Ever seen your child turn a paper tube into a rocket launcher? Let’s take that imagination up a notch—with a real working paper compound bow and arrow! This craft is simple, clever, and surprisingly powerful (in a safe, kid-friendly way).
Why This Activity Is Awesome
There are so many benefits when parents and kids do this activity together:
✅ Builds fine motor skills
✅ Encourages creativity and focus
✅ A cool hands-on STEAM project
✅ Great bonding time for parents and kids!
Materials
Prepare these simple items:
- Scratch paper (5 sheets or more)
- A pencil (for rolling sticks)
- Sticky notes (for color and structure)
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
- Rubber bands (at least 3)
- Something pointy (to poke holes – like a pen or chopstick)
👉 Optional: markers or stickers for decoration
Simple craft supplies lined up: grid paper, pencil, scissors, tape, rubber bands (plus decorations if you like)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roll the Paper Sticks
- Use a pencil to tightly roll five equal-length paper sticks.
- Remove the pencil and tape each roll to secure its shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Frame
- Set one stick aside for later (this will be the handle).
- Flatten the remaining four sticks.
- Poke a small hole in the center of each.
- Wrap them with sticky notes for both color and durability.
Step 3: Connect the Frame
- Line up the four flattened pieces in a cross or “X” shape.
- Roll a tiny paper stick and tape it tightly to make it strong.
- Insert this stick through the holes in all four pieces.
- Stack and tape them together firmly.
- Tape the two middle arms side by side for extra support.
- Trim off any extra from the center stick.
Step 4: Add the Handle
- Take the fifth paper stick and tape it vertically across the center.
- This becomes the handle of your bow.
Step 5: Add the Rubber Band System
- Cut a notch at both ends of the horizontal arms.
- Link two rubber bands together.
- Hook one end into the left notch, the other into the right.
- Add a third rubber band across the bottom—it acts like a pulley.
- Test it: when you pull the bottom band, the top two tighten.
Step 6: Make the Arrow
- Roll another thin paper stick (the longer, the better!).
- Tape it securely to keep it firm.
- Optional: Add a paper point or tail for flair.
Step 7: Ready and Launch!
- Slide the arrow into the center band.
- Pull the bottom rubber band, release, and watch it fly! 💥
Congrats, archer—you’ve just built your own paper compound bow!
Personalize Your Bow
Let kids unleash their creativity:
- Use colored paper, stickers, or washi tape
- Make themed bows: superhero, jungle hunter, space explorer
Give it a fun name like “Storm Arrow” or “Paper Blaster 3000”
Make It a Family Moment
This isn’t just a toy—it’s teamwork, laughter, and learning all rolled into one.
Whether your child is 4 or 10, they’ll love launching arrows with you cheering them on.
Encourage parents to participate, not just supervise.
Bonus: it’s just as fun for grown-ups!
Watch the Full Video Tutorial
Need help with folding or the rubber band trick? Watch the full video here and follow along step by step!