Kids Paintball York

Looking for kids paintball in York? Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park offers private 90 minute paintball sessions for children aged 10 and above at our established outdoor activity venue on the Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby.

This is real outdoor paintball adapted specifically for younger players. Children use Valken Gotcha pump action markers that fire at around one third of the velocity of standard adult paintball equipment. Players know when they have been hit, but the impact does not hurt.

Every kids paintball booking is exclusive to your group. Children will not be mixed with another party and will not play against adults or experienced public players.

Sessions cost £25 per player and include 300 paintballs each, camouflage coveralls, full face masks, all required equipment and three structured paintball missions supervised by experienced marshals.

The minimum group size is 10 players. Parents and other adults are welcome to join in and play, provided they take part under the same session rules.

Optional party food can be added for £5 per person and served afterwards in one of our five private zombie themed party rooms. There is no time limit on use of the party room.

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

Book Kids Paintball Online

Kids Paintball Near York at a Glance

Price: £25 per player
Session length: 90 minutes
Minimum age: 10 years old, School Year 5 and above
Minimum group size: 10 players
Booking type: Private group session
Exclusivity: Children play only with their own group
Paintballs included: 300 per player
Additional paintballs: £8 per 100
Equipment: Valken Gotcha pump action markers
Velocity: Approximately one third of standard adult paintball velocity
Protection: Full face masks and camouflage coveralls
Optional body armour: Available if required
Games: Three structured paintball missions
Food option: £5 per person
Party rooms: Five private zombie themed rooms
Party room time: No set time limit
Location: Escrick Park Estate, between York and Selby
Parking: Free on site parking
Booking: Online or by calling 01757 289322

Real Paintball Designed for Children

Kids paintball gives younger players the excitement of genuine outdoor paintball without using the same equipment as an adult session.

Children use Valken Gotcha pump action markers. These are lighter, easier to handle and operate at around one third of the velocity of standard adult paintball equipment.

The lower velocity means players can tell when they have been hit, but the impact does not hurt.

The pump action design also means children fire one paintball at a time rather than holding down a trigger and firing continuously. This helps keep games controlled and encourages players to aim rather than simply using large amounts of paint.

Children still experience the parts of paintball that make it exciting:

• Dividing into teams
• Moving between cover
• Completing missions
• Defending positions
• Trying to eliminate opponents
• Communicating with teammates
• Playing across real outdoor maps

The experience feels like proper paintball because it is proper paintball, simply delivered with equipment and rules suited to younger players.

Every Kids Paintball Party Is Private

One of the most common questions parents ask is whether their children will play on their own or be mixed with other customers.

Every kids paintball booking is exclusive to the group.

Your children will not be mixed with another birthday party, and they will not play against adults or experienced paintball players.

This gives parents, organisers and children several advantages:

• The entire group arrives and plays together
• Teams are created from people they already know
• Games can be managed around the confidence of the children
• Nobody is placed into a public session
• Beginners can learn without feeling pressured
• The birthday group shares the whole experience
• Parents know exactly who is taking part

A minimum of 10 players is required because each session is run privately.

Will Children Play Against Adults?

No. Children will not be placed into games against unrelated adults.

Kids paintball sessions are reserved for the booking, so the players come entirely from your own party or group.

Parents, relatives, teachers, football coaches and other adults can choose to join in, but only as invited members of your own booking.

Children often particularly enjoy the opportunity to shoot dads, mums, football coaches or other familiar adults during the games.

Any adult who joins must wear the supplied safety equipment, attend the briefing and follow the same rules as every other player.

What Happens During a Kids Paintball Session?

Every session follows a clear structure and includes exactly three paintball missions.

Arrival and Check In

The group arrives at the time shown on the booking information.

Prompt arrival gives everyone enough time to check in, put on their equipment and attend the complete safety briefing.

