7 Fun Benefits of Paintball as a Family Activity

Strategizing with your team. Ducking behind barriers. Ambushing your opponent.

Sound like a scene out of an action movie?

It’s not!

We’re talking about the fun and challenging game of paintball.

Over 3 million people enjoy this heart-pumping sport and it’s not reserved just for adults. Players range from just 6 years old up to 86!

Never thought of paintball as a family activity? Think again!

Keep reading to learn more about this thrill-seeking pastime and why it’s fun for everyone.

1. Teaches Teamwork

One of the most obvious benefits of paintball as a fun family activity is that it teaches teamwork.

For many families, it’s difficult to get everyone together at the same time, in the same place. Paintball games are a perfect way to unite as a team and work toward a common objective.

Teams can range from 2 players to 10 to dozens, which means regardless of how big or small your family is, everyone can get in on the action.

Once you’re out on the paintball field, you move, strategize and shoot with the entire family unit in mind rather than just yourself. This teaches comradery, empathy, and selflessness.

2. An Opportunity to Bond

Not only does family paintball promote teamwork, but it’s also a great bonding experience. Prior to the match, your team can create a name, choose their color, and even come up with a fun chant or handshake.

Once the game’s in progress, you’ll feel instantly connected with your teammates. You’ll learn to work together and bond over the shared mission of victory.

When there’s no more paint to shed, you and your team will come together to either celebrate your victory or moarn your defeat. (Remember, win or lose, this family activity is all about having fun!)

You can bond over your “battle wounds”. Share stories about your favorite moments on the field, including all the awesome shots you landed.

Family paintball is sure to create memories you’ll look back on for years to come.

3. Builds Strategy and Problem Solving Skills

While you and your family are in the trenches of the paintball field, you need to think and act fast. Planning your next move takes quick thinking.

You also need to problem solve as you navigate the course and your opponents. Evaluating the course layout and your own positioning are just part of the challenge (and fun!) of family paintball.

You also need to be aware of your surroundings. Paying close attention to where your teammates and opponents are will increase your chances of victory.

4. Fun Form of Exercise

The sound of your opponent’s trigger isn’t the only thing that’ll get your heart racing during paintball games.

This family activity is also a fun and nontraditional form of exercise.

Are you looking for new and creative ways to switch up your workout regime? Or maybe you and your family are just now adopting a healthier lifestyle?

Family paintball can help you achieve your fitness goals. The best part is, your kids won’t even realize they’re exercising!

The physical benefits of paintball are far-reaching. From increased strength in your arms, legs, and core, to improved endurance and cardiovascular health, paintball is a full-body workout for players of all ages.

Like other forms of cardio exercise, players can burn up to 400 calories per hour playing this high-paced, intense game. Weight loss is another welcomed result of playing paintball.

After a long day on the course, your family is sure to be exhausted. Achieving a deeper, better night’s sleep is said to boost your metabolism and help you drop a few excess pounds.

You may even see a boost in your agility and flexibility.

5. Improves Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination

Another physical benefit of paintball is improved dexterity and hand-eye coordination. This is especially important for children who are still fine-tuning their motor skills.

Do you or your child wear glasses? Paintball is also great for sharpening your overall vision. Just be sure to invest in one of the best paintball masks for glasses to protect both your eyes and your spectacles.

Precision is a key part of a successful paintball game. Lining up the shot and pulling the trigger at the opportune time takes practice and skill.

These tiny movements sharpen your reflexes, making it easier to respond quickly and efficiently when faced with a real-world scenario off the paintball field.

6. Stress Relief

A recent survey reported that 2 in 3 Americans are stressed. Chances are, either you or at least one of your family members could use some stress relief.

Even if you don’t feel stressed, getting out on the paintball field and getting dirty is sure to make your heart race and put a smile on your face.

Paintball gets your adrenaline going and releases endorphins, which are the brain’s “feel good” chemicals responsible for creating happiness and relaxation.

Some people find paintball shooting very relaxing and the perfect way to safely release pent-up frustration. Just remember to always play safe!

7. Boosts Confidence and Communication Skills

Scoring the winning shot, capturing your other team’s flag, or simply getting the victory all deliver an instant confidence boost.

Paintball is a fast-paced, intense game of strategy. Making quick decisions that result in a win builds confidence and teaches players to be more assertive and sure of themselves.

These intense situations also draw out a person’s best and sometimes hidden, skills and talents. You might learn a lot about yourself and your family members during this fun family activity.

Communication on the battlefield is also important. Paintball can help draw shyer family members out of their shells and teach those with a “big” personality how to speak calmly and clearly to get their message across.

Paintball: A Fun Family Activity for Everyone

Hiking, biking, and board games are all traditional family activities aimed at bringing everyone together for some much-needed quality time. And while all of these things are great, nothing tops suiting up, grabbing your paintball gun, and getting a little dirty!

Paintball is an often understated family activity that encourages teamwork, promotes effective communication, and builds confidence, all while burning calories and forging bonds.

Next time you want to get the family together to bond and have some fun, why not play paintball?

In the meantime, check out other pages on our site like the travel, lifestyle, and humor sections, where you’ll find more tips on living your best life.