When Lisa and Chris Clay were seeking a safe, fun way to occupy their two oldest sons during their summer break while they worked, they spoke to Vanessa Grimaldi, owner of the War Zone Nerf Arena, which is close to their home.
“I explained to Vanessa that the boys were our foster kids and we were adopting them. That immediate relationship we built with Vanessa made us feel comfortable trusting our kids to be there for eight hours a day,” Lisa Clay says. “They absolutely loved it. They looked forward to going. They begged constantly to go—when it was a school-off day, a snow day.”
Last year, when the couple heard that Grimaldi, who opened the War Zone in 2021, was selling it, they called a family meeting with their sons, Jacob, 15, John, 13, and Kevin, 5—all adopted foster children. “We wanted that to continue for our community. We need places where kids can be accepted and be physical and just play, a place where they would not be told to stop running or shooting their Nerf guns,” Clay says. “We wanted to include our boys, even our littlest one, in the decision to see if opening a family business was something they wanted to do.”
Clay says their goal is to inspire their children, who play an active role in the business.
Thanks to the Clays, the War Zone remains the ultimate battleground for epic Nerf battles. Children age 4 and up learn strategy, teamwork and friendly competition while having fun. Kids can bring their own gear or use the top-quality Nerf blasters, ammo and protective eyewear provided free with admission. “We try to meet the needs of everyone who comes in. We want kids to experience a welcome, all-inclusive environment,” Clay says. “They come in for an hour and have unlimited ammo. They can switch their guns out as often as they want.”
The War Zone also hosts birthday parties and team-building events, because, well, adults enjoy epic Nerf battles, too!
The Clays certainly know. Before they accepted foster children, the couple waged Nerf battles with their niece and nephew in the basement of Lisa’s sister’s home. “So, we already had our own arsenal,” Clay says with a laugh.
The community-focused family uses their business as a way to give back and help others, with discounts for tax-exempt groups like churches and offering promotions like $5 Fridays and Pay Your Age (minimum $2, maximum $10). “Families are struggling right now, and we don't want to be another burden,” she says.
The couple are staunch advocates for supporting and recruiting foster families. Recently, they ran a cereal drive for Sammy’s Window clothing closet and food pantry at FosterAdopt Connect, where Lisa works as program manager for behavioral intervention.
The couple love the Battlefield area where they live—Lisa moved to Springfield in 2009 to be closer to her family and Chris came out in 2016 before they got married—and run their business.
When not waging Nerf battles, their sons enjoy spending time with wildlife, whether it is visiting the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and Wild Animal Safari or hanging out at the park. Otherwise, the family is focused on supporting FosterAdopt Connect. “The boys like to help do the giveaways at Sammy’s Window,” Clay says. “We try to make sure families are aware of the help that is out there and also to recruit foster parents, because there’s so many kids in need.”
The War Zone located in Battlefield, Missouri offers Nerf battles, parties, and events for ages 4 and up. Plan your next birthday or battle at thewarzonespringfield.com — Springfield’s local Nerf arena for epic, family-friendly fun.
“We need places where kids can be accepted and be physical and just play, a place where…”
— Lisa Clay