Kids of all ages love Nerf guns. In fact, most adults love them. It’s pretty fun to shoot your friends with these crafty toy guns. The company behind Nerf, Hasbro, provides assurance that their toy guns are tested to the highest safety level for children’s toys, and you will be pleased to know that these little guns come with foam darts that are safe for children.
Not all Nerf guns are created equal, however. There are so many options on the market for such a diverse range of age groups that it’s challenging for even the most discerning parent to choose the right one.
Choosing the Perfect Nerf Gun
Let’s take a look at what goes into choosing the best Nerf gun for kids.
Safety
Safety should always be the top priority when buying Nerf guns, whether it’s going to a kid or an adult. Nerf guns are relatively safe but can be dangerous if the dart hits someone in the eye. Kids should always wear eye protection when playing with Nerf guns, and should never aim at anyone else’s face.
Something else to keep in mind with these guns is that they present a choking hazard. There are lots of small parts involved in the construction of a Nerf gun. Keep an eye on your kids to make sure they don’t chew down on broken bits of foam and other small pieces.
Age
Nerf guns as a whole are fun for all ages. With that said, many guns are designed for specific age groups and have a recommended age. Take note that most of these guns are recommended for kids eight and up.
Be sure to look at the speed of fire, ammunition type, and how easy it is for kids to hold Nerf guns to see if they would be a good fit for your kids. Some Nerf guns aren’t safe for small children. You can check the product description on the box to learn more about how suitable a gun is for your kids.
Features
While there aren’t any restrictions on whether Nerf guns should be played indoors or outdoors, you should decide for yourself if you want kids playing with them inside or not. Take a look at the weapon range to see if it would be suitable for indoor use. Nerf guns typically have a range of up to 20 feet, but some can reach up to 70 feet. Long-range dart guns are better suited for outdoor play.
Size
Size is an essential consideration with Nerf guns, especially Nerf guns for kids. Nerf guns are generally divided into small, medium, and large. Large nerf guns are best left to the big kids. Big Nerf guns are bulky and have the firepower to match, making them tons of fun, but they’re a bit heavy for younger kids to carry around all day.
With all that in mind, let’s get to our picks for the best Nerf guns for kids available today.