At an all-too-rare "adults only" party at a friend's home, I shared how I had spent the day prior. "My son and I played laser tag," I said, "It's our go-to 'date' now." Without any more prompting, several of my dining companions perked up, replied nearly simultaneously and with an eagerness that had yet to be shown all night: "Have you ever been to Valencia Laser Blast?!"

And so that is how, at a "grown up" shin dig, 13 adults spent 15 minutes talking about Southern California's best laser-tag venue - and scheduling a time when all of us could play together.

All of this will come as no surprise if you've been to Valencia Laser Blast on Cinema Drive. If you haven't, let me quickly explain why a "kid's game" draws not just tweens and teens but adults, too. (The space is a top pick for corporate team building and even grown-up birthday parties. A Major League Baseball star just celebrated his wife's birthday at VLB.).

When you walk into the expansive, clean and bright interior of VLB, the first element you notice is the arcade. Ticket-spewing games of chance, old-fashioned favorites like air hockey, ride-on video games and much more ding and flash while players scoop up their winnings and challenge their friends to another round. It's an exciting introduction to the venue and one that sets the tone - this is a place for fun.

And that's what you'll have in spades inside the laser tag area. Themed with an other-worldly alien spaceship vibe, the huge gaming space includes multiple levels, window cutouts and the newest, most accurate laser technology. One of the only laser tag arenas that regularly rotates a wide variety of more exotic gaming options, including elimination games, this is where hearts pound and excitement reigns.

It's this time of year - when temperatures rise and parents start thinking about ways to keep kids busy when they're out of school - that Valencia Laser Blast's less-noticeable qualities become prominently important. The safe, family-friendly space is run by some of the best staff you'll find anywhere. Experts in the field of fun and with an eye for detail and safety, the team of professionals keep a close watch to make sure everyone's having a wonderful time. Some parents do the same, taking advantage of the free wi-fi in the arcade-adjacent lobby, working on laptops or reading a book while their children play just a few feet away. Just as many folks, though, opt to drop their children off at the facility and run errands (The Westfield Valencia Town Center is just three minutes away.) or even go on a date with their spouse while their kiddos shove tokens into the basketball game or try a new strategy in the arena.

Because VLB is open seven days a week - and late - during the summer, you'll see the proportion of adults increase as the evening draws to a close. Looking for a new way to bond with your spouse, impress a date, hang out with your crew or keep yourself busy when you're flying solo? This is it.

When it comes to affordable entertainment, VLB can't be beat. You'll spend $8.50 per game; $25 for a three-hour unlimited gaming pass; and $20 for two games and 20 tokens.

There are discounts for groups of 10 or more, so bring friends to get the cost down even more. During busy weekends and breaks, unlimited passes may not be available; call ahead to find out. No matter what, you'll have a blast!
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