Top 8 Exciting Nerf Gun Party Games

Are you planning to throw an epic Nerf gun war party for your young one that will have their friends talking about it for weeks to come? 

These Nerf gun birthday party games will have your child and their friends laughing, running, and having a blast.

Last Updated: July 25, 2024  |  7 min Read

Affiliate disclosure: As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases.

We will also cover in detail some safety rules you need to establish as the host, to ensure that no one gets hurt and to guarantee great fun for everyone at the party. 

Find out how to plan a Nerf gun birthday party in our A to Z guide: Nerf Gun Party: The Ultimate Birthday Battle!

1. Nerf Gun Capture The Flag

Capture the Flag is a classic game that has been played for generations. The objective of the game is simple: each team must capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their base. 

Jus in case you’re not familiar with it, here’s how to play the traditional capture the flag.

How to play Nerf gun Capture the Flag

• Set a time limit for the game. This could be 30 minutes or an hour, depending on how much time you have.
• When the game starts, each team should try to capture the other team’s flag while defending their own. Players can use Nerf guns to tag opponents and eliminate them from the game temporarily.
• If a player is tagged by an opponent’s Nerf gun, they must return to their team’s designated respawn area before re-entering the game.
• If a player successfully captures the other team’s flag and returns it to their own team’s designated area without getting tagged, their team wins the game.

2. Zombie Apocalypse

In Zombie Apocalypse the objective is to survive and eliminate as many zombies as possible. Play this game as a team or as individuals. The zombies are fast and relentless, so you’ll need to be quick and strategic to survive.

How to play Nerf gun Zombie Apocalypse

• Choose one or more players to be the zombies. The rest of the players will be humans.
• When the game starts, the zombies will try to tag the humans. If a human is tagged, they become a zombie and join the zombie team.
• Humans can use Nerf guns to defend themselves and eliminate zombies. If a zombie is hit by a Nerf dart, they must return to their designated respawn area before re-entering the game.
• The game ends when all humans have been turned into zombies or when a certain amount of time has passed.
• If any humans survive until the end of the game, they win. If all humans are turned into zombies, the zombies win.

3. Nerf Gun Party Obstacle Course

A Nerf gun party obstacle course is a great way to get guests warmed up and ready for action.

Set up an obstacle course using items such as chairs, tables, and other household objects.

You can also purchase these cool Nerf gun inflatables.

To learn how to set up the battlefield for a Nerf gun war party, check out Nerf Gun Party: The Ultimate Birthday Battle! 

How to play Nerf gun party obstacle course

• Divide players into teams and have them take turns running through the obstacle course while being shot at by players on the other team with Nerf guns.
• The goal is to complete the obstacle course as quickly as possible without getting hit by any Nerf darts. If a player is hit, they must return to the starting point and begin again.
• After each team member has completed the obstacle course, the teams switch roles and the other team takes their turn.
• Keep track of the time it takes for each team to complete the obstacle course. The team with the fastest time wins the game.

Pro tip: Make the game more challenging by putting additional obstacles or have players carry a Nerf gun while completing the obstacle course.

4. Battle Royale

In Battle Royale, you’re dropped into a battlefield with other players, and the objective is to be the last person or team standing.

How to play Nerf gun Battle Royale

• Each player should have a Nerf gun and a set number of darts. The goal of the game is to be the last player standing.
• When the game starts, all players scatter throughout the playing area. Players can use their Nerf guns to tag opponents and eliminate them from the game temporarily.
• If a player is tagged by an opponent’s Nerf gun, they must return to their team’s designated respawn area before re-entering the game.
• To make the game more challenging, you can set up different areas of the playing area that are off-limits or have power-up items such as additional darts or shields.
• As the game progresses, the playing area will become smaller as players are eliminated. This creates a more intense and exciting gameplay experience.
• The game ends when only one player is remaining. That player is the winner.

5. Team Death Match

Team Death Match is a game that is played in teams. The objective is to eliminate the other team’s players. The team with the most surviving players at the end of the game wins.

6. Hit Man

In Hit Man, the objective is to eliminate all human targets.

How to play Nerf gun Hit Man

• Choose one player to be the Hit Man. The other players will be the targets.
• The Hit Man will have a set amount of time to eliminate as many targets as possible using their Nerf gun. Targets can move around and hide to avoid being hit.
• If a target is hit by the Hit Man’s Nerf gun, they are eliminated from the game.
• Targets can also eliminate the Hit Man by hitting them with their own Nerf guns. If the Hit Man is eliminated, the player who eliminated them becomes the new Hit Man.
• The game ends when the time limit is up or when all targets have been eliminated.

Pro tip: To make the game more challenging, you can add additional rules such as limiting the Hit Man’s ammunition or requiring targets to stay within a certain area.

7. Retrieve The Diamond

The objective is to retrieve a valuable diamond from the other team’s base and bring it back to your base without getting caught. This game requires careful planning, communication, and quick thinking.

Use the same game instructions for Capture the Flag above.

8. Mission Cards

Mission Cards is a game that adds an extra layer of challenge to any of the above missions. Players are given mission cards that contain specific objectives they must accomplish within the game. These objectives can range from eliminating a certain player to capturing a specific item.

How to play Nerf gun Mission Cards

• Create a set of mission cards that contain various objectives, such as retrieving an item or reaching a specific location. (See below for more mission card ideas.)
• Divide the players into two teams.
• Each team takes turns drawing a mission card and attempting to complete the objective within a set amount of time.
• Players can use their Nerf guns to eliminate opponents or to defend themselves while completing the objective.
• The opposing team can try to prevent the completion of the objective by tagging players or shooting their Nerf guns to hinder their progress.
• If a player is eliminated, they must return to their team’s designated respawn area before re-entering the game.
• The game ends when all mission cards have been completed or when time runs out.

Nerf Gun Party Games Safety Rules

Before the party begins, make sure to establish clear safety rules for guests to follow. This includes rules such as no aiming for the head, no shooting at close range, and no running with blasters. Emphasize the importance of safety throughout the party and enforce the rules as necessary.

1. Always wear eye protection

Make sure every child has proper eye protection.

2. Use only foam darts

Make sure all the participants use only foam darts and not any other objects that can cause injury.

3. Set boundaries

Set clear boundaries for the playing area, and ensure that everyone stays within them.

4. No headshots

Establish a “no headshots” rule to prevent any potential injury to the head or face.

5. No shooting at close range

Make sure the participants are aware that shooting at close range can be dangerous and can cause injury.

6. No modification to guns

Prohibit any modification to the Nerf guns, as this can make them unsafe.

7. No shooting outside of the designated area

Ensure that the children understand that shooting outside of the designated area is not allowed.

8. Always point the gun down

Teach the children to always point their Nerf guns down when they are not using them.

9. Respect for others

Encourage respect for others and ensure that the children do not shoot at anyone who does not want to participate.

10. Adult supervision

Ensure that an adult is present to supervise the children and enforce the safety rules.

Pro tips: Set a time limit for each game and designate a safe zone where players can reload and take a break. Keep score and award prizes for the team that wins the most rounds.

Final Thoughts About Top 8 Exciting Nerf Gun Party Games For Kids

These top 8 exciting Nerf gun party games for kids will take your child’s nerf gun war party to the next level! 

Don’t forget about safety rules when playing these games, as the fun should never come at the expense of safety. 

Find more party games in these age-appropriate sections:

Toddler Party Games

Kids Party Games

Teen Party Games

And if you need a step-by-step guide for party planning go to Kids Party Planning Pro: Getting Started Step By Step.

So, get ready to load up those Nerf guns, and let the games begin!