Gelball York

Looking for Gelball in York? Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park offers the original outdoor Gelball experience at our established activity venue on the Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby.

We pioneered Gelball as an outdoor activity in the UK and own the UK trademark for Gelball for this type of activity. The games, equipment choices and session format have been developed through real use at our venue rather than copied from another operator.

Gelball is a private outdoor team activity for children in School Year 3 and above. Players use lightweight Gelball pistols and rifles that fire soft hydrated gel balls. The gel balls do not hurt, making Gelball an exciting step up from Nerf without the impact associated with paintball or airsoft.

Sessions cost £20 per participant and include one full hour of gameplay, unlimited Gelball ammunition, full-face protection, coloured team bibs and instructor-led elimination and objective games. The minimum group size is 10 players.

Every session is exclusive to your group. Children will not be mixed with another party or unfamiliar players.

Parents and other adults are welcome to join in. We can also provide Gelball sniper rifles for adults who want to take part without running around as much as the children.

Optional party food costs £5 per person and includes an XL American-style hot dog, a juice drink and a packet of crisps. Food is served afterwards in one of our five private themed party rooms, with no fixed time limit. Birthday cakes are welcome.

Call 01757 289322 to book, or use the online booking system below.

Gelball Near York at a Glance

Price: £20 per participant
Gameplay: One full hour
Recommended arrival: 30 minutes before the booked start time
Minimum age: School Year 3 and above
Typical age: Usually eight years old, although some Year 3 children may still be seven
Minimum group size: 10 players
Booking type: Private group session
Exclusivity: Your group is not mixed with another booking
Equipment: Gelball pistols and rifles
Adult equipment: Sniper rifles available for parents joining in
Ammunition: Unlimited Gelball ammunition
Protection: Full-face protection provided
Team identification: Coloured bibs
Games: Elimination and objective-based games
Maps: The Village, The Outpost and selected larger game zones
Food option: £5 per person
Party food: XL American-style hot dog, juice and crisps
Party rooms: Five private themed rooms
Party room time: No fixed time limit
Birthday cake: Families may bring their own
Weather: Sessions normally continue in ordinary rain
Location: Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby
Parking: Free on-site parking
Booking: Online or by calling 01757 289322

The Original Outdoor Gelball Experience

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park pioneered Gelball as an outdoor activity in the UK.

We also own the UK trademark for Gelball for this activity.

That matters because the session has not been created by simply buying equipment and copying an existing format. The games, equipment and operating procedures have been developed through practical experience at our outdoor venue.

The activity was designed to sit between Nerf and paintball.

It gives children:

• Greater range than Nerf
• Fast-moving outdoor games
• Lightweight pistols and rifles
• Team elimination
• Objective-based missions
• Unlimited ammunition
• Real outdoor adventure maps
• No painful projectile impact

This makes Gelball a distinctive activity in its own right rather than a reduced version of paintball.

A Private Session for Your Group

Every Gelball booking is private.

Your group will not be mixed with another birthday party, unrelated children or public players.

Teams are created entirely from your own participants, allowing the whole group to share the experience together.

A private Gelball session means:

• Children play only with invited friends and family
• Beginners are not placed with unfamiliar experienced players
• The instructor can explain games at the group’s pace
• Teams can be balanced within the booking
• Parents know exactly who is taking part
• Adults joining in remain part of the same private event
• The session can be managed around the group’s confidence and ability

A minimum of 10 players is required because the whole session is reserved exclusively for the booking.

What Is Gelball?

Gelball is an outdoor team activity in which participants use specially designed pistols and rifles to fire small hydrated gel balls.

The gel balls are soft and do not hurt when they land.

Players compete in structured games involving eliminations, team objectives and control of positions across outdoor maps.

Unlike laser tag, Gelball fires a real projectile.

Unlike Nerf, the ammunition is smaller and gives players greater range.

Unlike paintball, the gel balls do not create the same impact or leave a large paint mark.

The result is a fast and exciting outdoor game that remains accessible for younger participants.

