LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Patrick Taylor has built a rapidly growing business out a simple child’s toy.

• Man, daughter run Louisville Nerf gun arena business
• 'I knew it would be big, but this was crazy,' Patrick Taylor says
• Patrons can play games such as Capture the Flag, Freeze Tag

Years prior, he’d have Nerf wars with his kids to keep them active and off of technology. Now, his daughter works with him in one of his two Foam Warriorz arenas.

Taylor, a former manager at a high-end vacuum company, says he had the business acumen to start Foam Warriorz in February, but that he has learned a lot more along the way. He also says the response from his community has exceeded his expectations.

"I knew it would be big, but this was crazy," He chuckled as he shook his head in the middle of his Louisville shop. "[On] opening day we had lines around the building."

The concept is simple enough: Foam Warriorz has amassed dozens of plastic guns ranging from pistols to massive machine guns. Players can "upgrade" to larger weapons for a small fee. While we were there, one girl not older than eight chose the largest, brightest orange gun on the rack, and labored to swing it to aim at her targets. She did it all with a smile on her face. Taylor says arena rental fees average $12 an hour. Private parties are available as well.

"There’s really nothing else where you can have ages five... teenagers coming in here," Taylor added. "We have a lot of companies that come in here for team building, and then grandparents can play. It’s really for everybody."

One grandmother who jumped into the fray named Donna said she brought her grandson and two nieces.

"I like it," she smiled while catching her breath. "Of course, my grandson and my husband, they all play at home hiding behind things and I usually just dodge the bullets. I thought it was time for me to get in on some action."

Taylor credits his referees with keeping the party going safely at a fun pace. They host games like "capture the flag" and "freeze tag," and play alongside newcomers, high schoolers, and of course, grandmothers.

When asked her favorite part of the experience, Donna didn't blink before saying, "The kids, watching them smile and laugh, and cut up. I’m getting into it too, I can’t lie."

She certainly didn't lie, as she jumped back into the game with her family.