Dart'em Up

Dart'em Up in Anderson Mill is one of those gems that northwest Austin parents discover and then tell all their friends about. The concept is straightforward but deeply satisfying: foam dart arenas where teams compete in structured games using Nerf-style blasters. Think laser tag, but with more physical movement, more strategy, and the genuine satisfaction of hearing a foam dart connect.

Kids gear up in the staging area — vests, dart blasters, and a quick rules briefing — before heading into the arena for timed team games. The arena itself has built-in cover, barriers, and elevated positions that reward kids who think tactically. There's a real learning curve: young kids (under 7) often just run and shoot, while older kids 8+ start to employ flanking, covering fire, and team communication.

The venue is popular for birthday parties, and the party packages are well-reviewed. Having an arena all to yourself for a party session is a qualitatively different experience than sharing with strangers, and Dart'em Up's staff are consistently praised for running parties smoothly.

For drop-in visits, the arena shares time across multiple groups, so peak hours (Saturday afternoon) can mean waiting for a session to start. Come on Saturday morning or during the week for shorter waits.

Closed on Mondays — this is a significant detail that trips people up. Thursday evenings are a solid option for families who want a mid-week activity that doesn't involve screens.