Does Gelball Hurt?

No. Gelball does not hurt.

The soft hydrated gel ammunition breaks apart on impact and is designed to create a very low-impact experience.

Children still know when they have been hit, but the sensation is not painful.

Every participant also wears full-face protection throughout active gameplay.

This makes Gelball a useful option for children who want something more adventurous than Nerf but are not ready for paintball or airsoft.

Who Can Take Part?

Gelball is suitable for children in School Year 3 and above.

Most children in School Year 3 are eight years old, although some may still be seven depending on their birthday.

Eligibility is based on the child’s school year.

Children below School Year 3 cannot take part in the standard Gelball session, even if they are close in age to the rest of the group.

Parents should call before booking if they are uncertain whether a younger participant meets the requirement.

What Happens During a Gelball Session?

Every session follows a clear structure so children understand the equipment, rules and game objectives before play begins.

Arrival 30 Minutes Before the Session

Groups should arrive 30 minutes before the booked start time.

This gives enough time for:

• Check-in
• Organising the group
• Issuing equipment
• Fitting full-face protection
• Dividing players into teams
• Putting on coloured bibs
• Explaining the pistols and rifles
• Completing the safety briefing
• Answering questions before gameplay

Preparing before the booked start means children receive one full hour of Gelball gameplay.

What Happens if the Group Is Late?

We understand that organising a group of children does not always go perfectly.

Our scheduling includes enough flexibility to ensure the group still receives one full hour of gameplay if they arrive late.

Arriving 30 minutes early is still strongly recommended because it allows the briefing and equipment preparation to take place without rushing.

Equipment and Safety Briefing

Before entering the game areas, the instructor explains:

• How to hold the equipment
• How to fire safely
• When participants may shoot
• Why full-face protection must remain in place
• Where each game boundary is
• How eliminations work
• What the team objective is
• What to do when eliminated
• When the instructor requires everyone to stop
• How the coloured teams are organised
• How to move safely around the outdoor maps

Everyone must follow the instructor’s directions throughout the session.

One Full Hour of Gameplay

Once the briefing is complete, the group receives one full hour of structured games.

The session includes elimination games and objective-based missions managed by the instructor.

The exact maps and game sequence depend on the group, weather, timings and wider activity schedule.

Gelball Pistols and Rifles

Children use lightweight Gelball pistols and rifles selected for outdoor gameplay.

The equipment is straightforward to handle and gives players more range than a typical Nerf blaster.

Different equipment options also add variety to the session.

Some players may prefer the lighter pistol format, while others may enjoy using a rifle.

All equipment is supplied and explained by the venue.

Children do not need to bring their own Gelball equipment.

Gelball Sniper Rifles for Parents

Parents and other adults are welcome to join in.

For adults who want to participate without running around as much as the children, Gelball sniper rifles can be provided.

This allows parents to take a more defensive or supporting role from suitable positions within the game.

They can:

• Defend an objective
• Cover a route
• Protect teammates
• Watch an approach
• Support an attack
• Guard a building or position

Parents using sniper rifles must still be included in the participant numbers, wear the required protection and follow all instructor rules.

Unlimited Gelball Ammunition

Unlimited Gelball ammunition is included in every booking.

Parents do not need to purchase additional ammunition packs during the session.

The unlimited format helps keep the activity moving and allows children to concentrate on the games rather than carefully conserving every shot.

There are no extra ammunition charges.

The instructor manages the equipment and ammunition arrangements throughout the session.

Full-Face Protection

Every participant receives full-face protection.

It must remain in place throughout active gameplay and whenever instructed.

Full-face protection helps cover the eyes and face while participants move around the outdoor maps and use the Gelball equipment.

Children do not need to bring their own mask or safety glasses.

The required protective equipment is included in the booking price.

Coloured Team Bibs

Participants wear coloured bibs to show which team they belong to.

The bibs make it easier for children to identify teammates during fast-moving games and help instructors manage the session.

