by 10 Fun Balloon Games For Kids
Updated: October 1, 2019
This post is read every month of the year and it seems that there is never a wrong time when it comes to playing balloon games for kids. The best part about these games is that they are for the little and big kids alike. Yes, even grown-ups love getting in on the fun with these games because they are so simple to play but loads of laughter is sure to ensue.
With the weather cooling down, that means that spending time outdoors will be limited for many (depending on where they live) and these games are easily played indoors as well as outdoors. It is also a great way to get kids up and active so that their body is moving and they have a chance to de-stress from school pressures and the drain electronics play on their brains.
All you need is a desire to have fun, a few packs of balloons, and a few supplies that are easily obtained at the dollar store or probably in your garage or basement. A variety of games is included in our lists and they are all easy to set-up, clean-up, and play for groups of all sizes and we know that you will enjoy them as much as the kids.
These games are also the perfect choice to play without worrying about things getting damaged or kids getting hurt like they may with traditional balls. Plus everyone will remember your house or party as the best place to be at this summer and all year long, once they get in on the fun with these balloon games.
Make sure they remember your gatherings as the parties of the summer with these 10 Fun Balloon Games For Kids.
Balloon Games For Kids
1. Water balloon fight – This classic game has been around for years and can be prepared ahead of time by filling the balloons up before the party. Divide kids into teams and get the game started by tossing a few balloons toward an unsuspecting suspect. Set the good old fashioned water balloon stakes higher by enticing the adults to toss a few balloons around and see who will win in the ultimate Adult vs. Kids Water Balloon Game Battle.
2. Water balloon Relay Race – For this relay race you will need 20 water balloons and 4 baskets or buckets. Place 2 buckets at one of the yard and the other 2 buckets at the opposite end. Fill the buckets on your “starting” line with 10 water balloons each. Each member of the team must take one water balloon at a time out of the bucket and race it to the other bucket without dropping it. The 1st team to transfer all 10 balloons wins.
3. Air Balloon Race – You will need masking tape, string, or a piece of chalk ,and a balloon for each child participating. Using the tape, string or chalk – make a starting line on the grass or sidewalk and repeat to create a finish line. Change the distance up based on the age of the children playing. With each child at the starting line, hand them each a balloon. When you say go, they must start to blow up the balloon and then let it go in the direction of the finish line. When it lands, they pick it up and blow it up again and repeat the process until one person crosses the finish line and is the winner.
4. Balloon Toss Up – This requires one balloon per child and you can use the start and finish line from #3. This time each child must blow up the balloon and tie it. Their goal is to then walk it across the finish line by hitting it up in the air as they walk. If it hits the ground, they go back to start. If they are caught holding the balloon they go back to start. The first person to cross the finish line without the balloon hitting the ground wins.
5. Balloon Basket Ball – Create a starting line and place a basket or bucket 3-5 feet away depending on the age of the child. Have each child take turns trying to toss the balloon into the basket/bucket. The first child to score 3 points wins. (You could set up 2 – 4 stations using the baskets/buckets from #2).
6. Stuff a pillowcase- For this game you will need 2 large pillowcases and 2 packs of inflated balloons. (You could also use a Tshirt that was tied shut at the bottom with a rubber band.) Divide into teams and see which team can stuff the most balloons in the pillowcase in the shortest amount of time. You can increase the difficulty by making them do it one handed, blindfolded or backwards.
7. Balloon Volleyball – Use string or a clothes line to create a “net” if there isn’t one around. Replace the volleyball with a Balloon and see who can score the most points.
8. Balloon Pop – Give each child 3-5 balloons and have them start at the same time and see who can pop their balloons the fastest using only their bottoms.
9. Balloon Sweep – This is best done inside so the balloons do not pop. Each team/person will need a broom and balloons. Set up a starting line and a finish line. Each person must sweep the balloon from one end to the other without popping it. If it pops they have to go back and start over. The team to get the most balloons over in a 5 minutes wins.
