Star Wars fans will love this DIY NERF target shooting game featuring the villains we all love to hate!
We pretty much eat, sleep and breathe Star Wars at our house, thanks to a certain obsessed 9-year-old.
So when a certain villain killed a certain hero in “The Force Awakens,” there were major tears. (And not just from the 9-year-old.) And though it’s not the Jedi way, there was also a fair bit of anger.
But we’re working through that and training to battle the biggest villains from Star Wars with this DIY NERF target shooting game.
Star Wars, NERF, bad guys versus good guys — does it get any better?
I’m excited to be sharing this simple, inexpensive outdoor game as part of the Summer Fun Series hosted by Nap-Time Creations. Be sure you click over to Emily’s blog for a summer’s worth of kid-friendly crafts, recipes, outdoor activities and sewing projects. You’ll find links to other great activities at the end of this post.
Jackson and I are definitely excited to try out many of these projects.
But first, we’re going to show you how easy it is to make your own Star Wars target shooting gallery, featuring the biggest villains in the galaxy.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, but I only recommend products I use and love. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Supplies
- 20X30-inch foam board
- adhesive vinyl
- electronic cutting machine, such as a Cricut or Silhouette Cameo
- vinyl transfer tape
- craft knife
- T-square
- cutting mat
- nylon rope
- duct tape
- Star Wars SVG files
Instructions
To make our NERF targets, I used my Cameo to cut out vinyl silhouettes of various Star Wars bad guys and Imperial vehicles.
Jackson chose the targets: Jabba the Hut, the Star Destroyer, an AT-AT, Emperor Palpatine, Kylo Ren, Darth Maul, Boba Fett, Darth Vader and a stormtrooper.
I purchased the SVG cut files from various Etsy sellers. Most came in a Star Wars mega bundle that I know we’ll use for many arts and crafts projects and Star Wars parties. I also purchased a Kylo Ren SVG and a set with Darth Vader and a stormtrooper.
I cut the silhouettes out of adhesive vinyl and used vinyl transfer tape to transfer the designs to foam board.
We just bought cheap foam board from the dollar store. I cut them in half, lengthwise, with a utility knife to create two 20X15 targets from each piece of foam board. (Be sure to use a cutting mat to protect your work surface. I also like to use a T-square to get a straight cut.)
Then we placed the targets around the backyard and Jackson took aim with his NERF gun arsenal.
We also hung a few targets from the pergola on our patio.
We mounted the Star Destroyer on black foam board and added foil star stickers.
Ready, aim, fire!
Since Boba Fett, the bounty hunter, has a jet pack, Jackson decided he needed to hang from the pergola, too.
But his jet pack was no match for a good blaster, kid!
Jackson had a blast battling the villains and saving the galaxy, and I think any Star Wars fan would love this target shooting game. Adults included.
You can use any NERF gun with this target shooting game, but these are a few of our favorites:
And when you’re fighting Star Wars villians, it’s always a good idea to have extra darts or discs.
Remember, the galaxy is in your hands!
If you’re looking for other outdoor activities for kids, be sure to check out these posts:
And don’t miss out on my other Star Wars ideas.
Be sure to visit Nap-Time Creations and these other bloggers for more kid-friendly ideas.
Danielle | Backyard Zest
These villain poster look incredible. I can’t believe I’d never heard of that cool Cricut cutting machine. Is that what you used to make these? What a great crafting and DIY tool to have.
Frugal Hausfrau
It IS a great set up – you’ve one lucky boy!! The bean bag toss is cute, too! Thanks much for coming to Throwback Thursday and sharing!! 🙂
Mollie
Mother of 3
Such a fun idea! My boys would LOVE this!! Great for birthday parties, summer fun & even May the 4th (Star Wars Day!). Pinned.