This is a fair question that is asked by many people. Anyone can Google search paintball and pull up images of players with paintball welts. So the honest answer is yes, paintballs can sometimes hurt. However, "hurt" is relative and certainly does not define the game. Many people play paintball every weekend without getting "hurt". You can certainly expect to get hit by a paintball and feel it. The most common comparrison is that it feels like getting "towel snapped". Fox Paintball has rules in place and staff on the field to thwart instances where players may get hurt. Our primary focus is to make sure players have fun and play safe. We also offer Paintball-Lite, a smaller paintball version of the game that really eliminates the sting of the paintball. It's primarily geared towards younger kids but can be played by anyone.

At Fox Paintball we allow kids down to age 10 to participate. If the kids are ages 10 to 12 and are playing our traditional 68 caliber paintball general admission open games we advise that a parent plays directly with them. We also offer private games in our Paintball Lite. Paintball lite is a 50 caliber paintball designed for less impact energy. Paintball lite is not offered for general admission.

Paintball is perfectly safe as long as all participants follows all the safety rules. If you child has a issue following rules, or breaking rules we'd advise against allowing them to play until they are more mature.

The impact from paintballs can cause discomfort and leave a mark or welt. Some people will simply not like that.

Please also read the the section on "Does paintball hurt?".

First off. The intention is for players to come dressed prepared to play the game. With that said, what's best to wear?

Well, in a perfect world you'd have military BDU set and full length army boots! But most people don't have that. But in case you are a hunter or woodsman, then that type of clothing works great. Outdoors cloths used for hunting work perfect. But you are not a hunter? Well then, we recommend jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt at the minimum. Depending on the specific weather, layers are best or heavier versions of clothing. Like a hoodie sweatshirt is excellent. If it's hot and you can wear it for game protection and take it off in-between games that's great too. We don't recommend shorts. We don't recommend leggings. Loose fitted clothing like sweats can work too, but loose jeans are better. Any skin tight clothing is not recommended. What about gloves and head covering? Lightweight gloves work well. You need independent finger use and they need to be thin enough to not accidentally press the trigger. We sell simple cut off finger gloves at the field. Head covers can be as simple as a beanie or a baseball cap turn around. It's optional to wear head covering or gloves. What about shoes? Boots are the best. Laced up style of shoes are a must. Do not wear slip on, or velcro type shoes. They will come off. Open toe shoes like sandals are NOT allowed. You will not be allowed to play with that type of shoe. Clothing is important to protect you from the environment. Sometimes you are on a trail, but if you go off trail you will be fighting the natural environment along the Fox River. The ground and plant irritation can be far more uncomfortable that the paintballs.

Protective clothing is not specifically provided. We provide the goggle system which protects your face, eye's and general surrounding head but it does not cover the direct top of your head.

A protective chest vest system can be rented for $5. This is directed toward ladies needing frontal protection and smaller kids looking for a some comfort. It is available for anyone to use but supply is limited.

We do rent a full step in and zip up jumpsuit for $10. We have various sizes, mostly adult sizes. This is for someone who is unprepared at all to play or may be wearing shorts. Anyone can use but supply is limited.

We do not provide footwear of any kind. Open toe footwear will not be allowed.

We do not sell headwear. We do carry some personal goggle options if you would like to buy your own.