Balloon games are fun activities to plan for a kids party. In this article you will find not only games to play, but also ideas for goody bags to send home and balloon prizes to hand out.
To make your balloon games go with any theme, color code the balloons to the theme, or call the balloons another name. If you are hosting a dinosaur party they could be dino eggs, at a space party they could be called moon rocks.
Balloon Balance
How long can you walk with a balloon on your head, how many balloons can you hold at once, or any other challenges the kids can come up with will be the heart of this game. It is non competitive, unless you want it to be. If so, just time the kids to see how long they can manage each thing.
Marble Balloons
Put marble in balloons and blow up. You will need 3 more balloons than children. Throw balloons up and don't let them touch the ground. They will wobble all over the place, making this game much more difficult than it seems on the surface.
Balloon Notes
This is a musical balloon game. You need to place balloons on the floor and have children dance around. When music stops each child grabs a balloon. The child did not have a balloon chooses whose balloon gets popped. Each balloon should have a note inside, but only one note should say winner. The child that chooses the right balloon and the child that is holding the balloon wins.
Balloon Fun
Kids should blow up the balloons and try making sounds with them. There is no winner or loser, but they have a ton of fun.
Crazy Course
Make a crazy maze for the children to guide their balloons through. The person with the fastest time wins.
Balloon Race
Kids blow up their balloons and stand in a line, side to side. On the count of three everyone should let their balloons go and the person that made it the farthest wins. (You will need a different colour for each person, or a name tag on each one.)
Balloon Volleyball
Form two teams and determine a centre line. Children try to hit the balloon back and forth without dropping it. For added difficulty get more than one balloon going at a time.
Balloon Fight
Kids should each be given a numbered balloon. They are responsible for keeping that number off the ground. While they are doing that they are free to knock someone else's to the ground. Be sure there is a ref standing around.
Inflation Race
Divide the kids into two teams. See how many balloons the kids can blow up in three minutes. Adults can help each team tie the balloons. The team with the most balloons at the end is the winner.
Stuff Your Shirt
Kids put on an oversized shirt and stuff as many balloons as they can into the shirt in one minute. Keep score and the kid with the most balloons wins.
Three Legged Race
Two children try to keep a balloon between them without using their hands as they walk from start to finish. They can put it between their hips, chests, backs, etc. They may not drop the balloon or they have to start over.
Balloon Burst
This game will only work if it is sunny outside. Have children come up in teams of two and try to pop the balloon using only a magnifying glass. The person with the best time wins.
Balloon Stomp
Tie a string to a balloon. You will need enough balloons for each child. Tie the string around the child's ankle and have them run around trying to stomp on someones balloon while trying to save their own.
Balloon Seizures
Place a large pile of balloons in the middle of the floor. Have children in a group run in, picking up and holding as many balloons as possible until the time runs out. After two minutes the person still holding the most balloons wins.
Balloon Artistry
Give each child an inflated balloon and have permanent markers available. Kids should draw on the balloon, making it look like the birthday child. A panel of judges should decide the winner.
Crafty Fun
Set out stickers, balloons, pipe cleaners, etc. Let the kids make their own creations. They can take their new buddies home to remind them of the fun day they have had.
Balloon Favors Or "Treat Bags"
- Pack a small bag with all shapes and sizes of balloons, a small pump (available at most dollar stores,) and markers to decorate their creations.
- Pack a favour bag with a large balloon, and some paper feet, eyes, nose, etc. Include instructions. They will have all they need to create a balloon person at home.
- Make balloon rocket kits. You can show how to use one at the party and then send home with a kit of their own. Here are the instructions.
- Make a ship in a balloon kit. Here are the instructions. You could also use this idea for a centerpiece at your party. Really fun! Anything that floats could take the place of a boat, to suit your theme. You could even put one of those really cool expand in water toys into the balloons.
Balloon Prizes For Games
- Place Tootsie Pops inside a non-inflated balloon and tie a string around the stick of the pop and the end of the balloon. That is two prizes in one!
- Balloon Bean Bags: Cut off the end of the balloon where you blow it up. Fill the balloon with rice or beans. Cut of another balloon end and slip the filled balloon inside, open side down. Do this a third time for security. You will use three balloons and about 1/2 cup of rice per beanbag.
- Balloon Dinosaurs: Use this easy and fun craft as decorations, and then start handing them out as prizes for kids to take home.
Rebecca Weber - Kids are our future!
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