Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Toy Blaster For Kids

Last updated on September 19, 2023
Best Toy Blaster For Kids

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

No matter what generation you belong to, chances are you’re familiar with toy foam blasters.  Today’s blaster products combine the safe materials that made them popular in their early years with the latest innovations to make them powerful and fun.

Toy blasters shoot balls or darts at targets that are designed to strike humans without hurting. They’re especially popular with older children, although many versions are safe for children ages 8 and up. Since the projectiles they shoot are soft in nature, they’re generally acceptable for indoor or outdoor use.

If you’re buying a Nerf gun for a young person in your life, pay close attention to shooting power. That’s the element of the gun that will be considered the most “fun.” However, if you’re concerned about safety and indoor use, you may not necessarily go for the most powerful, especially if you have younger children. Some models have shooting power of approximately 70 feet per second, although others can shoot at up to 100 feet per second.

Perhaps more important than shooting power is recovery. Some blasters can shoot rounds in rapid succession, while others have recovery time between each shot. You’ll also find that some blasters need to be reloaded after a few shots, while others will hold 25 or 100 rounds. That means more uninterrupted shooting time, which equals more fun for everyone.

Lastly, decide what projectiles you want to shoot. Some blasters shoot balls, while still others shoot darts. The option you choose will probably be a matter of preference, but you may find your own children prefer one over the other. You should also look into the number of rounds that come with the blaster you choose, as well as the purchase price for replacements since some of those rounds are bound to get lost during the course of gameplay.

Our Picks For The Top Toy Blasters For Kids

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

Max Liquidator Foam Water Toy Blaster For Kids, 6-Pack

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Max Liquidator

Foam Water Toy Blaster For Kids, 6-Pack

Let the battle begin with this large toy blaster for kids set. The set includes a total of six blasters, each of which are bright and colorful. The blasters are constructed using pool noodles, making them a safer choice for smaller children.

Overall Take

Safe for KidsThis toy blaster for kids is lightweight and will even float in a pool.

 Best for Target Practice

USA Toyz AstroShot Target Practice & Toy Blaster For Kids

USA Toyz

AstroShot Target Practice & Toy Blaster For Kids

If you're looking for a toy blaster for kids that also provides a target, go with this set. The target shooting gallery hovers give balls up in the air, so your little one can practice and improve upon their aim. Each set comes with 10 balls and 12 darts.

Overall Take

Cool Hover ActionThis blaster and target will keep your kids entertained while also helping them practice hand-eye coordination.

 Also Consider

POKONBOY Soft Foam Toy Blaster For Kids, 2-Pack

POKONBOY

Soft Foam Toy Blaster For Kids, 2-Pack

Although adults are welcome to use the this soft foam blaster, they are also designed for children as young as 3 years old. The darts have smooth edges and are made from a soft foam that is safe for kids. The gun itself is constructed from an environmentally friendly plastic that is sturdy and durable.

Overall Take

Tons of FunGrab this soft foam toy blaster for kids, recruit a friend and have hours of fun playing in the backyard.

Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster

Nerf

N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster

When you shoot the Nerf N-Strike Elite Strongarm Blaster, your darts can go up to 75 feet, although they'll perform best at only 50 feet. It can also fire rounds in rapid succession. It's a great gun for an affordable price and ideal for children ages 8 and up. We liked how lightweight this gun is, which made it easy to carry in one hand.

Overall Take

Long ShotWith darts that can reach distances of up to 75 feet, this Nerf gun is tons of fun.

What to Look For

  • No matter the age, toy blaster owners want to know their blaster has power. Some models can shoot rounds at speeds of up to 125 feet per second, while others come in at only about 70 feet per second.
  • Distance is important, as well. Some blasters can shoot as far as 70 feet, although they do best within 50-feet ranges.
  • Consider a blaster that can fire all loaded rounds in rapid succession.
  • If rapid-fire shooting is important to you, though, you may find some models bothersome. You’ll notice a slight delay after you pull the trigger before something happens.
  • Extended playtime can make an uncomfortable grip unbearable. Look for a toy blaster with a comfortable grip that will make it easy to play longer.
  • It’s important to note that blasters are better for older players, with a recommended age of 14 and up, although there are a few that are rated for ages 8 and up.
  • Stopping to reload can hold you back while you’re in the heat of battle. Consider a blaster that holds up to 25 rounds, which will keep you going for quite a while between reloads. Some models only have the ability to hold 8 darts. Others hold even less and must be reloaded frequently.
  • Price is a big differentiator when it comes to toy blasters. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to find one that fits your budget.

More to Explore

If you’re a fan of dystopian fiction, you may be interested to know that toy blasters have been designed to tackle post-apocalyptic challenges. The more advanced models for those ages 14 and older have the power to take on the types of foes seen in books like “Hunger Games” and TV series like “The Walking Dead.” While it’s doubtful you’ll be facing off against a zombie any time in the future, it’s comforting to know the toys in your house may just protect your family if things do someday fall apart. In addition to blasters, Nerf has also launched a line of crossbows, including one marketed toward fighting zombies.

More to explore