A good bow and arrow toy set is going to be durable, have good accuracy, and keep your child entertained for hours. You’ll want to avoid bow and arrow toys that are too heavy or complicated because they can leave your child frustrated instead of having fun.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for the best toy bow and arrow. You’ll also find a handy buying guide if you aren’t sure what to look for.
Best Suction Cup Bow And Arrow Sets
While the SainSmart Jr. Kids Bow and Arrow Toy has LED lights on the bow for early morning or after dusk shooting, the SMALL FISH Bow and Arrow Toy offers an infrared sight which helps your child learn to aim.
GoBroBrand Bow and Arrow Set for Kids
The GoBroBrand Bow and Arrow Set for Kids comes with a light-up bow, six arrows, an arrow quiver, and a target. It has everything your child needs to have a great time and the extra arrows are a bonus in case they get bent or broken. The set is recommended for ages three and up.
This bow fires arrows with a good amount of accuracy. It has three different light settings for your child to play around with. Even though the lights don’t change how well this bow functions, every kid loves something that has a light-up function. It just adds to the fun of the bow and arrow set.
The included quiver is nice for holding the arrows and keeping them safe while your child is playing. However, it does not hold them especially tight. If the quiver is not kept upright while playing, the arrows will fall out. The other downside of this arrow is that the target is rather small, which can be harder for kids to hit when they are just starting out.
Something else nice about this set is that it comes with a money-back guarantee. It’s always a bonus when a company stands behind its product with a guarantee.
Pros
- Bow has three different light-up functions
- Good amount of accuracy
- Durable and fun to play with
- Comes with six arrows
- Extras like arrow quiver and target included
- Company offers a money-back guarantee
Cons
- Target is too small
- Quiver doesn’t hold arrows unless it’s upright
Zing Air Storm Fire Tek Bow
The Zing Air Storm Fire Tek Bow is a great choice if you’re looking for a bow and arrow toy your child can have a lot of fun with. What makes this option so fun is the fire detail as the parts light up and it includes launch technology.
This bow and arrow set is recommended for kids ages 8 and older. It comes with two RedX arrows, which bounce off surfaces. They have rounded tips and whistle as they fly. Additionally, they have a 125-foot range. The other type of arrow features a suction cup that sticks to a wide range of surfaces.
This also has a loop and launch technology that makes it easy for your child to load the arrows on their own. Something to note is that the loops are made from a rubber material. The rubber can break down if the toy is left out in the sun or heat, so you’ll want to be sure it’s put away in a safe place once your child is done playing with it.
With as far as the arrows fly, it would be nice to have a few more to play with. You can buy additional arrows, however, you may want to compare the price of the arrows against the whole set. A few buyers mentioned that it’s cheaper to buy a second set with the bow and arrows than it is to buy the arrows alone.
Pros
- Arrows fly 125 feet
- Comes with two types of arrows
- Loop and launch technology makes this easy to use
- Suction cup arrow sticks to a wide variety of surfaces
- RedX arrows whistle while they fly
- Option to buy additional arrows
Cons
- Cheaper to buy a second set than to buy the arrows separately
- Bow will break down from exposure to sun or heat
SainSmart Jr. Kids Bow and Arrow Toy
The SainSmart Jr. Kids Bow and Arrow Toy is recommended for kids ages six and up. It comes with a fun target and the bow has LED lights for shooting in the early morning or later evening hours.
Something nice about this bow and arrow set is that the string of the bow is adjustable. It is natural for the string to get stretched after play, but you don’t have to worry about that since it can be tightened. Your child will also love the LED lights on the bow. You’ll need 2 AAA batteries for the LED lights.
Even though these are fairly sturdy, the arrows can become damaged if they’re pulled off wrong. You need to grip near the base of the arrow where the suction up is. This stops the arrow tip from coming off and the shaft of the arrow from bending too much. If it’s bent, the arrow won’t fire correctly and it impacts accuracy. You can buy extra arrows, which is recommended since these aren’t the most durable.
Something else to note is that the target is a little small. The arrows also may or may not stick. While your child can still practice hitting the target, the suction cups on the arrows weaken with time. Otherwise, this is a great set and it’s really easy to use.