Players wear their own comfortable outdoor clothes underneath.

Camouflage coveralls are not required for Gelball.

Elimination Games

Elimination games are always included in Gelball sessions.

The aim is to tag members of the opposing team while avoiding being eliminated yourself.

Before every game, the instructor explains:

• How a hit is recognised
• What an eliminated player should do
• Whether players return after a set period
• Where teams begin
• The game boundaries
• How the game ends

Elimination games reward movement, awareness and teamwork.

A player who rushes forward without support may be eliminated quickly, while a team that communicates and uses cover may perform much better.

Objective-Based Games

Gelball sessions also always include objective-based games.

These give teams a purpose beyond simply tagging the opposing side.

Objectives may involve:

• Reaching a position
• Defending a building
• Controlling an area
• Protecting teammates
• Recovering an item
• Preventing the opposing team completing a mission
• Attacking a defended position
• Holding a route or bridge

The exact objectives vary depending on the map and instructor’s session plan.

Every mission is explained clearly before play begins.

Outdoor Gelball Game Maps

Gelball is played across permanent outdoor game environments at Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park.

The maps include buildings, woodland, bridges, routes, cover and objective areas that create a much larger sense of adventure than a small indoor or temporary setup.

The exact maps used depend on:

• Group size
• Participant confidence
• Weather and ground conditions
• Session timings
• Instructor planning
• Other activities taking place

Not every map can be guaranteed during a single one-hour session.

The Village

The Village is one of the main Gelball game areas.

It includes buildings, bridges, tunnels, natural cover and a stream running through the centre.

The layout allows players to move between different routes and approach objectives from several directions.

The Village works particularly well for:

• Team elimination
• Building defence
• Objective capture
• Attack-and-defend games
• Treasure-style missions
• Control of key positions

Children can choose different roles depending on confidence and playing style.

Some may move quickly between buildings, while others may defend a position or support teammates from cover.

The Outpost

The Outpost creates a woodland-style challenge with permanent structures, cover and team objectives.

It offers a different style of game from The Village and encourages players to think about movement through outdoor terrain.

Teams may need to:

• Defend a central area
• Reach a position
• Move between cover
• Protect an objective
• Prevent an opposing advance
• Work together across the map

The instructor selects games that suit the age and confidence of the group.

Larger Outdoor Game Zones

Gelball may also use some of the venue’s larger game maps.

These environments are shared with other activities such as paintball and airsoft, but the Gelball rules, equipment and objectives are adapted for younger players.

Larger maps can provide:

• More space to move
• Longer approaches to objectives
• Woodland cover
• Buildings and permanent structures
• Different attacking routes
• Larger team challenges

The map chosen will depend on the particular group and session.

Is Gelball Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. No previous experience is needed.

Most children attending a Gelball party have never played before.

The equipment and rules are explained step by step before the group enters the game area.

The private booking format also helps first-time players because they are surrounded by people they already know.

Children can contribute in different ways.

Some may want to attack and move quickly, while others may prefer to:

• Defend an objective
• Stay near cover
• Support teammates
• Watch a route
• Use a rifle from a more settled position
• Help plan the team’s next move

The instructor explains each game and keeps the whole group involved.

Gelball Birthday Parties Near York

Gelball is particularly well suited to birthday groups in School Year 3 and above.

The activity feels more adventurous than a traditional children’s party while remaining private, supervised and low impact.

A Gelball birthday includes:

• A private session for the group
• One full hour of gameplay
• Gelball pistols and rifles
• Unlimited ammunition
• Full-face protection
• Coloured team bibs
• Elimination games
• Objective-based missions
• Permanent outdoor maps
• Experienced instructors
• The option for parents to join
• Optional food afterwards
• A private themed party room when food is booked

Gelball can be a strong choice for children who have enjoyed Nerf but want something with more range and a greater outdoor challenge.

Optional Party Food

Food can be added for £5 per person.

Each person receives:

• One XL American-style hot dog
• One juice drink
• One packet of crisps

Food is served after the Gelball session in a private themed party room.

