Balloons are a fun, inexpensive way to entertain kids at a party, or just in general, as there are all kinds of games that can be played with them that are not only fun for kids of all ages but any adults that might be around as well. Here’s a look at just nine of our personal favourites. And by the way, because you’ll need quite a lot of them, to save money – and get the best selection – buying wholesale balloons online is usually the best way to go.
Now, onto the games:
Pop Surprise
Blow up lots of balloons – enough for each child to have two or three each ideally – and fill them with small treats, sweets and/or little toy trinkets. Toss them out into the room and encourage kids to pop the balloons in order to reveal what surprise awaits them inside once they do. An adult version of the game? Affix the balloons to the wall and use darts to pop them instead (just like at the funfair)
Balloon Tennis
Blow up one or two of your wholesale balloons and then create easy ‘tennis racquets’ using paper plates and lollipop sticks. The simple object of the game is for a pairing – or even a team – to face off to hit the ball back and forth tennis style. This can be a great, non-competitive game to play when there are lots of kids involved or a more challenging one when two players are going head to head.
Balloon Defense
This is another great activity to amuse a larger group of older children. Give each child their own uninflated balloon and a length of string that is about two feet long. Have them blow up the balloons and tie one end of their string to the balloon and the other to their wrist. The aim here is to defend their own balloon while trying to pop everyone else’s. Adult supervision is advised, as things can get competitive and rowdy (but it’s a lot of fun)
Waddle Races
This is a game that can be played by 2 kids or twenty and the adults usually enjoy it too.
Inflate however many wholesale balloons you need so that each competitor has one each and there are then a few ‘spares’. Create a ‘running track’ with a start and a finishing line. Each contestant must place a balloon between their knees and then race to finish line without dropping – or popping – their balloon. The first one to do so wins. If everyone fails the race is reset, the extra balloons are distributed and everyone runs again.
Balloon Pass
This is a great choice for gatherings of ten or more. Split the kids (and/or adults) into equal teams and then have them stand in parallel lines, with each person standing about a foot away from the one in front. Hand each contestant who is the last in line an inflated balloon (you really will need to buy wholesale balloon if you are going to play all these games) Once the ‘referee’ calls start the teams must pass the ballon under their legs and then over the next person’s head. The winning team is the one whose balloon makes it – intact – to the front of the line first.
Balloon Keep Moving
This is a classic, easy balloon game that even very young kids can have a blast with. The object is simple; the balloon must stay in the air. If it falls to the ground the last person to touch it is ‘out’. The game continues until there is just one contestant left standing.
Balloon and Spoon
This is a balloon filled twist on the good old egg and spoon race. You’ll need lots of balloons – that wholesale balloons purchase coming in handy again, see – and some large wooden or plastic spoon. The contestants must balance their balloon on the spoon and race down a course. If they drop or pop their balloon they must return to the starting line and begin all over again. The winner, obviously, is the first person to make it to the finish line with their balloon on their spoon as they cross it.
Balloon People Factory
Blow up lots of wholesale balloons in a variety of colours. Set up a craft table with markers, stickers and maybe (if you can stand the mess) a little glitter glue as well. Let the kids decorate the balloons and turn them into ‘balloon people’ by adding faces. Lots of balloons are likely to get accidentally popped though – especially if the balloon artists are younger children – so have plenty of inflated extras on hand to replace those that do.
Balloon Power
This is a great way to introduce a little simple science to young kids. Place a ping pong ball on a flat surface. Inflate a balloon but do not tie the end. Placing the end of the balloon near the ball release the air so that it propels the ball along. You could even encourage the kids to have balloon power ‘races’ if you then hand out more ping pong balls and balloons. Adults should be the ones inflating the balloons for small kids though.