Pros
- LED lights on the bow
- String can be tightened
- Good amount of accuracy
- Easy to use
- Great for younger kids
- Arrows travel a good distance
Cons
- Arrows could be more durable
- Arrows don’t always stick to the target
- Target is small
Liberty Imports Light Up Princess Archery Bow and Arrow Toy Set
The Liberty Imports Light Up Princess Archery Bow and Arrow Toy Set comes with a bow, three arrows, an arrow quiver, and a target. It is recommended for kids ages three and older, so it’s perfect for the younger child in your life who has an interest in archery.
The bow has three different light settings, which is great for younger kids who will be interested in something a little more flashy. When fired, the arrows have a fair amount of accuracy. Your little one should be able to hit the included target, which is a little bigger than some of the other targets that come with archery sets.
The suction cup heads stick well to the target, however, they are a little flimsy. If your child is too rough with them, they’ll bend or break. Since there are only three arrows included, it may be best to pick some extra up to avoid any issues.
The overall design of the bow is lightweight, which makes it easy for younger children to hold. It is also designed safe, so you don’t have to worry about your little one getting hurt while they play.
While the target is fun to shoot at, there’s no way to secure it anywhere. You’ll need to nail it to a box or fix it to another surface for your child to be able to hit it.
Pros
- Target is a little bigger than some others
- Bow is designed to be lightweight
- Safe for younger users
- Comes with quiver
- Bow has three different light-up functions
- Great for ages three and older
Cons
- No way to secure the target
- Arrows are a little flimsy
Small Fish Bow and Arrow Toy for Kids
The Small Fish Bow and Arrow Toy for Kids is a great choice for younger kids. This is also foldable so it’s easy to store or carry around and it comes with fun features like infrared aim.
The bow and arrow toy set comes with six arrows and two targets. An infrared aim point helps your child as they learn to shoot at the targets. Additionally, the bow has an adjustable string so your child can control the drawback of the arrow and tighten or loosen the string as needed.
To effectively use this bow and arrow playset, you’ll need to put the target against a hard, flat surface like a wall. It’s important that the wall is made of solid and not porous material. Otherwise, the suction cups on the arrows won’t stick as well.
Something to note is that the arrows are not especially durable. Like most plastic arrows, they are thin and may break easily if stepped on or bent.
The foldable feature of this is nice because the bow would be fun to bring on camping trips or other outdoor excursions. Something to note is that it does require a little assembly. Even though it can be put together in less than two minutes, a younger kid may need help every time they want to play with it.
Pros
- Recommended for ages three and up
- Suction cup arrows stick to flat surfaces
- Comes with six arrows
- Infrared sight helps with aiming
- Two targets included
- Folds up for easy storage and greater portability
Cons
- Young kids may need help with assembly
- Arrows are flimsy and not durable
Best Toy Bows with Foam Arrows
Marky Sparky Faux Bow – Foam Bow & Arrow Archery Set
The Marky Sparky Faux Bow – Foam Bow & Arrow Archery Set is recommended for kids ages 8 and up. It’s all the fun of a real archery set but without dangerous parts.
When your child pulls back to send these arrows launching through the air, they fly an impressive 100 feet. There is also a good amount of accuracy with these and your child should be able to hit a target.
The bow is made of sturdy plastic material and features a spinning release. When your child draws back, it directs their arrow and sends it spinning forward. Not only does it increase the accuracy of the release, but it also helps the arrow fly farther. Something to note is that a few users mention the bow not being especially sturdy. There are pins that may need to be inserted if they come out during use.
The arrows are made from a durable plastic material with hard foam tips. They also have fletching on the back to help with aerodynamics. When the arrows are not in use, there’s a convenient arrow holder that sits on the top of the bow.
The arrows resemble Nerf darts because of their foam design, but they are a lot larger. They are also a little harder, so they can hurt if your child is shooting them at friends at close range. If your child is going to use them to play with friends, you’ll want to be sure they are wearing safety glasses or eye protection and firing from a little farther away.
These are fairly durable, but they can get lost. This is especially true if your child is shooting at targets outdoors. You may want to invest in extra arrows, which you can buy separately.
Pros
- Acts like a real archery set
- Good accuracy for hitting targets
- Arrows fly over 100 feet
- Bow has a holder for the arrows on top
- Can buy extra arrows
- Bow has a spinning release
Cons
- Bow could be sturdier
- Arrows can hurt when fired at close range
Zing Hyperstrike Bow and Foam Arrows
The Zing Hyperstrike Bow and Foam Arrows set is perfect for older kids, being recommended for ages 14 and older. It has a range of over 250 feet, which makes it great for teens that might want to shoot a target from a long distance.