The food option keeps the activity and party meal at the same venue, making the day easier for parents to organise.

Food should be arranged as part of the booking.

Five Private Themed Party Rooms

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park has five private themed party rooms.

Groups adding food use one of these rooms after the activity.

The room is exclusive to your group and is not shared with another party.

There is no fixed time limit, allowing children to eat and continue celebrating without being rushed.

The room can be used to:

• Eat the party food
• Bring out a birthday cake
• Sing happy birthday
• Open presents
• Take photographs
• Talk about the games
• Wait for collection
• Continue the celebration

Can We Bring a Birthday Cake?

Yes. Families are welcome to bring a birthday cake.

The cake can be served in the private party room after Gelball.

Parents should bring anything specific they require for serving or presenting the cake.

Can Parents Join In?

Yes. Parents and other adults can join the children.

Adults must:

• Be included in the booking numbers
• Attend the safety briefing
• Wear full-face protection
• Follow the instructor’s directions
• Use venue equipment
• Take part within the children’s session format

Parents can use standard Gelball equipment or ask about the available sniper rifles.

Children often enjoy playing against mums, dads, relatives, teachers or sports coaches.

Can Parents Watch?

Parent viewing is only possible on one of the Gelball maps and is not usually available during most sessions.

The venue does not allow parents to follow players around active game maps because they could be hit by Gelball ammunition or interfere with gameplay.

Viewing arrangements depend on the map selected for the session.

Parents who wish to remain and watch should contact us before booking so the available arrangements can be explained.

Joining in may be a better option for adults who want to experience the whole session with the children.

What Should Children Wear?

Players wear coloured bibs over their own clothes.

Children should arrive in comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for active play.

We recommend:

• Long trousers
• A long-sleeved top
• Comfortable layers
• Secure, closed-toe footwear
• Trainers or boots with good grip
• Clothes that can get muddy
• Spare footwear during wet weather
• A change of clothes if heavy rain is expected

Open-toe shoes, sandals and sliders are not suitable.

Long hair should be tied back, and loose jewellery or valuables should be removed where possible.

Does Gelball Continue in the Rain?

Yes. Gelball normally continues in ordinary rain.

The activity takes place outdoors, and wet weather can make the game maps muddy or slippery.

Children should wear suitable layers and footwear with good grip.

The venue also has indoor areas for briefing and optional party food.

In unusually severe weather or conditions that could affect safety, the venue will decide whether the session can proceed.

Can Children Bring Their Own Gelball Equipment?

No. Participants must use the Gelball equipment supplied by Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park.

Personal blasters, ammunition and protective equipment cannot be used during the standard session.

Using the venue’s equipment helps keep the games consistent and allows the instructors to manage the activity properly.

All required equipment is included in the booking price.

Gelball for Family Groups

Gelball works particularly well for families because adults can take part alongside children.

It gives parents the option to join the adventure rather than only watching from the side.

A mixed-age family group can divide into teams and choose different playing roles.

Children may run between positions while adults defend objectives, use sniper rifles or support from cover.

The private format means the session remains entirely within the family or invited group.

Gelball for Sports Teams and Clubs

Gelball can also be booked for:

• Football teams
• Sports clubs
• School friend groups
• Cubs and Brownies
• Youth groups
• Family celebrations
• End-of-season activities
• Groups of cousins and friends

Elimination and objective games encourage participants to communicate and work together.

Organisers should contact us if the group includes a wide range of ages or anyone with additional requirements.

Gelball Compared with Nerf

Gelball and Nerf are both suitable from School Year 3, but the equipment and experience are different.

Gelball

Gelball includes:

• Soft hydrated gel ammunition
• Pistols and rifles
• Greater outdoor range
• Unlimited ammunition
• Full-face protection
• Coloured team bibs
• Elimination games
• Objective-based games
• Larger outdoor maps

Kids Nerf

Kids Nerf includes:

• Soft foam darts
• Nerf pistols
• Unlimited darts
• Full-face protection
• Coloured team bibs
• Purpose-built Nerf village
• Treasure hunt
• Golden Egg finale

Gelball may suit children ready for a more tactical outdoor challenge.

