Best Dartboard for Kids? (Safe & Fun!)

Looking for a fun and safe way to introduce your children to the exciting world of darts? A **dartboard for kids** is the perfect solution, providing hours of entertainment while developing hand-eye coordination and basic math skills. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the best **dartboard for kids**, covering safety features, different types of boards, and fun games to play.

Choosing the Right Dartboard for Kids: Safety First!

When it comes to selecting a **dartboard for kids**, safety should always be your top priority. Traditional steel-tip dartboards can pose a risk of injury, especially for younger children. Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives available that provide all the fun without the danger.

Here are some key safety features to look for:

• Magnetic Dartboards: These are arguably the safest option. Magnetic darts have flat, magnetic tips that stick to the board without sharp points. This significantly reduces the risk of puncture wounds and makes them ideal for younger children.
• Velcro Dartboards: Similar to magnetic dartboards, velcro dartboards use soft, velcro-covered darts that adhere to a fabric-covered board. They’re another excellent choice for younger children and beginners.
• Plastic-Tipped Dartboards: While not as safe as magnetic or velcro options, some plastic-tipped dartboards come with softer, rounded plastic tips that are less likely to cause serious injury. Ensure the tips are flexible and not brittle.
• Surround Protection: Regardless of the type of **dartboard for kids** you choose, consider adding a surround. A surround is a padded ring that fits around the dartboard, protecting the wall from stray darts and further reducing the risk of injury.

Remember to always supervise children while they are playing darts and teach them the importance of aiming carefully and avoiding horseplay. Establishing clear rules from the start will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Types of Dartboards Suitable for Children

While traditional sisal dartboards with steel-tip darts are generally not suitable for children, several safer alternatives offer a similar playing experience. Understanding the different types of dartboards available will help you make an informed decision based on your child’s age, skill level, and safety considerations.

Magnetic Dartboards: A Safe and Fun Choice

As mentioned earlier, **magnetic dartboards** are one of the safest options for children. The magnetic darts stick securely to the board, providing a satisfying “thwack” without the risk of sharp points. These boards are available in various sizes and designs, including double-sided boards with different game variations.

Velcro Dartboards: Soft and Kid-Friendly

Velcro dartboards are another excellent choice for younger children. The soft, velcro-covered darts are gentle and safe, making them ideal for indoor play. These boards are often brightly colored and feature fun, cartoon-like designs that appeal to children.

Electronic Dartboards with Soft-Tip Darts

While electronic dartboards typically use soft-tip darts, they are generally more suitable for older children and teenagers. These boards offer a more advanced playing experience with features like automatic scoring and game variations. If you choose an electronic dartboard, ensure that the soft-tip darts have rounded, flexible tips and that the board is placed in a well-lit area.

Regardless of the type of **dartboard for kids** you choose, make sure it is age-appropriate and that your child understands the safety rules before playing. You could even look into **darts travel kit** to bring the fun with you!

Setting Up Your Dartboard for Kids

Proper setup is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. Here’s how to ensure your **dartboard for kids** is installed correctly:

• Choose a Location: Select a clear, open space with ample room for players to stand and throw. Ensure there are no obstacles or hazards in the throwing area.
• Mounting Height: The standard height for hanging a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor to the center of the bullseye. This height may need to be adjusted slightly for younger children to ensure they can reach the board comfortably.
• Oche (Throwing Line): The distance from the front of the dartboard to the oche (throwing line) should be 7 feet 9 1/4 inches (2.37 meters) for steel-tip darts. For soft-tip darts, the distance is typically 8 feet (2.44 meters). Adjust accordingly based on the type of darts being used.
• Secure Mounting: Use appropriate mounting hardware to securely attach the dartboard to the wall. Make sure the board is level and stable.
• Surround Protection: Install a surround around the dartboard to protect the wall from stray darts.

Following these setup guidelines will help create a safe and enjoyable playing environment for your children. Looking for **dart flights in bulk** will ensure you always have plenty of spares.

