Battle on the beam: The most fun you’ll ever have falling into foam

I never thought I’d see the day when I could watch my kids actively hitting each other with giant weapons—and not have to step in. But there I was, standing at Flying Squirrel, watching my two children go full gladiator on the BattleBeam, and for once, I wasn’t the referee. No screaming accusations of unfair play. No tattling. No need for an emergency snack break to “restore peace.” Just pure, unfiltered chaos, and to my surprise, it didn’t ruin our whole outing either.

Sibling Combat 

If you’ve never witnessed Flying Squirrel Chatham’s battlebeam for kids in action, let me set the stage: a slightly elevated, narrow beam hovers over a foam pit filled with brightly coloured blocks that seem to swallow up anything that falls into them. Two kids (or overly enthusiastic parents who think they still have the reflexes of their teenage years) climb onto the beam, each wielding a giant foam jousting stick. The goal? Knock your opponent off the beam and into the pit.

It’s like American Gladiators meets sibling rivalry—but safe. Which, as a parent, is an absolute dream.

My kids locked eyes, each gripping their oversized weapon, fueled by years of built-up grievances over stolen toys, last waffles, unauthorized teddy bear haircuts and messes they had to clean up (but certainly weren’t responsible for). It was go time.

 

The Battle Begins 

I wish I could tell you they approached this with grace and strategy. They did not. My youngest went straight for a wildly aggressive swing, missing entirely and spinning himself off the beam in one glorious tumble. My oldest, in a rare moment of mercy, chose not to gloat but instead offered a rematch.

Round two. The foam sticks collided with satisfying thwacks, and this time, my youngest stayed upright. He attacked with a flurry of, once again, chaotic swings. My oldest, using a mix of balance and experience, started using actual tactics—dodging, counterattacking, and eventually executing a well-placed push that sent his sibling toppling into the foam pit.

Instead of tears or accusations of unfair play, there was laughter. Actual laughter (and it wasn’t masking rage). And then? A demand for another round.

Why My Kids Love Jousting 

Kids love to wrestle, battle, spar, test their strength, push limits. Hand them a foam sword? A NERF gun? A stick from the backyard? They understand the assignment. But they also know how to battle without actually hurting each other (for the most part).

Flying Squirrel’s battle beam is the ultimate proving ground for all those friendly sibling rivalries—except here, the rules are built-in. Knock your opponent off the beam, and down they go—into a pit of foam cubes. No scraped knees, no dramatic meltdowns, just pure, uncontrollable laughter.

Why Play Fighting Is Actually Good for Kids

I get it. The phrase "play fighting" can sound a little… intense. But hear me out: it’s actually a good thing.

• It builds coordination. Holding balance on a beam while swinging a padded joust? That takes serious focus.
• It teaches restraint. A ten-year-old facing off against their eight-year-old sibling isn’t going full-force—they’re learning to gauge strength, adjust, and play fair.
• It’s a social experience. There’s no scoreboard, no high-stakes win-or-lose. It’s just play, and that takes the pressure off.

And honestly? Watching a kid get knocked into a foam pit, then scramble back up, determined for round two, is pure entertainment.

The Best Part: There’s More Than Jousting at Flying Squirrel Chatham

My kids could spend hours swinging foam jousts and toppling into the pit, but when they’re ready for a break, they don’t have to go far. Flying Squirrel is a giant playground disguised as an energy-burning paradise.

• Rock climbing walls
• Trampoline basketball
• The inflatable playground
• Arcade games

Why Parents Love It (Almost) As Much As The Kids

I’ll admit it—watching kids launch off the battle beam into the foam pit never gets old. But here’s why it’s a win for parents too:

• It’s an easy, zero-prep activity. No need to pack snacks, toys, or gear—show up, let them loose, grab a snack or a coffee at the cafe.
• It wears them out. Two hours at Flying Squirrel? Bedtime is a breeze.
• It’s screen-free. No tablets, no phones, just pure, active play.

And for the boldest parents? Step onto the battle beam yourself. Trust me—knocking your kid into a foam pit is way more fun than it sounds.

Jousting: A Sport That’s Technically Ancient, Yet Feels Brand New

If your kids have ever turned couch cushions into a fortress or engaged in an epic NERF battle that lasted for hours, then they’re more than ready for the battle beam.

And if you’ve never given it a try? This is your sign.

Chatham’s best spot for family-friendly jousting is waiting to introduce you to the safest, funniest, most ridiculously entertaining version of battle ever. No armour required. Just bring your balance, a sense of humour, and a willingness to fall spectacularly into a foam pit.