The foam arrows are designed like a Nerf bow and arrow toy because they won’t hurt too much if your teen is shooting at their friends. It’s great for everything from target practice to battling fun.
The four arrows included are Zonic whistling arrows, so people on the receiving end can hear the incoming shot. These are fired from a bow that resembled a compound bow more than a crossbow. The bungee cords ensure your child can easily pull back and send the arrows flying through the air. Loop and launch technology also makes it faster to reload and stabilization fins on the arrows ensure every shot is a straight shot.
Something to note while loading is that you don’t have to pull the cord back too far while firing. If you do pull too much, it’s possible for the bands to become detached. You’ll also want to store this away from extreme cold or heat to avoid damaging the cord.
Pros
- Good amount of accuracy
- Fires over 250 feet
- Foam tips are safer to play with
- Arrows whistle as they fly through the air
- Compound bow design
- Loop and launch technology is quick to reload
Cons
- Bungee cord detaches if you pull back too far
Best Nerf Bow and Arrow Set
Dude Perfect Signature Bow Nerf Sports
The Dude Perfect Signature Bow Nerf Sports Biggest Nerf Bow with 2 Nerf Whistling Arrows is a fun Nerf bow and arrow toy. It comes with a standing target, two arrows, and a durable bow.
The Nerf style makes them safe for playing with friends or target practice. Additionally, this comes with a standard target. There is a stake on the bottom of the pole that your child can put in soft earth and then shoot at the target. This makes it more fun to play with.
Since this bow is larger sized (42″), it’s a better choice for older kids. The bow is manufactured for ages 10 and older. If your child is a fan of the Dude Perfect show, they’ll especially love this bow. The guys on the show perform cool stunts using Nerf products. This is also the biggest Nerf bow and arrow toy available.
The two soft-tipped arrows that come with this set make a whistling sound as they fly through the air. Additionally, they fly over 105 feet through the air. This makes aiming for your target extra fun. The one downside is that there are only two arrows included with this set. Being made of soft, flexible materials they may not last long. You can purchase additional arrows for this if you’d like.
Pros
- Comes with a standing target
- Nerf style arrows are safer
- Good for ages 10 and older
- Featured on the Dude Perfect show
- Arrows make a whistling sound
- Arrows fly over 105 feet
- Good accuracy
Cons
- Only comes with two arrows
Most Realistic Bow and Arrow Sets
While both the Blue Skies Goods Kids Archery Set and the Adventure Awaits! 2-Pack Handmade Wooden Bow and Arrow Set both come with arrows made from durable bamboo wood, there are some complaints that the Adventure Awaits! Set is roughly made and does not have smooth arrows. However, it does come with 2 bows which is good for more than one child who wants to learn archery.
Blue Skies Goods Kids Archery Set
The Blue Skies Goods Kids Archery Set is a great choice if you’re looking for a durable bow and arrow toy for your child. It is recommended for ages four and up and comes with six arrows.
You can buy a single or a double of this set, so there’s more fun to be had with friends. The archery kit comes with a 34″ bow with an arrow guide that aids in shooting the arrow straight. There are also eight bamboo arrows, a quiver, and a cotton carrying bag for the set. As an added bonus, six standing targets and an instructional video are also included.
Even though these have the feeling of real arrows because of their design, the rubber tips on the end make them safer for young kids to play with. They’ll love shooting at the targets and knocking them over and you don’t have to worry about them getting hurt. Something to note is that the targets are made of foam. They may be knocked over if it is especially windy outside, though practicing archery should be done in milder weather anyway.
With bamboo as the main material, this has an incredibly durable design. As an added plus, the company offers an impressive five-year guarantee.
There is a learning curve with this set, as the arrows don’t always shoot in a straight line. As your child learns how much to adjust to hit the target, however, they are using problem-solving skills. Something else to note is that the rubber tips can fall off the arrows, especially if they hit hard surfaces. These can be re-glued, but that can be a hassle and will only work if you can find them after they fall off.
Pros
- Comes with eight arrows
- Made of durable bamboo
- Rubber tips make these safe for kids to play with
- Cotton carrying bag for bow and bamboo quiver for the arrows included
- Comes with six foam targets
- Five-year guarantee
Cons
- Rubber tips can fall off the arrows with use
- Arrows don’t always shoot straight
Bear Archery Scout Youth Bow Set – Hunter Green
The Bear Archery Scout Youth Bow Set – Hunter Green is recommended for kids ages 4-7. Even though it should be used with adult supervision because it has real arrows, it comes with plenty of safety equipment and is sized perfectly for small hands.
