- 10 - 15 mins
- Gross motor, hand eye coordination
- Minimal mess
- Easy!
Need an affordable, quick activity that will keep your little ones busy? This balloon whack experience is super easy- with just some string and some balloons you can create a whole lot of fun that will keep your little ones active and engaged. Your child will engage their gross motor development and use hand eye coordination to maneuver the pool noddle to whack the balloons dangling in the air. Fun for big and little, this is one sure to be loved!
What you will need
- Balloons
- String
- Masking tape
- Pool noodle
- Stanley knife
Activity steps
This is an adaptable activity and can be done with older children, however I suggest you set up outside where there is more room to run, and spread out!
Setup
- Blow up your balloons and tie it off with a length of string.
- Using your tape, attach a long length of string from one side of the room to another.
- Now tie your balloons along the string. Leave room between each one and make sure they are high enough to dangle in the air and at a good height for your children.
- Using the Stanley knife cut your pool noddle into small sections creating multiple whacking sticks.
- Give your child a pool noddle and lets them whack the balloons till their hearts content!
Extension activity
- Why not add some textured sounds to your balloons? Using a funnel, add some household items such as rice or macaroni inside your balloon before you blow them up and secure them to create some delightful musical sounds. It might be a good idea to set these up outside though, just in case they pop!
Learning Outcomes
- Gross motor development
- Balance & coordination
- Hand eye coordination
- Body awareness
Reference sites
We would like to acknowledge these amazing sites that have inspired us to create this activity. Thank you!