Equipment Issue

Each player receives:

• A Valken Gotcha pump action marker
• Full face protection
• Camouflage coveralls
• 300 paintballs
• Any additional approved protection required for the participant

Body armour is available if requested, although it is not normally necessary for this lower velocity format.

Child Friendly Safety Briefing

Before leaving for the game areas, the marshal explains:

• How to hold the marker
• How the pump action works
• When players may fire
• When masks must remain on
• What happens when someone is hit
• How eliminated players leave the game
• Where the game boundaries are
• What each mission involves
• How to follow marshal instructions

The briefing is delivered clearly and at a level suitable for younger players.

Nobody enters the games until the marshals are satisfied that the group understands the rules.

Team Organisation

The children are divided into teams from within their own group.

Marshals can help create balanced teams where the party contains different ages, confidence levels or sporting abilities.

Three Paintball Missions

Every session includes three structured missions.

Each mission has a clear objective, rather than simply asking the children to run around and shoot at one another.

The exact game areas and mission details may vary, but the marshals explain the objective, boundaries and rules before each game begins.

Finishing the Session

After the third mission, the group returns to the base area, hands back the equipment and gets ready for the next part of the party.

Groups that have added food can then move into their private zombie themed party room.

Three Structured Paintball Missions

Every kids paintball booking includes three missions.

The missions are designed to keep children engaged and give each game a clear purpose.

Depending on the areas selected, missions may involve:

• Attacking a defended position
• Protecting a base
• Reaching an objective
• Defending a structure
• Working together to eliminate the opposing team
• Holding an area for a set period
• Completing a team challenge

The exact format is managed by the marshals and adapted to the group.

Children do not need previous paintball experience or tactical knowledge. The objective is explained before each mission starts.

Played on the Same Maps as Adult Paintball

Kids paintball is not confined to a small junior play pen.

Children play across the same permanent outdoor game environments used for adult paintball, with the missions, pace and equipment adapted for younger players.

The venue includes large scale woodland and scenario areas featuring:

• A real crashed aircraft
• The Village with 27 buildings
• A bridge more than 300 feet long
• A 10,000 square foot bunker
• The Outpost with four towers and a bridge
• Embassy
• Speedball
• Woodland cover
• Permanent structures and defensive positions

The exact maps used depend on the group, session timing, weather, ground conditions and marshal plan.

A particular map cannot always be guaranteed, and not every area will be used during one 90 minute session.

Does Kids Paintball Hurt?

Valken Gotcha markers fire at approximately one third of the velocity of adult paintball equipment.

Children know when they have been hit, but it does not hurt.

The markers are specifically suited to younger players and use a controlled pump action system.

Full face masks and camouflage coveralls are provided, while optional body armour is available if a child would feel more confident wearing it.

Most children quickly stop worrying about being hit once the first mission begins and become far more focused on finding cover, helping their teammates and completing the objective.

Why Pump Action Paintball Works Well for Children

Pump action markers must be prepared for each shot.

This naturally slows the firing rate compared with standard adult paintball equipment.

The format offers several benefits for younger players:

• Children are encouraged to aim before firing
• Games remain easier for marshals to control
• Paintballs are not fired continuously
• Players learn how to use cover
• Ammunition lasts longer
• The activity rewards teamwork and accuracy
• The equipment is lighter and easier to manage

The result is a genuine paintball experience without the speed and intensity of an adult session.

What Is Included?

Every kids paintball booking includes:

• A private session for your group
• 90 minutes of organised activity
• Three structured paintball missions
• Valken Gotcha pump action markers
• 300 paintballs per player
• Full face masks
• Camouflage coveralls
• Optional body armour where required
• Child friendly safety briefing
• Experienced paintball marshals
• Equipment instruction
• Outdoor gameplay
• Use of selected permanent paintball maps
• Supervision throughout the session

All standard equipment required for the activity is provided.

Players should arrive wearing comfortable clothes and secure footwear suitable for an outdoor venue.

Are 300 Paintballs Enough?

