Looking for an exciting and active event to do with residents? Plan a Nerf party! Create the coolest Nerf battle ever for residents old and young alike! 

It's as much fun as paintball but without the mess. It's also not as painful as dodge ball and easy for all ages (or at least all the ages that can shoot a Nerf gun.)

They key to making this event a success is having tons of Nerf fighting equipment and plenty of places to hide!

Nerf it up!

Nerf blasters are the ultimate fun fighting machine. But don’t just take my word for it, take a look at this list of the 30 best Nerf guns ever made. 

My top tip is to keep things simple. Only purchase multiple versions of the same gun. 

This way, everyone can collect and reuse everyone else's spent ammo. Just remind residents that they can only have as much ammo as fits in their gun at one time, no stockpiling!

It’s also a great idea to buy Nerf dart refills as well - at least one or two packs. This will ensure there are always enough darts for everyone is some of them go missing into corners during play.

Making barriers and hiding spaces

Image source: Shindigs

You can have battles in a big wide open area – it will still be fun. But I recommend creating separate “zones” for the added challenge. These hiding spaces make the play more interesting.

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Consider adding:

•Defensive barrier walls

•Deflection covers

•Barrel or box obstacles (refrigerator boxes work great!)

•and even stacked box barriers!

Purchase premade barriers here or take these designs and replicating them making your own barriers and blocks out of cardboard boxes. Stack them in different configurations around the room for best results.

You can use foam core or flat sheets to create longer maze-like walls. Consider painting your barriers and obstacles ahead of time to make them look even more realistic!

**TIP** If you’re on a tight budget, food and clothing retailers will give you their leftover packing boxes for free. Check in with store management the early morning for a free bundle of boxes. 

With easy to use blasters, lots of ammo, and cleverly crafted hiding places, you’re sure to have plenty of Nerf-fighting fun!