Arrow bow - Bows for children
A wooden children’s bow is often the first proper piece of sports equipment that helps children develop patience, concentration and coordination — whilst immersing themselves in a world of adventure and medieval tales. Here you’ll find bows and arrow sets for children from around 4 years old right up to beginner’s bows for teenagers and adults — as individual bows, compact sets or with a handy quiver.
Which bow is suitable for which age?
Toddlers & pre-schoolers
The 80 cm bow is ideal for first steps. The draw weight is kept low enough that little hands can draw the string safely and cleanly. An integrated sight aid supports correct arrow placement — particularly important for beginners who have not yet developed a feel for the correct posture.
Primary school children
As children grow taller and gain strength, they move on to the 95 cm bow. It offers greater stability during the draw and allows for more accurate aiming. Sets including five arrows and a quiver are particularly popular in this size, as children want to fire several shots in succession.
Teenagers & adults
The 140 cm wooden bow made from ash wood offers significantly greater draw length and shooting power. It is suitable as a beginner’s bow for teenagers and adults who want to take up archery seriously — in the garden, at medieval events or in a club.
Basic rule: Bow size depends primarily on body height and arm span, not just on age. Two children of the same age may be significantly better suited to different bow sizes. If in doubt, it is better to choose a size smaller — a draw weight suitable for the child is more important than having as large a bow as possible.
Bow material: Why wood is the right choice
Wooden bows — particularly those made from ash wood — have proven their worth over centuries. Ash is flexible enough to allow the necessary bend and robust enough to withstand even rough handling by children. Compared to purely plastic toy bows, wooden bows provide a genuine archery experience: you can feel the draw, the string has tension, and the shot is tangible.
| Material | Suitability | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Ash wood | Traditional | Flexible, durable, authentic bow feel |
| Synthetic string (Dacron) | Beginners | More robust, weather-resistant, low-maintenance |
| Natural fibre string | Traditional | Authentic, but requires care in damp conditions |
| Plastic (toy bow) | Toy | Very light, but offers little in the way of learning technique |
For beginners, complete sets with arrows and quivers make more sense than buying items separately: the bow, arrows and accessories are designed to work together, ensuring that draw weight and arrow stiffness are compatible. Combinations put together yourself from different sources can result in arrows wobbling or flying erratically.
Set or single bow? Finding the right package
A single bow with one arrow is ideal for a first try – for experimenting in the garden or as an addition if you already have arrows. The 80 cm bow with a target aid and one arrow starts at around €14. Also ideal as a gift if you want to see first whether the child develops any interest in archery at all.
Sets containing a bow (80 or 95 cm), five arrows and a quiver provide everything needed for that first afternoon in the garden. The sight on the bow helps ensure the arrow is positioned correctly, whilst the quiver keeps the arrows within easy reach. For children who want to shoot regularly, the set is a far better choice than the single bow.
The 140 cm beginner’s bow made of ash wood is designed for teenagers and adults who want to get started seriously. Available as a set with five arrows. Those who wish to stick with it long-term can later upgrade with arm guards, finger gloves and additional arrows.
Archery and its impact on children
Archery is not merely a leisure activity — it specifically develops skills that are useful in everyday life and at school. The sequence of movements is clearly structured: pick up the bow, place the arrow, draw the string, aim, release. This repetition trains fine motor skills, patience and concentration in a way that children do not perceive as learning, but as play.
Archery is particularly discussed in relation to children with ADHD: the ritualistic, clearly defined sequence of each shot helps with focus. There are no distractions from other players, no noisy chaos — just the child, the bow and the target. Studies and anecdotal evidence from the sporting world suggest that this kind of structured individual concentration can lower stress levels and promote self-regulation. It is no substitute for an official medical recommendation, but as a complement to everyday life, archery is a positive addition for many families.
Added to this is the social aspect: archery in the garden, at a medieval market with the whole family, or at a club creates shared experiences. When the target is hit, the success is immediately felt — this boosts self-confidence in a very direct, tangible way.
Safety and legal issues relating to archery
- Children from around 4–5 years of age can practise archery under supervision — there is no legal minimum age for toy bows with a low draw weight
- Owning a bow and arrow is legal for children in Germany — toy bows are not classified as weapons under the Weapons Act
- Archery in your own garden is generally permitted, provided that no third parties are endangered
- Sufficient space and a safe backdrop (target, earth embankment or dense hedge) are important
- Children should never shoot unsupervised — even with a low draw weight
- Keep a sufficient distance from neighbouring properties — arrows can also veer off to the side
- Check arrows for damage before each shot — do not use splintered wooden arrows
- Do not shoot at living targets, animals or objects not intended as targets
- In public areas: if in doubt, check with the local council’s public order office
As a general rule: with a wooden bow sized appropriately for children and a responsible adult present, archery in the garden is a safe and meaningful activity.
Bows for children in a medieval context: market, costume and adventure
A children’s bow is far more than just a piece of sports equipment — it is an authentic accessory that completes a medieval costume. Whether a young ranger, archer or squire: with a bow over the shoulder and a quiver on the back, the result is a harmonious look that will delight at any medieval market.
Combined with matching medieval clothing for boys or medieval attire for girls, the result is a complete look that also impresses at LARP events. Those wishing to expand the outfit further will find suitable medieval children’s clothing and headwear in the shop to complete the authentic ensemble.
A bow set with a quiver also makes for a carnival costume or birthday present that will delight for years to come — long after the occasion is over. You’ll also find matching gift ideas with a medieval theme in the shop.
Whether for their first trip to the garden, their next medieval market adventure or as a gift for a young archer — browse through our range and find the right bow for your child. If you have any questions about the right size or equipment, you can reach us by phone or at our warehouse shop.
Frequently asked questions
With a bow sized appropriately for children and sufficient supervision, archery is possible from around 4–5 years of age. The decisive factor is not so much the exact age as the child’s height and their ability to draw the string in a controlled manner. The 80 cm bow with aiming aid is specially designed for this age group and has a deliberately low draw weight.
Yes, it is legal in Germany. Toy bows with a low draw weight are not classified as weapons under the German Weapons Act and are not subject to any age restrictions. It is important that children are always supervised whilst shooting and that the arrows are aimed exclusively at designated targets.
In principle, yes — you may shoot in your own garden provided that no third parties are endangered. It is important to have sufficient space, a safe background behind the target (e.g. a dense hedge or an earth embankment) and sufficient distance from the neighbour’s property. On public land, you should check with the local council’s public order office if in doubt.
The size of the bow depends primarily on the child’s height and arm span, not just their age. As a guide: children aged around 4–5 start with an 80 cm bow, children aged 6–10 with a 95 cm bow. Teenagers and adults should use the 140 cm model. If in doubt, it is better to choose a smaller size — a suitable draw weight is crucial for learning success.
Archery is viewed positively in relation to ADHD because the clearly structured sequence of movements — placing the arrow, drawing, aiming, releasing — helps children to concentrate on a single task. This kind of ritualised, calm sequence can lower stress levels and promote self-regulation. It is no substitute for professional treatment, but can be integrated into daily life as a meaningful complementary activity.