10. Capture the Balloon – You will need 4 baskets or buckets with 2 being stuffed full of balloons. Place an empty bucket on each end and the filled buckets in middle. At the count of 3,each team leaves from their “Home Base” bucket and runs to their bucket in the middle. They must take the balloons out of the bucket and take them back to their “Home Base” bucket. At the same time they can run to their opposing teams home and steal their balloons when they are not looking. The 1st team to fill up their “Home Base” bucket wins.
Substituting balloons for balls adds a new element to games and a ton of laughs are sure to follow thanks to the unpredictable nature of balloons. For just a few dollars you can create tons of fun for kids of all ages with these balloon games. If you liked these Balloon Games and are looking for some more ways to keep the kids busy check out the following:
DIY Fun and Simple Kid’s Games
Printable Mandala Coloring Pages
Ah there is some great ideas! I have 8 nieces and nephews so definitely will be trying some of these games with them!
Omg so many fun balloon games!!!! My daughter just loves balloons. She gets so excited every time she sees balloons!
PEfect games for summer! All children love balloons and your list is something I have to print and try one by one 😉
this is so cute and so cool.
The first thing I thought was, “Cool!’ I love a traditional balloon fight. My kids love this especially during the hot summer months.
These are great ideas that I would have never thought about it. It makes me want to plan a party and try to do some of the balloon games. Thanks for sharing.
hahahah! what joyous fun! i wanna try the air balloon race, sounds epic.
How awesome is balloon fun! I like wanna throw a balloon party now haha
These sound like a lot of fun especially during the summer! Water balloon fights are a must when you’re trying to beat the heat and still stay active with the kids!
Thanks for the list of balloon games! They are also perfect for summer especially with the kids. My fave will be the water balloon fight, just to make sure that we also pick up after our mess while throwing water-filled colourful balloons around. 🙂
This will be a fun summer game or games for the kids this summer! Thank you for all the great ideas !
This all sound like a lot of fun! I remember playing balloon games in the past and laughing a lot. So cool to see all of these options.
I’m the Mom of an only child and she is home with me every day since she doesn’t start school until Fall of 2017. These will DEFINITELY help me to keep her entertained! Thank you!
Oh I’ll have to share this with my sis to keep the kids busy this Summer. Such a great list!
Water balloon is definitely my favorite. You have a great list, I hope I can try this all.
These are fun ideas. I think Balloon Basketball is my fave!
These ideas are great for the picnic I’m having soon, plus what kid doesnt like balloons!!
Love all your ideas! I can’t wait to use them in our summer camps!
I remember water balloon fights with my brothers when I was a little girl. So very refreshing in the heat of summer. Thanks for reminding me of that.
I think broom sweep sounds incredible. I pinned this. Such a great reference for a party.
These are great! My daughter is having a birthday in August. I think I might try some of these 🙂
These are some great ideas! May use some of these to entertain my little nephews.
ooh such a cool ideas, great for parties and get together
A fantastic collection, and especially timely with summer here! I can just imagine all the fun especially when the balloons burst!
Since the weather is warming up, having a water balloon fight would be so much fun. Balloon volleyball is a perfect activity for rainy days.
What a fun article! I miss the days of doing things like this with my kiddos, now young adults. We did several of these but some are new to me 🙂 Maybe when I have grandkids.
This is an awesome list! I’m planning a birthday party right now and this is gold!
Very cute ideas!
Awesome game ideas to keep kids busy at a party. Thanks for sharing — I just pinned!
A game we like to play is have kids tie balloons to their ankles and then they try to pop each others balloons. Sometimes two balloons, one balloon to each ankle.
Great Ideas! Thanks for sharing…My kids love balloons and this list will come in very handy.
Oh how fun! I used to have balloon fights with my brothers all the time in the summer. They were so refreshing in the heat of the afternoon
This is super cool – sure looks like great time for the backyard games
Water balloons are my fav!
Great list, I’ll keep it on hand for upcoming birthday parties!
The balloon toss up is actually trickier than one might think, even for adults- I love playing with balloons, these are some great games!
My kids did balloon volleyball all the time when they were younger. What fun!
I remember doing stuff a pillowcase when I was a kid. I loved it!
Pinned this super fun approach to balloons. I think Adults would like most of these too!
My kids of course love balloons. These are great ideas. I hadn’t thought to do several of them. Thanks! Great summer fun.