Nerf Gun Games for Kids

Spending time together as a family can sometimes be hard. Scheduling family time with an activity everyone can get behind can be harder. Why not get the best Nerf guns and create some fun Nerf gun games for the entire family to play?

Nerf guns have been around for quite a while—probably longer than we all realize. As children who once owned nerf guns grow into adults and then have children of their own, playing Nerf gun games can not only give parents the nostalgia of being a kid again but can also introduce Nerf guns to their children in a fun and family-friendly way. As a bonus for parents, introducing their children to a toy they loved growing up and having games to play together can be something children can continue to pass on to the next generation.

The most important thing about Nerf gun games is that safety comes first. Never use a Nerf gun without protective eye gear, and never shoot a Nerf gun at unsuspecting people (or animals). Being ready for a Nerf gun game will give your family excitement. Being safe with protective glasses means that no one will end up in tears (or in the doctor’s office).

Aim and Shoot Games

There are many different aim-and-shoot games you can play inside and outside of the home. Some of the most popular games are the Tin Cup Challenge and Target Practice.

The Tin Cup Challenge is a fun way to use recyclables while still keeping your family entertained. Grab six to ten empty tin cans and stack them in a pyramid. Make sure an adult does this, as empty tin cans have sharp edges that can cut children's fingers. If the kids want to help stack the tin cans, wrap duct tape around the edges to avoid cuts.

Get your family to agree on how far away each member is allowed to stand, then aim and shoot. Take turns knocking down the pyramid. Whoever knocks down the most each round gets to go first the next round.

If you don’t have any tin cups or don’t want to use them, using plastic cups can work just as well—although, it might be a better game to play indoors so the wind won’t knock them over.

Target practice is a great way to see how far Nerf darts fly. Make sure to measure the distance of at least six places, add targets to them (if you’re feeling crafty, add numbers like 20, 30, or higher), and then have your family stand in one place, aim, and shoot.

Capture the Flag

There is a long-standing tradition where capture the flag is played with paintball guns instead of Nerf guns. But, why not switch it up? Playing capture the flag is a game of two people or more, so make sure to keep the teams evenly matched. If you play indoors, keep any rooms with breakables off-limits.

Pick the number of times a person needs to be hit before they are “out.” Then, pick your team, plan your strategy, and finally, capture the flag!

This game may be best played outside, but if your basement is a good hangout place with good hiding spots, you might be able to do this indoors, too.

Remember: Safety first. If someone decides they no longer want to play, don’t make them play. Forcing someone to be on your team when they don’t want to takes the fun out of family fun time.

Nerf Gun Obstacle Course (With Targets)

Again, depending on where you place the “out-of-range” rooms, this game can be played indoors or outdoors. However, if you play this game outside, chances are you are going to get better obstacles. Using an army crawl, hula hoop, and moving targets can enhance your game playing time.

How much time you have may depend on how elaborate the obstacles are. You can have just as much fun jumping over pillows as you can going through tires, so don’t force the game to be amazing. Just focus on how to have fun with your family.

Resources— Frugal Fun 4 Boys, Homemade Sometimes, Stay at Home Mum

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