adults get in free. Each extra player is added at a per-person rate, so a final count helps.
Collect waivers. Every player must have a signed waiver before play. Send the link to guest families with the invitation so it is done before anyone walks in.
Plan the cake. Choose a nut-free cake and pack a cake knife and lighter, which are not provided.
Send clear arrival details. Tell families to arrive 10 minutes before the start time, at 2 Allaura Blvd #10, Aurora. Our invitation wording guide has text you can copy.
Dress code. Comfortable clothes and running shoes. See our guide to laser tag age, safety and what to wear.

A typical party timeline

Every party is a little different, and the team will confirm the order for your booking, but here is how a 1 hour and 50 minute party commonly flows.

10 minutes before start: arrival

Guests arrive, coats come off and parents say hello. This is when you drop the cake in the refrigerator and check that every player has a waiver on file. All players need to arrive by the start time, because late arrivals can reduce game time for the group.

Start: welcome and briefing

Staff gather the group, explain the rules and show the kids how the vests and phasers work. The briefing is short, because kids want to play. For first-timers, this is where nerves turn into excitement.

Game one: 20 minutes in the arena

The group suits up in fibre-optic vests and heads into the fog-filled arena. Swirling fog, energetic music and effects lighting set the mood. Staff run the first game mode. Team Play is a common first choice because the rules are simple: two teams, highest score wins.

Between games: scores and strategy

After the first game, kids check scores and start plotting. This is often the loudest part of the party, in a good way. Pick the second mode now. Vampire Game, where tagged players switch sides, and Eliminator, where players have limited lives, are crowd favourites. Browse all seven on the game modes page.

Game two: another 20 minutes

Round two usually runs hotter than round one. Kids know the arena now, teams have plans, and the birthday child gets one more chance at the top score.

Party room: pizza, drinks and cake

With the games done, the group heads to the private party room. Pizza is served (12 slices with the Special, 24 with the VIP), along with water, and juice packs with the VIP. Then comes the cake, candles and the song. Presents can be opened here or saved for home.

Wind-down: arcade and goodbyes

Lazer Runner has air hockey and arcade games on site, including Super Car, Super Bike and Aliens Armageddon. They are a natural way to finish the visit while parents arrive for pickup.

What parents do during the party

The arena runs the activity, so your job is lighter than at a home party. Most hosts:

Greet arriving families and handle any last waivers
Take photos and short videos (the arena lights make great backgrounds)
Set out any extra nut-free snacks in the party room
Light the candles and lead the song
Hand out goodie bags at the door if you are giving them

Parents of younger guests sometimes ask to stay. Children under 6 can join free without a vest when accompanied by an adult, so younger siblings can come along too.

Timing tips that make the party smoother

Put the arrival time on the invitation. Write “please arrive at 1:50 for a 2:00 start” instead of just “2:00”.
Keep the cake simple. A sheet cake or cupcakes are faster to serve than a tiered cake, so kids have more time for food and fun.
Assign a helper. Ask one parent to handle candles and plates while you take photos.
Pick both game modes ahead of time. Ask your child the night before. It saves a debate on the day.
Plan pickup. Tell parents to arrive five minutes before the end so goodbyes are calm.

Which package changes the flow?

Both the Special and the VIP include the same 1 hour and 50 minutes, the same two private games and the same private room. The difference shows up at the party room table. The VIP adds a second round of pizza, juice packs, and pizza and cake plates, forks and napkins, so parents bring less. The Special covers 12 slices, 10 waters and pizza plates. Our Special vs VIP comparison explains which suits your group, and the full lists are on the party packages page.

What makes a laser tag party work for mixed ages

A common worry is whether a 7-year-old can keep up with a 12-year-old cousin. Staff can adjust the number of shots, lives, time limits and handicaps, and use up to three vest colours, so the game stays fair. The Custom Options section of the game modes page explains how. In practice, younger kids love the atmosphere and older kids love the strategy, and both end up talking about it on the way home.

Common party-day hiccups and easy fixes

A guest is running late. Text the family the moment you notice. Since all players should arrive by the start time and late arrivals can reduce game time, a quick reminder the day before helps prevent this.
A waiver is missing. Every player needs a signed waiver before play. Keep the link handy on your phone so a parent can sign on the spot.
The cake knife stayed home. Knives and lighters are not provided. Put them in the same bag as the candles the night before.
One child is nervous. Let them watch the briefing first and stay close to a friend for game one. Most nervous kids are the first to ask for a rematch.
Too many extra guests. Extra players are added at a per-person rate, so tell the front desk your final count at check-in.
The pizza disappears fast. Older groups eat more after two games. The VIP’s 24 slices, or a nut-free snack tray from home, solves it.

Plan for these and the party runs itself.

Frequently asked questions

Which game modes work best for a party?

Team Play is an easy first round because the rules are simple. For round two, Vampire Game and Eliminator are popular with most age groups. Staff can recommend modes for your group’s ages.

Where do we put coats and presents?

The private party room is your group’s space during the party, so coats, the cake bag and presents can wait there while the kids play.

How long is each laser tag game?

Each game is 20 minutes of play. Party packages include two private games.

How long is the whole party?

Party time is 1 hour and 50 minutes, covering the games, briefing and private party room.

What happens if a guest is late?

All players should arrive by the start time. Late arrivals can reduce game time, so give families a clear arrival time 10 minutes before the start.

Do parents need to stay?

That is up to you and the guest families. Many parents of younger kids stay for the party room portion. Children under 6 can join free without a vest when accompanied by an adult.

Can we bring decorations?

Ask the team when you book about what you would like to bring. Party-room setup is included in both packages.

Is there anything to do after the games?

Yes. Air hockey and arcade games are on site, so kids can keep playing while parents arrive for pickup.

Plan your party at Lazer Runner

Now that you know how the day flows, the only steps left are choosing a date and a package. Compare the Special and VIP packages, check the weekday and weekend prices, and book your party online. Lazer Runner is at 2 Allaura Blvd #10, Aurora. Call 647.500.8512 with any questions.

What Happens at a Laser Tag Birthday Party? A Minute-by-Minute Guide for Parents