GetKidsOut

Get Kids Out

How to Make Your Own Wooden Slingshot at Home

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As a child, I could sit for hours with my slingshot hidden in a bush, ready to fire if a small bird happened to come by.

Today, that´s not something I would encourage my kids to do. There are more merciful ways to hunt than with a slingshot. Nevertheless, the slingshot is a fun toy and a fantastic pastime for children, both to make and to shoot with.

Here are some tips if you want to make your own slingshot:

Find a suitable Y-shaped branch. Here where we live (Finland), it’s easy to find suitable branches of willow, although willow is not a very strong wood. Oak, birch, and rowan might be better, but it can be more challenging to find symmetrical branches of these woods.”

Once you have cut the branch, you can strip the bark and let the wood dry for a day if you have the patience.

The thickness of the rubber should be adjusted according to the user. If the slingshot is intended for a child, the rubber should be thinner and shorter than for an adult. A rule of thumb is that when you hold the slingshot with your arm extended, you should just be able to pull it up to your cheek.

When tying, it’s important to stretch the rubber simultaneously to prevent it from coming loose. There are many types of string that don’t work well with the rubber, but ordinary gift ribbon works well. Leather is a good material to use for the pouch. Make small holes and thread the rubber through them.

Ready to fire! Link to the video on instagram below!

Video

Boost Bug Learning with Google Lens

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Google Lens is a cool and user-friendly tool for discovering and learning about small bugs and creatures, even for kids. It quickly provides names and facts about what you find.

If you hate spiders, you can think of it as free CBT treatment.


The Creator has been very creative. I’d like to see the most impressive insects and creatures you’ve discover.

Two Fun Activities with Kids on Rainy Days

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Fishing

  • Gear Up in Raincoats
  • Just bring one fishing rod if you have small children. One sharp hook whizzing past their ears is usually enough. Otherwise, know your blood types.
  • Put a life jacket on children who can’t swim so you don’t have to be so hysterical.
  • If you find worms gross, you can use something else as bait, like corn, bread, or a piece of sausage. Ice cream is a bad choice; hard to get on the hook and melts quickly.
 

Safari

 

If you prefer to stay dry, you can hop in the car and drive out on forest roads. During our recent safari in the local area, we saw a squirrel, a hazel grouse, a lapwing, and two roe deer.

 

Welcome to GetKidsOut-blog!

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Get the kids outside. Put on those boots and head out. There are so many great reasons to do it, and it can actually be fun.

The idea behind GetKidsOut is to motivate families to spend more time outdoors. In a time when screens and indoor activities often dominate children’s lives, we want to remind you of the joy and learning that nature has to offer. In this blog, we’ll share tips, ideas, and stories to make it easier for you and your kids to get started.

Glad you found your way here, but now, just go outside!