Each participant receives 300 paintballs.

This is normally enough for the three missions because the Valken Gotcha markers are pump action and do not fire continuously.

Players tend to aim more carefully and use fewer paintballs than they would during standard adult paintball.

Additional paintballs can be purchased for £8 per 100, although this is rarely needed during kids sessions.

Any additional paint should be purchased and used under the direction of the venue team.

Kids Paintball Birthday Parties Near York

Kids paintball is particularly well suited to birthday celebrations for children aged 10 and above.

The private booking format means the birthday child and their friends take part together without another group being added.

The session feels adventurous and grown up, but remains controlled and age appropriate.

A kids paintball birthday includes:

• A private group session
• Three team missions
• Real outdoor paintball maps
• Junior low velocity equipment
• 300 paintballs per child
• Camouflage coveralls
• Full face protection
• Experienced marshals
• The option to add food
• Access to a private zombie themed party room when food is booked

It can be a strong alternative to soft play, bowling or an indoor party venue for children who enjoy outdoor activities and team games.

Optional Kids Party Food

Food can be added to a kids paintball booking 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 activity in a private zombie themed party room.

Adding food allows the activity and party meal to take place at the same venue, reducing the need to move the children elsewhere after paintball.

The food option should be arranged as part of the booking.

Five Private Zombie Themed Party Rooms

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park has five private zombie themed party rooms.

Groups that book the food option can use one of these rooms after the activity.

The room is reserved for your group rather than shared with another party.

There is no fixed time limit on use of the party room, so parents do not have to rush the children through their food immediately after the session.

The rooms provide somewhere for the group to:

• Sit down after paintball
• Eat their party food
• Continue the birthday celebration
• Open presents
• Talk about the missions
• Wait for collection arrangements
• Take group photographs

Party room availability should be arranged when booking.

Can Parents Watch Kids Paintball?

Parents can watch from suitable locations on certain maps.

However, parents are not allowed to follow the group around the active game areas simply to watch or take photographs. Anyone walking through a live map could be hit by paintballs fired by the children.

The available viewing arrangements depend on the map and session.

Parents and organisers must remain in the areas identified by the marshals.

Contact the venue before booking if several adults intend to stay and watch, as viewing may not be possible from every game area.

Can Parents Join In?

Yes. Parents and other adults can join the children and play as part of the private group.

This is often one of the most entertaining parts of the party for the children.

Dads and football coaches are especially popular targets, although mums, relatives, teachers and other familiar adults can also join.

Adults use the same session equipment and must:

• Be included in the participant numbers
• Attend the safety briefing
• Wear the supplied protection
• Follow the marshals’ instructions
• Play within the same mission rules
• Treat the activity as a children’s session rather than adult paintball

The minimum booking remains 10 players, whether the group contains only children or a mixture of children and adults.

Is Kids Paintball Suitable for Beginners?

Yes. Most children attending a kids paintball party have never played before.

The marshals explain the equipment and rules step by step.

Children do not need to know how paintball works before arriving.

The private format also means beginners are surrounded by their own friends rather than unfamiliar players.

Some children will immediately want to move forwards and attack. Others may prefer to stay behind cover and defend.

Both playing styles can help the team.

Marshals support the children throughout the session and explain every mission before play begins.

Is Kids Paintball Safe?

Kids paintball is organised around equipment, rules and supervision designed for younger participants.

Safety measures include:

• Valken Gotcha low velocity pump action markers
• Full face masks
• Camouflage coveralls
• Optional body armour
• A mandatory child friendly safety briefing
• Experienced paintball marshals
• Clearly explained game boundaries
• Controlled mission formats
• Supervision throughout each game
• Private sessions with no unrelated adult players

Children must keep their masks in place whenever instructed and follow the marshals’ directions at all times.

Any player who repeatedly ignores the rules may be removed from a game or session.

What Should Children Wear?

Camouflage coveralls are provided, but children should wear comfortable clothes underneath.

