A lot of parents are OK with having their kids play with toy guns, just as long as they don’t look like the real thing. You can find evidence that doing so makes them more likely to show aggression later on, and you can find evidence that it doesn’t. Personally, I would just rather not have a bunch of objects in my house that look like semi-automatic weapons. Something about encouraging kids to shoot each other in the age of mass shootings just isn’t in line with the way I’d like to raise my son. At the same time, I recognize that taking aim at targets — living or otherwise — is really fun.
I must not be the only parent out there who is ambivalent about this — as there are actually quite a lot of toy-gun alternatives available for our children. These aren’t just toy guns that are florescent yellow and orange. These are toys that have all the competitive aiming of those Nerf arsenals without reminding you in the least of modern violence.
Now, old-fashioned violence, on the other hand, might be a reference for some of these. Because, yes, once upon a time, trebuchets, bows and arrows, and axes were weapons of war. They’re just far enough removed from our current state of affairs that they don’t inspire the same kind of ick factor. But if they do, you’ll even find a couple of toys in this list that don’t even look like the weapons of olden times. Unless I missed the unicorn popper/marshmallow shooter chapter of history somehow?
Ready? Aim! … Pop!
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Zetz Unicorn Squeeze Dart Popper
There’s no sillier sight than these poppers in action — whether they shoot foam darts like this one or balls like other styles. They’re basically the antithesis of violence.
Zing Zax & Target
This suction cup ax-throwing game is harder than it looks. (I’ve tried!) Some kids (and their parents) need that extra challenge.
Hog Wild Air Strike Catapult
This catapult comes with soft foam balls ready to load and launch up to 30 feet in the air. Think of it as a colorful physics demonstration.
Playmaker Toys Slingshot Animals
We used to turn rubber bands into slingshots to send flying across the room. Slinging monkeys, pigs, chickens, and frogs seems like a vast improvement.
Skee Ball
The home version requires the same amount of skill and aim as the classic arcade games. The only thing missing are the tickets spitting out after every game.
Fun Express Marshmallow Blow Blaster
So, germs and stickiness might get spread about with this blow-dart style marshmallow blaster. Maybe just play with it among family when it’s time for dessert.
Marshmallow Fun Classic Snap Dragon Shooter
There’s a secret compartment in this handheld slingshot where you can store extra marshmallows. Those are for shooting, or for snacking on while waiting to ambush your target.
Giggle ‘n Go Magnetic Dart Board
Playing darts isn’t just for adults who like bars and don’t feel like talking to each other. This gets competetive, in the best way, and with these magnetic darts, you don’t have to worry about anyone losing an eye.
Stomp Rocket Ultra
You can’t necessarily hit a target with the rockets you launch with a powerful stomp. But it’s kind of the best way to release any frustrations or excessive energy.
Tangerine Toys Bow & Arrow Play Set
The fact that these “arrows” look more like xylophone mallets makes us feel very comfortable about arming our kids with them. They’re even appropriate for ages 3 and up.
Kiddie Play Bow and Arrow
Using a bow-and-arrow with a standing target like this makes it feel like you’re training for the Olympics, not for hunting. Suction cups are much kinder to any unintended targets, too.
Biulotter Foam Water Blaster
This has all the reach of a traditional water gun without looking a bit like one. Buy this pack of six for when the whole family needs to cool off.
TiMi Tree Water Balloon Launcher
We are pacifists, in general, but we may be tempted to start an all-out war with some neighbors using these at the next block party. It shoots water balloons up to 500 yards, so maybe don’t aim it directly at anyone.
NERF Black Panther Power Slash
Superheroes don’t need guns, right? They just need high-tech armored gloves that shoot darts. This is also available for other Marvel characters.
EISCO Projectile Motion Slingshot Kit
The aim of this toy (see what we did there?) is to teach kids basic concepts of physics — kinetic energy, objects in motion, and more — without them hating you for doing it. You’ll build this slingshot together (it just takes 10 minutes), and then experiment to see how placing it at different angles affects the trajectory of the included ping-pong ball.
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