The bow is 33″ long and has durable composite limbs, which makes it possible to be used with either hand. This is great for younger kids, especially if you aren’t sure if they are left-handed or right-handed. The bow also has an 8-13 lb. draw weight, which is good for a younger kid.
Something to note is that though this is advertised as an ambidextrous bow, the arrow guide is only on one side. While it is possible to use it left-handed, it’s more difficult than when firing with the right hand.
There are plenty of extras that come with this set, including a sight pin that helps with aiming, finger rollers, an armguard, and an arrow quiver. Two safety glass arrows are also included, however, these aren’t especially sturdy. If your child is firing into harder objects, they’ll break over time. Fortunately, it is easy to buy extras or replacements since this fires real arrows.
Being a bow and arrow set, this is ideal for the younger kid who wants to shoot at targets or a cardboard box. The sight pin lets you aim with accuracy and the finger rollers let your child easily fire the arrow. It is lightweight and easy to hold as well.
Pros
- Great choice for kids interested in archery
- Designed for ages 4-7 years
- Easy to find replacement arrows
- Armguard and finger rollers provide added safety
- Sight pin for increased accuracy
- Arrow guide
- Lightweight design
- 8-13 lb. draw weight
Cons
- Not as ambidextrous as advertised
- Arrows could be more durable
Adventure Awaits! – 2-Pack Handmade Wooden Bow and Arrow Set
The Adventure Awaits! – 2-Pack Handmade Wooden Bow and Arrow Set comes with two bows, twenty arrows, and two quivers so siblings or friends can play together or they can have a backup. It’s recommended for ages 12 and up.
The bow and arrows are made from durable bamboo wood, so your child could get years out of this. Each arrow has a hard rubber tip that is hard enough to puncture a target like a cardboard box. There is also a hole in the bow that helps your child aim straight. As the arrow flies through, it straightens it to fly forward.
There are a few design flaws with the bow and arrow set. The wood isn’t smooth, so there is a risk of splinters. Additionally, there isn’t any fletching on the arrow. While there is still some accuracy from flying through the guide hole, it isn’t as accurate as a bow and arrow. With practice, your child should still be able to hit a target.
The tips of the arrows are hard, so you’ll want to be sure your child is shooting at a target and not people, animals, or window screens. If they use it indoors, it can leave black marks on light-colored walls so it might be best as an outdoor toy. This is also great for role-playing or as part of a costume.
Pros
- Bamboo wood is very durable
- Guide hole on the bow
- Hard rubber tips are good for target practice
- Fair amount of accuracy
- Easy to use
- Great for target practice or role-play
Cons
- No fletching on the arrow
- Wood isn’t very smooth
Comparing Toy Bow and Arrow Sets
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Dude Perfect Signature Bow Nerf Sports | 8.9 | 9.4 | 399.99 |
| Adventure Awaits! - 2-Pack Handmade Wooden Bow and Arrow Set | 9.9 | 8.8 | 32.97 |
| Marky Sparky Faux Bow - Foam Bow & Arrow Archery Set | 9.9 | 8.8 | 29.95 |
| GoBroBrand Bow and Arrow Set for Kids | 9.9 | 8.8 | 22.99 |
| Liberty Imports Light Up Princess Archery Bow and Arrow Toy Set | 9.9 | 8.8 | 18.99 |
| SainSmart Jr. Kids Bow and Arrow Toy | - | 8.8 | 14.99 |
| Zing Air Storm Fire Tek Bow | 8.4 | 9.4 | - |
| Bear Archery Scout Youth Bow Set – Hunter Green | 9.2 | 9.2 | - |
| Blue Skies Goods Kids Archery Set | 3.9 | 8.8 | - |
| Small Fish Bow and Arrow Toy for Kids | 8.9 | 8.0 | - |
| Zing Hyperstrike Bow and Foam Arrows | 8.2 | 9.6 | - |
How We Selected Toy Bow And Arrow Sets
Size and Age Range
You can find bow and arrow toys for kids of all ages. Usually, manufacturers recommend their toys for a set age range. This is for safety reasons and to help parents choose the best bow and arrow toy for their kid’s age and skill level.