Nerf may appeal more to groups wanting a story-led adventure with treasure hunting and familiar foam-dart equipment.

Gelball Compared with Kids Laser Tag

Gelball and Kids Laser Tag can both be played outdoors, but hits are registered differently.

Gelball

• Fires soft hydrated gel balls
• Does not hurt
• Full-face protection is required
• Uses pistols and rifles
• Includes unlimited ammunition
• Features elimination and objective games

Kids Laser Tag

• Uses electronic signals
• Fires no physical projectile
• Requires no goggles or mask
• Uses guns with built-in sensors
• Includes unlimited lives
• Is suitable from School Year 1

Kids Laser Tag may suit younger children or families wanting a completely non-projectile activity.

Gelball may appeal to older children who want to aim and fire real soft ammunition during outdoor missions.

Gelball Compared with Kids Paintball

Gelball offers a gentler step towards paintball-style gameplay.

Gelball

• Suitable from School Year 3
• Does not hurt
• Uses soft hydrated gel ammunition
• Includes unlimited ammunition
• Uses lightweight pistols and rifles
• Lasts one hour

Kids Paintball

• Suitable from age 10 and School Year 5
• Uses low-velocity paintballs
• Includes 300 paintballs
• Uses Valken Gotcha pump-action markers
• Includes three structured missions
• Lasts 90 minutes

Gelball may suit younger children or parties wanting faster firing and unlimited ammunition.

Kids Paintball may appeal to older children who specifically want a traditional paintball experience.

Can Gelball Be Combined with Another Activity?

Gelball may be combined with another age-appropriate activity, depending on participant ages, group size, timings and availability.

Possible options may include:

• Kids Nerf
• Kids Laser Tag
• Kids Paintball
• Archery
• Other suitable children’s activities

Each activity has its own price, age requirement and session length.

Call 01757 289322 if you would like help arranging a multi-activity birthday or group event.

Gelball Near York and Selby

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park is located on the Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby.

The venue is accessible from the A19 and provides free on-site parking.

Our address is:

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park
Escrick Park Estate
Broad Lane
Skipwith
Selby
YO8 5SW

The venue is convenient for families travelling from:

• York
• Selby
• Escrick
• Fulford
• Bishopthorpe
• Riccall
• Pocklington
• Tadcaster
• Howden
• Market Weighton

Please check the route in advance and aim to arrive 30 minutes before the booked session time.

Why Choose Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park for Gelball?

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park has been delivering organised outdoor activities since 1988.

We pioneered outdoor Gelball in the UK and own the UK trademark for Gelball for this activity.

Reasons families choose our Gelball sessions include:

• The original UK outdoor Gelball experience
• A format developed through real venue use
• Private sessions for every group
• No mixing with unrelated parties
• Suitable from School Year 3
• One full hour of gameplay
• Gelball pistols and rifles
• Sniper rifles available for participating parents
• Unlimited ammunition
• No painful impacts
• Full-face protection
• Coloured team bibs
• Elimination games
• Objective-based missions
• Permanent outdoor game maps
• The Village
• The Outpost
• Access to selected larger maps
• Parents able to join in
• Optional party food for £5 per person
• Five private themed party rooms
• No fixed party room time limit
• Birthday cakes welcome
• Free on-site parking
• A convenient location between York and Selby

Gelball gives children a genuine outdoor action experience without the painful impacts associated with paintball or airsoft.

How to Book Gelball Near York

Gelball can be booked online or by calling 01757 289322.