Kids paintball takes place outdoors and the ground may be muddy or wet.

We recommend:

• Long trousers
• A long sleeved top
• Comfortable layers
• Old clothes that can get dirty
• Secure, closed toe footwear
• Trainers or boots with good grip
• Spare shoes for the journey home
• A change of clothes in wet weather

Open toe footwear, sandals and sliders are not suitable.

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

Does Kids Paintball Continue in the Rain?

Kids paintball normally continues in ordinary rain.

The missions take place outdoors, and changing weather is part of the experience.

Wet conditions can make paths and game areas muddy or slippery, so suitable footwear is important.

Groups can use the indoor base facilities to prepare and regroup away from the live game areas.

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

Kids Paintball for Football Teams and Clubs

Kids paintball can work well for football teams, sports clubs, school friends and youth groups where every participating child meets the minimum age requirement.

The missions encourage children to:

• Communicate
• Work together
• Support teammates
• Follow a plan
• Defend positions
• Adapt when the other team changes tactics
• Share the excitement of completing an objective

Football coaches can also join in, although they should expect to become a particularly popular target.

The session remains private to the group.

Kids Paintball Compared with Adult Paintball

Kids paintball and adult paintball use the same permanent outdoor game environments, but the equipment and session formats are different.

Kids Paintball

Kids paintball includes:

• Minimum age of 10, School Year 5
• Valken Gotcha pump action markers
• Approximately one third of adult paintball velocity
• 300 paintballs per player
• Three structured missions
• A 90 minute session
• Private use for the group
• Equipment designed for younger players

Adult Paintball

Adult paintball includes:

• Minimum age of 12, School Year 7
• Standard paintball markers
• Two hour and four hour packages
• Different paintball allowances
• Higher velocity adult equipment
• More intense and longer gameplay

Children who meet the adult paintball age requirement may still prefer kids paintball where the rest of their group is younger or wants a gentler introduction.

Kids Paintball Compared with Gelball

Kids paintball and Gelball both provide team games for younger groups, but the equipment and projectiles are different.

Kids paintball uses low velocity paintballs that leave a visible mark.

Gelball uses small hydrated gel balls and may be available from a younger age.

Kids paintball may appeal to children wanting a more traditional paintball experience, while Gelball may suit younger groups or parties looking for a different style of activity.

Check the dedicated Gelball page for its current age, price and booking requirements.

Kids Paintball Compared with Children’s Laser Tag

Children’s laser tag uses electronic equipment and does not fire paintballs or gel balls.

Hits are recorded electronically, and there is no projectile impact.

Kids paintball gives children the experience of loading, aiming and firing real low velocity paintballs across outdoor maps.

Laser tag may suit groups that want a completely non-impact activity, while kids paintball may appeal to children excited by the traditional paintball experience.

Can Kids Paintball Be Combined with Another Activity?

Kids paintball may be combined with another activity, depending on participant ages, group size, timings and availability.

Possible additional activities may include:

• Children’s laser tag
• Gelball
• Nerf
• Archery
• Other age appropriate activities

Each activity has its own minimum age, price and session format.

Call 01757 289322 if you are planning a larger birthday or multi-activity day.

Kids Paintball 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 offers 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 arrive at the time provided with the booking information.

Why Choose Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park for Kids Paintball?

Yorkshire Outdoor Activity Park has been running outdoor activities since 1988 and is a former winner of the UKPSF Site of the Year award.

Reasons families choose our kids paintball parties include:

• Private sessions for every group
• No mixing with unrelated children or adults
• Valken Gotcha pump action markers
• Equipment operating at around one third of adult paintball velocity
• Impacts that can be felt but do not hurt
• Full face masks
• Camouflage coveralls
• Optional body armour
• 300 paintballs per player
• Three structured missions
• Experienced paintball marshals
• Real permanent outdoor paintball maps
• Parents and coaches able to join in
• Optional party food for £5 per person
• Five private zombie themed party rooms
• No fixed time limit in the party room
• Free on site parking
• A convenient location between York and Selby

The activity gives children a genuine paintball adventure while keeping the equipment, supervision and games appropriate for their age.