If you choose something that’s too big or too complicated, your child will become frustrated instead of having fun. If you choose something that’s too small or ‘baby-ish’, an older kid isn’t going to want to play with their toy.
Finding the right size bow and arrow toy is important for user experience. If you choose a bow that is too big for your child, they are going to struggle with it. They might not be able to aim well or hold it properly, which can also be dangerous. Shopping within your child’s age range can help you find something the right size.
Something else you’ll notice is that bow and arrow toys designed for older kids might have target tips. These are tips that will penetrate the target and stay in place as your child shoots. While this would be more fun for an older child, it would be too dangerous for a younger child.
Durability
Bows and arrows have a lot of small parts that can break off. For example, the fletching on the end of the arrow could strip off or the string on the bow might snap.
To avoid the toy breaking and needing repairs, try to choose a durable bow and arrow.
If your child is going to be storing or using their bow outside, you’ll also want something that is weatherproof so it doesn’t crack from exposure to the elements.
Accuracy
One of the best ways for your child to have fun with their toy bow and arrow is to shoot targets. Several models come with targets, which encourages your child to play.
As an added benefit, target practice improves hand-eye coordination. Being able to aim is also useful for Nerf darts or when your child is playing with friends.
For your child to be able to shoot at a target and hit it, you’ll want a bow and arrow with good accuracy. An inaccurate bow and arrow set is going to cause more frustration than fun.
Safety
Even though toy bow and arrow sets are safer than traditional bows and arrows, you’ll still want to be sure it’s safe for your child to play with their new toy. Most have small parts, so they are not recommended for kids younger than three.
You’ll also want to consider the design of the arrow and how much force is behind them when they are shot. Even a foam arrow can be dangerous if it hits someone in the face.
Talk to your child about safety before giving them a bow and arrow toy. Discourage them from aiming at people and pets (unless the arrows are designed for shooting at people). Some bow and arrow toys are best used outside, where they are less likely to puncture window screens or break something. These are all factors to keep in mind as you make your decision.
FAQs About Toy Bow And Arrows
What are the benefits of archery for kids?
Like most sports, archery has many benefits for kids (and adults) of all ages. When your child pulls back on the bowstring and aims for their target, they’re working their upper body strength and hand-eye coordination. These are skills that improve with time. As your child pulls back the draw weight on heavier bows once they are ready, they are getting more of a workout.
Additionally, as they practice target shooting, their aim and hand-eye coordination are likely to improve.
Before your child shoots, they should take a deep breath and focus. By waiting until they are ready, they’re teaching themselves breathing skills that could help with emotional regulation. Additionally, your child is learning patience.
Archery is a learned skill that will take time to master. It will require mental toughness as your child overcomes frustration, especially if they aren’t hitting their target at first. Archery also teaches setting and reaching goals as your child improves and challenges themselves more.
Finally, archery is a lot of fun. It has the ability to be a social sport, especially if your child is visiting archery ranges or participating in competitions. Many people participate in archery year-round as well.
When should I get my child a real bow and arrow set?
Children are generally ready to start practicing archery with a real bow and arrow between ages 6 and 8. The biggest factor is the maturity, strength, and ability of your child. You’ll want to feel confident they can follow safety instructions. Additionally, it’s important that they are physically strong enough to pull back a real bow and arrow.
Experts at USA Archery recommend starting your child around age 8, while the NRA (National Rifle Association) recommends age 6. It’s important that you teach your child about safety and how to use a bow and arrow before starting target practice. Avoid using a sight on their bow until your child can handle it safely.
What is the best bow and arrow toy for a five-year-old?
For a five-year-old, the best bow and arrow toy is the GoBroBrand Bow and Arrow Set for Kids. This bow and arrow set lights up and it comes with a target and quiver. It is safe and designed for younger kids, ages three and up.
Additionally, there are six arrows so your child will get more play before you have to worry about finding or replacing them. As an added plus, this bow and arrow toy comes with a money-back guarantee.
What is the best bow and arrow toy for a teenager?
The best bow and arrow toy for a teenager is Dude Perfect Signature Bow Nerf Sports Biggest Nerf Bow with 2 Nerf Whistling Arrows. With it’s larger design and long distances, teens will love playing with it.
It’ll be an even bigger bonus if they are fans of the Dude Perfect show, where they can see all kinds of stunts that can be performed with this Nerf bow and arrow toy. This will keep them entertained for hours as they try to pull off different stunts.
