Bailey Callison and her husband Ben really enjoy shooting each other. So much so, that while Ben Callison was stationed in Italy, Bailey Callison went to visit him with two weapons stashed in her suitcase.

Their weapon of choice? A Nerf gun, or toy foam dart blaster. And recently their penchant for the craft of Nerf gun battles became one of Oak Harbor’s newest businesses.

“We were worried it was just going to be a silly thing that only my family enjoyed,” said Bailey Callison, co-owner of Nerfed Oak Harbor.

The arena, located at 1751 N.E. Goldie St., is 3,500 square feet and includes a number of obstacles and areas to take cover as customers duke it out. Extra foam darts to reload are scattered about the rubber floor.

Ages 6 years and above can participate, and sometimes it’s well above, Bailey Callison said. Parents and grandparents who bring children in have been known to give it a try, and most end up enjoying it just as much as the kids, she said.

“I like it— burns some energy up,” said Adrian Denney, who played with his 9-year-old son Aksel on Saturday. “It’s good exercise.”

Skyler Famoso, 9, said he’s always enjoyed playing with Nerf guns and games like Call of Duty. He also confidently told the Whidbey News-Times reporter he’d “wreck” her, should they meet in combat in the arena.

He is likely correct.

Participants can choose their weapons from a wall of options that include several different styles of Nerf guns or they can bring their own. Only Rival and Mega Nerf guns are banned, which use a different type of dart that tends to be more painful, Bailey Callison said.

The game changes depending on the number of people on the floor. Smaller groups can play capture the flag, versions of tag or battle each other one-on-one. Larger groups are split up and wear bright vests to distinguish two teams, who each choose a side and go until the other team is eliminated.

A referee, usually Ben Callison, will stay on the floor to ensure people who are hit go out and keep the games running smoothly. Everyone is required to wear eye protection, and no shoes are allowed on the arena floor — so don’t forget socks.

The foam-dart-shooting business started with Bailey Callison’s brother in Boise. He opened an establishment with the same name, and it soon became a popular activity in the area. She said every time her family gets together there, it’s almost guaranteed they’ll go to his arena. This includes her parents and grandparents.

“We’re kind of Nerf gun weirdos,” Bailey Callison said with a laugh.

She decided to continue the family business after her husband, who is active duty Navy, chose to extend his time at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

The activity has become popular with other personnel at the base as well, Bailey said. She’s seen plenty of sailors come in.

“They get so into it, it’s hilarious,” she said.

There are TVs showing a live feed of the arena in waiting rooms for parents or friends that don’t want to participate. There’s a play area for children who are too young to participate and another waiting room with a large window for viewing.

On weekends, it’s $14 an hour or $20 for unlimited play. On weekday holidays or during school breaks, it’s $10 for unlimited play. There are also rooms that can be rented out for parties.

“We just felt the island needed something for everyone,” Bailey Callison said. “… I never thought it would turn into a business, but here we are.”

• More information can be found at nerfedoh.com

Skyler Famoso takes aim while Aksel Denney reloads Saturday at the Nerf gun arena on Goldie Street. Photo at right,Famoso, 9, charges his opponents. Photo by Laura Guido/Whidbey News-Times