How to Book Kids Paintball Near York

Kids paintball can be booked online or by calling 01757 289322.

Before booking, make sure:

• Every child is aged 10 or above
• Every child is in School Year 5 or above
• Your group has at least 10 players
• Adults joining the games are included in the participant numbers
• Children have suitable outdoor footwear
• You have decided whether to add party food
• You have informed us about any optional body armour requirements

We recommend calling for:

• Birthday party bookings
• Food and party room arrangements
• Parents or coaches who want to play
• Spectator questions
• Larger groups
• School, football or club bookings
• Accessibility requirements
• Multi-activity visits
• Questions about participant ages

When contacting us, it helps to know:

• Your preferred date
• Number of players
• Ages and school years
• Number of adults joining in
• Whether food is required
• Any optional protection requirements
• Whether other adults intend to stay
• Whether you are interested in another activity

Book Kids Paintball Online

Kids Paintball York FAQs

How much does kids paintball cost?

Kids paintball costs £25 per player.

How long does kids paintball last?

Each kids paintball session lasts 90 minutes.

How old do children need to be?

Children must be at least 10 years old and in School Year 5 or above.

What is the minimum group size?

A minimum of 10 players is required.

Will our children play on their own?

Yes. Every kids paintball booking is private and exclusive to your group.

Will children play against adults?

No. Children are not mixed with unrelated adults. Parents, relatives and coaches may join only as members of your private booking.

Can parents join in?

Yes. Parents and other adults can take part, provided they are included in the booking and follow the same rules.

Can parents watch?

Parents can watch from suitable locations on certain maps. They cannot follow the group through active game areas because they may be hit by paintballs.

Does kids paintball hurt?

The Valken Gotcha markers fire at around one third of adult paintball velocity. Children know when they have been hit, but it does not hurt.

What equipment do children use?

Players use Valken Gotcha pump action markers designed for younger participants.

What protection is provided?

Full face masks and camouflage coveralls are supplied. Body armour is available if required but is not normally necessary.

How many paintballs are included?

Each player receives 300 paintballs.

Can we buy additional paintballs?

Yes. Additional paintballs cost £8 per 100, although children rarely need extra during the three missions.

How many games do children play?

Every session includes exactly three structured paintball missions.

Are the games played on proper paintball maps?

Yes. Children play across the same permanent outdoor maps used for adult paintball, with equipment and missions adapted for their age.

Is previous experience needed?

No. Most children are complete beginners. Marshals explain the equipment and every mission before play begins.

Is kids paintball suitable for birthdays?

Yes. It is particularly well suited to private birthday parties for children aged 10 and above.

Can we add food?

Yes. Food costs £5 per person and includes an XL American style hot dog, juice and a packet of crisps.

Is a party room included with food?

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

How long can we use the party room?

There is no set time limit on use of the party room.

Are the party rooms shared?

No. The zombie themed party room is private to your group.

What should children wear?

Children should wear comfortable old clothes underneath the camouflage coveralls and secure, closed toe footwear with good grip.

Does kids paintball continue in the rain?

Yes. Sessions normally continue in ordinary rain. Severe weather or unsafe conditions may affect play.

Is free parking available?

Yes. Free on site parking is available.

Where does kids paintball take place?

Kids paintball 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 kids paintball?

Book online or call 01757 289322. Contact us directly for food, party room arrangements, adult participants, spectators or multi-activity visits.

Book Kids Paintball Near York

Give children a real outdoor paintball experience using equipment designed specifically for younger players.

For £25 per person, each child receives a private 90 minute session, 300 paintballs, camouflage coveralls, full face protection and three marshal-led missions across permanent outdoor paintball maps.

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

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