Beat The Bomb DC

Beat The Bomb DC is a reservation-based team game for older children, teens and adults. It is not a drop-in arcade for toddlers. In a Bomb Mission, a team moves through five high-tech game rooms, building time for a final attempt to stop a paint, foam or slime bomb.

Arcade Bomb Battle uses a competitive tournament format with multiple rounds, semifinals and a final. Both choices involve active movement and quick group decisions.

Age rules matter. Paint and Foam Missions require participants to be at least 8. Slime Missions and Arcade Bomb Battle start at age 6.

Children ages 6 through 9 need an adult playing inside the Mission rooms with them. For Arcade, the adult may watch from the arcade area. Players ages 10 through 16 may play without an adult on the team, but an adult must remain on-site.

A parent or guardian must sign a waiver for every minor.

Allow 60 to 120 minutes, based on the ticket selected. Mission teams generally use two to six players, while Arcade Bomb Battle needs at least three. Prices change by day, ticket tier and group size.

Current starting prices are $19.95 per Arcade player and $34.95 per Mission player before taxes, fees or extras. Booking ahead is the safer plan because the venue welcomes walk-ins only when space is available.

The game can get messy. Players receive a waterproof hazmat suit with booties, a helmet and a face shield, and the official FAQ lists sizes from children's sizes through 4XL. Stains are still possible, so leave special clothes at home and wear shoes suited to light physical activity. Mission tickets include team photos and videos.

The Ivy City location has real arrival friction. There is no free venue parking. Street spaces and paid garages are available, including a garage above the venue.

The E2 bus stops about a three-minute walk away, and rideshare can drop at the door. The Bomb Bar serves food and drinks on-site. Stroller access, nursing space and changing facilities are not described on the official pages, so families who need those amenities should call before booking.