Free Printable Shooting Targets

Every parent needs an arsenal of easy and fun rainy day activities to keep their children busy when the weather doesn't allow outside play. Printable targets make great activities for children. Printable targets are usually used by gun owners to practice their marksmanship but they also can be used to improve hand-eye coordination in children. While not all printable targets are appropriate for children there are many that can be downloaded free and used in fun and creative ways.

Varmint has a nice selection of printable targets on their site. Most targets are traditional bull's-eye patterns, but they do have a couple cute squirrel targets. Tape the squirrel target to the outside of a small waist paper basket. Use packing peanuts or other small objects that resemble nuts and encourage children to feed the squirrel by landing the object in the basket. Small children in particular like the idea of feeding animals. Our World has a collection of printable animal targets should you want some variety in the animals you feed.

Gunloads has a large selection of unique printable targets that can be used for children's activities. Of course, not all their printable targets are appropriate, but some can be used to inspire rainy day fun. The 10Bottles printable target is wonderful for creating a makeshift bowling game. Just print out the target, cut out the bottle images, and attach them to cardboard cutouts. Use any small ball as a bowling ball and enjoy knocking down the "bottles". They also have traditional dart board style printable targets. These can be used with plastic darts or for added hilarity they can be used with wet spaghetti, wet marshmallows or other fun, squishy, sticky items. The smile printable target can also be lots of fun. Print out the target and throw small pieces of sponge dipped in washable tempera paint to try to create the eyes of the smiley face. Of course, if you are throwing paint it's best to hang the printable target on the wall of the shower for quick clean up.

There is no reason why a rainy day should impede physical activity. Aside from developing hand-eye coordination, "hitting the target" gives children a sense of accomplishment and gives them a way to release pent up energy when it's too cold or wet to play outside. Printable targets aren't just for gun toting NRA members, they are a wonderful resource for non-violent, age appropriate, creative play.