Shadowland

Would give zero stars if I could. This place used to be great, but has gone downhill badly. We’ve had several birthday parties here in the past, and they were great. But the service at my son’s party today was awful. And the laser tag equipment was in terrible condition, so many kids’ guns didn’t work — even after exchanging them multiple times. Laser tag without functioning lasers is just a walk through a dark maze — and who would pay to have a party doing that. I don’t know if management changed, or what the problem is, but we are not coming back.

One of the best indoor things to do in Frederick with kids. The arena is multi-​level and challenging. Good set up (but watch for low ceilings under stairs). Shadowlands has better laser guns and packs than other laser tag companies. Frederick is newer than the Gaithersburg location, but smaller. I’ve had a lot of fun playing here. Manager James and the rest of the staff are helpful and provide good customer service. Sometimes packs malfunction. The only downside is that they often don’t have large crowds, so games are underpopulated on week days. If you go, bring enough people for a good game or come on a Friday night. Laser tag is cheaper if you join the «VIP club», I receive monthly coupons from shadowlands. I’ve played there over 10 times. It’s a lot of fun.

If I can give this place no star I would because that is how disappointed I am of the people there.
My niece celebrated her birthday there today and mind you it’s the first she’s ever had with her friends and family so it’s really special. The lady at the front… whom I can only suspect as the person in charge at the time was anything but polite, professional, and nice towards the kids and us. Decent service (notice how I even said decent, that means I’m not even asking for much) was extremely lacking. Let me note the unbearable moments…
1. One of my nieces had put in two quarters for a race game but the machine indicated only one coin was put in. Albeit she was on the phone while I patiently stood in front of her with my baby but at least acknowledge me! Would it have hurt her to let me know that she would take care of me momentarily?! Instead, I am left standing there waiting for her to help me. And just something to suggest… have at least two people at the front. Smile. Be courteous and polite. It goes a long way.
2. After the kids got out of their first game and were seated, the lady (again I’m suspecting the person in charge), after some long minutes, came in and proceeded to shout to the kids to find out who wanted what drinks. Her tone was far from nice. It took everything I had to refrain from yelling at her. These are kids. You do not raise your voice at them as if you are mad at them. I’ve heard hosts from other places raise their voice to get the kids’ attention but none ever yelled at them like they’re angry with something or someone. Seriously! I really hope that corporate see this review and do something! This is extremely unacceptable!!!
3. My sister-​in-​law paid for this party package of which I suspect includes a hostess or someone from the facility to host the party. Well, that «hostess», whoever it is fell short. My sister-​in-​law, my uncle, and myself were the HOSTS as we did the majority of the work in making sure the kids were fed, drinks were filled and refilled, a sufficient number of napkins were made available (why tell us that you’ll bring more after the kids come back from their second game as that is when you’ll be doing the cake when we need it now?!), and the cake! Where’s the help in handing out the cake?! Where’s the help in cleaning up? They had one person come in while the kids were at their second game to pick up the plates but seriously that was the only time! I ended up waking around with a bag collecting trash!!!
4. The rush afterwards. At other establishments they had a cart to wheel out the gifts and food for the paying customers, at this place, you can forget that. Instead they rushed my sister-​in-​law out and there she was trying to pack up things and get her 6 kids bundled up. Yes, we were there to help her but is it too much to ask that the people there either help her pack up or give her some more time to pack up herself?
5. My niece had an opportunity to spin a wheel at the end, kind of like wheels of fortune, she spun the first time and got something that said «daily double» (my memory is fading but I do recall it said double something), the lady, again, the one I suspect is in charge, asked her to spin again. Hmm, why I wonder. Seems kind of shady. No explanation was given, she just asked her to spin again.
As I’ve never gone to this place for a birthday party but have plenty of opportunities to go to others such as BounceU, Pump It Up, Extreme Acro, and Chuck E Cheeses, I have to say that I am utterly disgusted and extremely disappointed with how this place operates and mind you, it’s not cheap.
Also, make sure you get the name of the person talking to you as different people will give you different information. My sister-​in-​law was told pizza would be extra and not included in the 2 games party package but while we were there they had brought in pizza for us. So just make sure you get the right information.

