Learn how to make a bow and arrow with pvc pipe and easy to find supplies. This bow and arrow is super simple to make and makes a great party favor if you are hosting a party! The best thing is the kids love them and it can ecourage hours of creative play.
Keep kids busy with these fun crafts!
How to Make a Bow and Arrow out of Pvc
When my boys were little we did several parties centered around this PVC bow and arrow. Now we have a little girl who just saw the movie Brave, so these wildly fun bow and arrows have made another appearance. This DIY bow and arrow made out of PVC is really cool. It is an easy way to learn how to make a bow and arrow for kids.
PVC Bow Supplies
You will need the following supplies:
- 40″ of 1/2″ PVC pipe (these come in 10′ sticks of schedule 40 thickness)
- 16″ X 3/8″ dowel rods (purchase a 48″ piece that makes three arrows)
- 6″ of foam pipe cover (use a 3/4″ diameter piece that is sold in 6′ lengths)
- thick nylon string (I used very heavy duty nylon string)
- a lighter to seal the ends of this string
- scissors
- a hacksaw or fine tooth jig saw
- duct tape
- zip ties
- foam cut into triangles (I used 2″ thick foam home insulation cut into approximately 3″x 3″ triangles)
One 10′ pipe will make three bows. Cut pipe into 3 equal 40″ pieces
How to Make a Bow and Arrow In Easy Steps
Tie a large knot into the end of the nylon string. It needs to be big enough to not slip through the notch in the PVC. Use a lighter or match to burn the end to keep it from fraying.
Cut a one-inch long notch into one side of the PVC pipe on each end. Next place the knot into the notch. Pull tight and make sure the knot is big enough to not slip through. A bead can also be tied to the end to keep it from slipping.
Pull the string tight along the cut PV pipe and cut sting and tie a knot about 4 1/2 inches from the other end of the pipe. Bend the pipe and slip the knot into the other end.
Wrap a piece of duct tape (or electrical tape) around each end of the pipe to keep the string from popping out.
Place the pipe insulation foam around the middle of the PVC pipe. Bring edges together and secure on each side with a zip tie. Trim the ends of the zip tie close to the handle.
Stick the dowel into the foam and remove. Now coat the end of the stick with hot glue and place back into the foam. A slit can be cut into the end of the dowel to make it easier for the child to place on the string of the bow. Such a simple PVC bow. You could easily make this good bow look even more realistic with a little spray paint.
Bow and Arrow for Kids
It takes some practice and patience but these girls mastered it. The PVC bow kept our Brave girls busy until sunset!
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I hope you love this kids pvc pipe bow and arrows and that it will bring you loads of fun! This DIY movie screen is pretty amazing and here’s are a couple of other ideas to keep the family creating and having fun.
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What a cool idea!
Yes, Melissa, there are pro archers, matter of fact. I hope you were able to watch replays of the archery eliminations, semifinals, and trophy events of the olympic archers. It was WAY exciting for those of us who have competed at any point in time. If all you can handle is “one” event, watch the final. Exciting, exciting!!! And if she does to take up the sport (they even have a junior olympics organization), be sure she takes classes so she develops correct form. It gets so discouraging to practice and practice, yet not know what you’re doing wrong 🙂 (As hobbies go, it’s not nearly as expensive as some!)
How fun and clever. I think both of my not so little ones would actually enjoy this!
Oh, what a great idea. We have a friend’s son in Canada that really enjoyed using our real bow and arrow, but we sure are not going to give him a real one. I just might have to make this for him for Christmas.
YOU CAN ALSO TAKE A BLOW TORCH TO THE PVC AND GENTLY BROWN THE OUTSIDE BEFORE ASSEMBLING AND IT WILL LOOK LIKE REAL WOOD! THANKS FOR THE FUN IDEA!
My kids loved this project! Thank you for sharing.
The photographs are AWESOME! Especially that first one! 🙂
I have just finished a “Ride into History” with some kids and adults. One boy made an arrow out of a small limb and feathers and lashed a real arrow head onto it. Making a bow out of another limb and a string. I thought he did a great job in replicating the iIndians. Yours is a great project depicting a safe, modern tool. Thanks
um, hmm…how should I put this….YOU JUST MADE MY LIFE. or my daughter’s life to be exact! She’s 6 and ‘Brave’ has consumed her world and imagination — she wants to be a professional archer now (is there such a thing??) — this is too fabulous, thank you!!!
Such a neat idea…I will be making these with my son. Thanks!:)
love this idea, my boys are going to have a blast. Can’t wait to put this on the calendar. FUN!
oh my gosh this is so awesome I’m pinning it for our next Hunger Games Party!
marissa
rae gun ramblings
How fun!!! What’s crazy is that I already have everything I need to make this after making my parrot a play stand!
thank you for this! My daughter is far to young, but my boys have really wanted a bow and arrow set for a long time! This is one I wont mind them having. No sharp edges!
I see a project with my daughter coming on. Thank you!!