NERF Battle Party
DIY Giant Nerf Darts Tutorial
Make your kid’s birthday party extra special with these giant DIY Nerf darts! They’re super easy to make, fun to play with, and can even double as party decorations. Here’s how I made them for my son’s birthday.
Materials:
- Pool noodles - I used blue, but you can pick any color: orange, neon green, white, etc.
- Orange book cover material - Found at Dollar Tree, but you can use alternatives like felt fabric, colored paper, painter's tape, or regular fabric.
- Cutting mat - Optional, but handy for clean cuts.
- Rotary cutter or scissors
Steps:
- Cut the Pool Noodles: Divide each pool noodle into thirds. One pool noodle makes three darts, so for 15 darts, I used five noodles.
- Prepare the Covering Material: Cut the orange book cover into 5” x 8” rectangular strips. These will wrap around each dart’s perimeter. Cut additional pieces into 4” squares. These will cover one end of each pool noodle.
- Attach the End Covers: Peel the backing off a 4” square piece. Stick it firmly to one end of a pool noodle section. Press down the excess material onto the sides of the noodle.
- Wrap the Perimeter: Peel the backing off a rectangular strip. Wrap it around the sides of the dart, overlapping the excess material from the square piece. Press firmly all around to ensure it sticks.
- Reinforce (Optional): If you want extra durability, secure the edges with clear tape.
Tips and Tricks:
- Mix and match colors for variety! You can use contrasting materials to give the darts a custom look.
- Use these darts to decorate a balloon arch or scatter them around the yard for kids to play with.
- For extra fun, set up a simple obstacle course or target practice game using these darts.
This project was a hit at the party! The kids loved playing with the darts, and they added a unique, playful touch to the decorations. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and customizable to fit your theme.
Ultimate DIY NERF Party Favor Bags + Supplies for the Perfect Battle!
Take your party to the next level with these custom-designed drawstring backpacks and all the battle essentials. Here’s how I put everything together to create an unforgettable experience for the kids.
DIY Party Favor: Custom Drawstring Backpacks
What You’ll Need:
- Orange drawstring backpacks
- Heat transfer vinyl (white, glow-in-the-dark)
- Cutting machine (newer version)
- Heat press (newer version) or iron
How I Made Them:
- Design the Artwork: I drew a fun NERF-inspired design tailored to the party theme.
- Cut the Vinyl: Using my cutting machine, I cut the design out of white, glow-in-the-dark heat transfer vinyl.
- Transfer the Design: With a heat press, I ironed the design onto each backpack, following the recommended heat guide.
Each backpack was not just a favor—it became part of the party experience!
What’s Inside Each Bag?
- NERF Blaster - One for each kid to join the battle.
- Pack of 10 Darts - Pre-packaged from a bulk pack of 500 darts.
- Protective Vests, Masks and Glasses - Safety first! These came in a pack of 8 and a pack of 2 to accommodate everyone.
Other Party Supplies:
- Table Cloth: Kept everything tidy during setup.
- Plates
- Balloons (love, round, arch kit): My first balloon garland—harder than it looked but worth the effort! I used a balloon pump to speed things up.
- Large Number Balloon: A must-have for marking the milestone year.
- Backdrop Sign & Targets: I made these with white poster board and blue, yellow, and red construction paper for added flair and practice targets.
- NERF Barricade Set: Doubled as bunkers for the kids to hide behind during the battle.
Tips for Success:
- Plan Ahead: Cutting and ironing designs for the backpacks takes time but is manageable if you start early.
- Bulk Buy Supplies: It’s cost-effective and ensures everyone gets the same items.
- Mix & Match Decorations: Combine balloon kits and craft supplies to personalize your setup.
- Safety Gear: Protective vests and glasses are essential for a fun but safe NERF battle.
Seeing the kids’ excitement when they received their personalized battle kits was the highlight of the party. With their gear in hand, they dove straight into the fun!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. I only recommend products I genuinely love and believe will help you create a memorable DIY costume experience!