This is a review for folks with kids looking for a party location, not necessarily for laser tag enthusiasts. Had 7 year olds, bday party here and it was great. Bring your cake, bring your pizza, they give you drinks a host, and a room… Go OR you can order everything through the location. It was hectic, but far less than chucky cheese. I bought hot dogs, chips, pizza, candy, the works and it was all good. The hostess was a young kid and a little scattered, but the manager was efficient and courteous. I think my kid really liked it. The little ones will be scared, so I would say for kids 7 and up, this might be ok. They really got into the tag game. They returned to the room thirsty and sweating. Good workout for kids and adults. It is so hidden in the FSK mall, but it is quite a treasure.

Awesome Experience at Shadowland in Frederick
Laser Tag is FUN for Kids and Adults!
I’ve never played Laser Tag before, but my 16 yr old daughter had. We had so much fun that I’m bringing the whole family next time. The 3-​game package was a great deal and we spent almost 2 hours playing. Be prepared during the entire 30 minute Laser Tag game to be moving. We played against each other for one game and played against kids and adults for the other 2.
The Manager, Heather was warm and welcoming to us. Jonathan was informative when giving us instructions and demonstrated how to shoot for the the Laser Tag game.
Heather and Jonathan continued to give us great service while 2 Birthday Parties were being held. What a great idea! Both my daughters’ birthdays are during the winter and I always have difficulty entertaining 10 energetic kids for 2 – 3 hours. Shadowland will do all the work for me.
I was also impressed that the facility including the bathrooms were so clean.

I know what you are thinking laser tag?
Don’t be quick to bash this option out for a quick and fun to-​do on a boring day! If you want to plan ahead this is also a great option!
This place is the works, you break a sweat playing laser tag depending on how many games you play.
Most of the time you see kids here but adults do drop in as it gets late in the day like a Friday or Saturday! When I mean late I mean 9pm or later! They open until Midnight on some days I believe.
When it is a full game of teens and adults it gets challenging!
If you want to try something different come here.
I’ve come here multiple times and have always enjoyed it. The games always change and make it exciting.
Lastly, Mike the General Manager and Gene will make sure your experience is a great one.
Keep Up the good work guys!
Great Customer Service and Friendly Staff, I recommend.
Drink a redbull before coming out!!!

SO I’ve been to the ShadowLand in Gaithersburg before and it was okay. I came up to their new location in Francis Scott Key Mall and fell in love. First of all they have something called power play where every friday from 8-​midnight its unlimited laser tag for 15 $. Which I think is epic.
I’ve always been a fan of laser tag but lets admit it… most places just don’t have that flare you know… the one you crave the excitement that makes laser tag fun! Well this ShadowLand does.
First off, the Staff, the staff here are at least 10x better than the other ShadowLand’s I’ve been to. For one thing, they really enjot their job. They always seem happy and eager to help you out. Which is awesome! I can ask them any stupid question about laser tag and they alwayshave a good answer for me.
Second, The Management, in the other stores it seems like the management is really rude and doesn’t care too much about what you think about their store or them for that matter. Up here, its like you’re the managements number one priority and man that is a blessing! I love coming and being greeted by a smile and a laugh.
Third, the atmosphere, lets face it the Shadowland in Gaithersburg is kinda run down, up in Frederick all the paint is fresh, so it the store. The entire stores in fact looks like it was JUST painted and it always has this air of… well freshness to it. It just seems like each time you go you can find something new about the place!
And Lastly, the pricing, the pricing is the same as any other Shadowland, what can I say? A chain is a chain but what I really REALLY love about this location is the unlimited laser tag! The manager told me that they don’t know how much longer they’re going to have it so I would call them quick and see if they do. In fact I’m a regular there every friday. I adore this place. And it’s not the other locations either because it hasn’t been invaded by little kids yet. Which is awesome!