The little toy shop down the street sells foam "nerf-like" swords that really are harmless for under $10. If you could find some you could then teach your children some rudimentary fencing (of course no aiming at the head or face). Also poking using the point rather than swinging to use the edge is less hard on the various knick knacks, lamps, and other household items that could victims of childhood swashbuckling.

Panache

As Cyrano said "Then out swords, and to work withal!"