Like many parents, the sound of my son on his games console is a background noise we've become accustomed to in our house.
But there's a place in Cheshire that brings that virtual world to life and it was one we were eager to try for ourselves.
Battlefield Live has been in Knutsford for 14 years, but as family attractions go, it's not particularly well known.
Rarely short of bookings, there's been little need to advertise the place as word of mouth recommendations from visitors have been enough to keep customers flooding in.
It was a sunny Saturday morning as we arrived at the Heywood Farm site, my son and his football teammates alongside 'up for it parents' wondering what we'd signed up for.
Instructors meet you on arrival and hand out the camouflage gear and face paints before giving a safety briefing.
There's nothing to be afraid of from the guns though, they're infra-red gaming guns which are fired at each other's headband sensors - and incredibly accurate - so you're not physically being hit. That was a relief to know.
After being split into two teams, with a mixture of parents and kids on each side, it was time for the games to begin.
Four live missions are played over the seven-acre natural woodland, including capture the flag, similar to the Call of Duty game where two teams compete to capture the opponent's flag and return it to their own base while defending their own.
There's unlimited ammunition throughout games, you just return to your team's medic box to renew your lives once you've been killed.
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For some of us that happened a bit too quickly, repeatedly falling victim to the sniper dad, who found a prime position behind a tent and targeted us - again and again!
The kids, aged 13 and 14, were in their element, but so were many of the parents, some of them taking their new-found soldier status very seriously.
You get a two-hour slot altogether, so it's most definitely a workout, especially for those carrying the larger guns. Although there were a couple of people who decided to hide behind a tree and stay there, so you can be as active as you like.
For teenagers, who can be hard to impress when it comes to days out, this is the perfect activity - and one they don't find too embarrassing for their parents to join in too. Except for the face paint maybe.
In fact it's great for all age groups and children as young as seven can take part alone - six if accompanied by an adult - and it regularly hosts sports clubs, schools and corporate events.
We had warm weather for our trip, but the place is open at weekends and in school holidays all year round, with the instructors telling us 'it's even more fun in the rain'.
They were on hand to explain everything clearly - one Commanding Officer for each team, making sure everything ran like clockwork and offering some tips to boost our chances in battle.
Sadly my team lost, but with the smiles on everyone's faces at the end of our session, we all felt like winners.
Where?
Battlefield Live, Heywood Farm, Crabtree Lane, High Legh, Knutsford, WA16 6PE.
When?
Morning and afternoon are available all year round and evening games available from April.
What else?
You can book alone or as a group, with larger groups having the woods to themselves. Solo players or smaller groups are booked in with similar ages. Outdoor clothing is recommended, particularly footwear, but you get the camouflage overalls to cover your clothes.
Party organisers of children need to assess whether the activity is suitable for their children. Children must be at least seven years old to play, six year olds may play when accompanied by an adult.
Food and drink?
You can take your own food and drinks along to eat in the Army tent after play. Alternatively Elmas restaurant in Lymm will deliver pizzas for a £2.50 delivery fee. Options include margarita pizza for £10.50 and Americano for £11.90.
How much and how to book?
Sessions cost £22.50 per person. To book, email bookings@battlefieldliveknutsford.co.uk, call 07779248622 to visit the website here.
