Bow & Arrow Crafts for Kids

A bow and arrow can be a great accessory for a Halloween costume.

Archery dates back to the stone age. Historically used as a method of hunting, as well as a method of ranged fighting, archery is famous for its use by medieval defenders in Europe as well as for its use by the Native Americans in North America.

Branch Bow

One way to make a simple bow is to use a fallen branch from a tree. Simply tie elastic around each end of the branch so it is tight but flexible enough to launch your arrows. To make an arrow for this bow, use long, straight, fallen twigs. Add some clay or play dough to the end of your arrow so that if you accidentally hit someone you won't hurt them. Make a target and practice your archery skills.

Willow Bow

Put your woodworking skills to work in making your bow and arrow by making a bow from a willow branch. First, strip the branch of any bark. Drill holes on either end of the branch for the string of the bow to pass through. Tie twine into one hole and then pull it taut before tying it in the other hole. Make the arrows from smaller branches and pieces of wood.

PVC Bow

You can also make a bow from PVC pipe. Use a thin length of PVC pipe, roughly 1/2 inch in diameter and around 40 inches long. Cut a notch on each end for the bow's string with a utility knife. Tie a knot in some strong string and slot it into the notch. Pull it tight and fix it to the other end of the pipe. Make sure it is taut enough to launch arrows but loose enough to pull back. Make arrows from fallen twigs with an eraser or other cushioning tip affixed to the end.

Pipe Cleaner Bow

A pipe cleaner bow and arrow craft is suitable for very young children. Make the bow from a wooden craft stick, painting it with glitter paint or any type of nontoxic paint desired. Use a piece of pipe cleaner as the bow's string, wrapping the ends around the top and bottom of the wooden craft stick. Make arrows out of other lengths of pipe cleaner. This bow and arrow craft is more for decoration and will not function as well as the other crafts.