Fun Darts Games for Kids

Darts isn’t just about hitting the bullseye; it’s about having fun! Here are some kid-friendly dart games that are easy to learn and enjoyable to play.

Around the World

The goal of this game is to hit each number on the dartboard in sequential order, from 1 to 20. Players take turns throwing three darts and must hit the next number in the sequence before moving on. The first player to hit all the numbers from 1 to 20 wins.

Cricket

Cricket is a more strategic game that involves hitting specific numbers (usually 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and the bullseye) three times to “close” them. Once a number is closed, only the player who closed it can score on that number. The first player to close all the required numbers and have a higher score wins.

Simple Score

This is a basic game where players take turns throwing three darts and adding up their scores. The player with the highest score after a predetermined number of rounds wins. This game is perfect for younger children who are still learning to add.

Countdown

Each player starts with a set score (e.g., 101, 201, or 301). Players take turns throwing three darts and subtracting their score from their remaining total. The first player to reach exactly zero wins. This game helps children practice their subtraction skills. You can even keep score with a digital **darts scorer man**!

Custom Games

Feel free to create your own dart games based on your child’s interests and skill level. You can assign different point values to specific targets or create themed games based on their favorite characters or movies. The possibilities are endless!

Teaching Proper Dart Throwing Technique

While the primary goal is to have fun, teaching your child basic dart throwing technique can help them improve their accuracy and enjoyment of the game.

• Stance: Encourage your child to stand with one foot slightly forward and their weight evenly distributed.
• Grip: Teach them to hold the dart lightly but firmly, using their thumb and forefinger.
• Aiming: Help them align their eye, dart, and target.
• Throwing Motion: Emphasize a smooth, consistent throwing motion, using their arm and wrist.
• Follow Through: Encourage them to follow through with their arm after releasing the dart.

Remember to be patient and encouraging. Learning to throw darts accurately takes time and practice. Celebrate small victories and focus on progress, not perfection. You can even compare your skill to a **sharpshooter dart** player someday!

The Benefits of Playing Darts for Kids

Playing darts offers a variety of benefits for children, both physical and mental.

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Darts requires precise hand-eye coordination, helping children develop this important skill.
• Focus and Concentration: Aiming and throwing darts requires focus and concentration, helping children improve their attention spans.
• Math Skills: Scoring darts involves basic addition and subtraction, helping children practice their math skills. The **point system darts** offers great opportunities for math.
• Problem-Solving: Darts can be a strategic game, requiring players to think critically and solve problems.
• Social Skills: Playing darts with others can help children develop social skills and learn to cooperate.
• Fun and Exercise: Darts is a fun and engaging activity that can help children stay active and entertained.

Maintaining Your Dartboard for Kids

Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your **dartboard for kids** and ensure it remains in good condition.

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the dartboard and darts with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt.
• Dart Rotation (for Electronic Boards): Rotate the dartboard periodically to distribute wear and tear evenly.
• Dart Tip Replacement (for Soft-Tip Darts): Replace worn or broken dart tips to ensure accurate scoring.
• Proper Storage: Store the dartboard in a dry, safe place when not in use.

Investing a small amount of time in maintenance will help keep your **dartboard for kids** in top condition for years to come.

Conclusion: A Safe and Fun Activity for the Whole Family

A **dartboard for kids** offers a safe, fun, and educational activity that the whole family can enjoy. By choosing the right type of dartboard, setting it up properly, teaching basic throwing techniques, and playing fun games, you can create a positive and engaging experience for your children. Remember to prioritize safety and supervise children while they are playing darts. With a little planning and preparation, you can introduce your kids to the wonderful world of darts and help them develop valuable skills while having a great time. Consider checking out the Digital dart score app for an engaging way to keep score. So, are you ready to bring the excitement of darts into your home? Start exploring the options and find the perfect **dartboard for kids** today!