Before booking, make sure:

• Every child is in School Year 3 or above
• Your group has at least 10 participants
• Adults joining in are included in the booking numbers
• Children have suitable outdoor footwear
• The group can arrive 30 minutes before the start time
• You have decided whether to add food

We recommend calling for:

• Birthday parties
• Parents who want to join in
• Sniper rifle enquiries
• Food and party room arrangements
• Larger groups
• Additional support requirements
• Parent viewing questions
• Multi-activity visits
• Questions about school years

When contacting us, it helps to know:

• Your preferred date
• Number of participants
• Children’s school years
• Number of adults joining in
• Whether adult sniper rifles are required
• Whether food is required
• Whether you intend to bring a cake
• Any additional support requirements
• Whether you are interested in another activity

Book Gelball Online

Gelball York FAQs

How much does Gelball cost?

Gelball costs £20 per participant.

How long does Gelball last?

Children receive one full hour of Gelball gameplay.

What time should we arrive?

Groups should arrive 30 minutes before the booked start time for check-in, equipment issue and the safety briefing.

What happens if our group is late?

The schedule includes enough flexibility to ensure the group still receives one full hour of gameplay. Arriving on time is strongly recommended.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be in School Year 3 or above. Most Year 3 children are eight years old, although some may still be seven.

What is the minimum group size?

A minimum of 10 players is required.

Are Gelball sessions private?

Yes. Every session is exclusive to your group and is not mixed with another booking.

Does Gelball hurt?

No. The soft hydrated gel ammunition does not hurt.

What equipment do children use?

Children use Gelball pistols and rifles supplied by the venue.

Can parents join in?

Yes. Parents and other adults can take part if they are included in the participant numbers.

Are sniper rifles available for adults?

Yes. Sniper rifles can be provided for parents who want to join in without running around as much.

Is ammunition unlimited?

Yes. Unlimited Gelball ammunition is included with no extra ammunition charge.

What protection is provided?

Every participant receives full-face protection.

Do players wear camouflage?

No. Players wear coloured team bibs over their own outdoor clothing.

What games are played?

Every session includes elimination games and objective-based missions.

Which maps are used?

Gelball may use The Village, The Outpost and selected larger outdoor maps. The exact areas depend on the group and session plan.

Can parents watch?

Viewing is only possible on one Gelball map and is not normally available during most sessions. Contact us before booking to discuss the arrangements.

Can children bring their own Gelball equipment?

No. All participants must use the venue’s equipment.

Does Gelball continue in the rain?

Yes. Sessions normally continue in ordinary rain. Severe weather or unsafe conditions may still affect the activity.

What should children wear?

Children should wear comfortable outdoor clothing and secure, closed-toe footwear with good grip.

Is Gelball suitable for beginners?

Yes. No previous experience is required. The instructor explains the equipment and every game.

Can we add food?

Yes. Food costs £5 per person.

What food is included?

Each person receives an XL American-style hot dog, a juice drink and a packet of crisps.

Is the party room private?

Yes. Groups adding food use one of five private themed party rooms.

How long can we use the party room?

There is no fixed time limit.

Can we bring a birthday cake?

Yes. Birthday cakes are welcome.

Is Gelball the same as paintball?

No. Gelball uses soft hydrated gel ammunition and does not hurt. Kids Paintball uses low-velocity paintballs and is available from an older age.

Is Gelball a step up from Nerf?

Yes. Gelball provides greater range, pistols and rifles, larger outdoor maps and more tactical elimination and objective games.

Is free parking available?

Yes. Free on-site parking is available.

Where does Gelball take place?

Gelball takes place at Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park on the Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby. The postcode is YO8 5SW.

How do I book Gelball?

Book online or call 01757 289322. Contact us directly for parent participation, sniper rifles, food, viewing arrangements or multi-activity bookings.

Book Gelball Near York

Experience the original UK outdoor Gelball activity at Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park.

For £20 per participant, your private group receives one full hour of gameplay, pistols and rifles, unlimited ammunition, full-face protection and instructor-led elimination and objective games across permanent outdoor maps.

Optional party food costs £5 per person and is served in one of our five private themed party rooms, with no fixed time limit. Birthday cakes are welcome.

Book online or call 01757 289322 to arrange your Gelball party near York.