Texas is big enough that the best paintball depends on which part of the state you are in. We picked three open venues, from Victoria on the coast to the Austin and Dallas areas.

MISSION VALLEY PAINTBALL

Mission Valley Paintball is at 573 Albrecht Road West in Victoria. It has four playing areas: three speed and concept fields and one brush field, plus an airball field. Walk-ons, parties and group events are all welcome.

Rentals include Tippmann 98 markers, and they fill CO2 and high-pressure air. There are BBQ pits, picnic tables, a covered staging area, restrooms and snacks and drinks. A waiver is required and you can download it from their site. The website looks dated, so call (361) 575-6818 to confirm times before you drive out.

OUTLAW PAINTBALL

Outlaw Paintball is at 824 Grand Avenue Parkway in Pflugerville, just outside Austin. It runs open play on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 5pm, and is closed on weekdays. On Saturday evenings there is also a night session from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Private parties get exclusive use of the field and need a reservation, and the venue also runs after-hours events. Release forms are on their site. Call 512-252-1664 with questions.

COUSINS ADVENTURE PARKS DALLAS

The Dallas-area Cousins park is at 8975 FM 740 in Forney. It is open for walk-on play Wednesday through Sunday from about 10am to 5 or 6pm, with woodsball, speedball and scenario games.

Standard paintball is for ages 9 and up, with a low-impact option for 7 to 9 year olds and gel blasters for younger kids. Open play started from $35 per person at our last look. Marker and mask rental, a safety briefing and referees are included, and paintballs are sold separately. Only field paint is allowed, closed-toe shoes are required and you sign a waiver online.