Balloon Boat

Balloon Boat
Overview:

One thing I've learned is that kids love to make crafts that move. Not only does the boat zip across water, the motor is made by the continual blowing up of a balloon! It's super cool!

You will need:
  1. Balloon
  2. Pen
  3. Bendy straw
  4. Thin rubber band
  5. Tape
  6. Styrofoam hot dog take-out container
  7. Scissors
Rating:
No votes yet
Supervision:
1 adult per 10 children
Difficulty:
Attention, please! (a few rules to follow)
Age:
Preschool, School-age, Tweens, Teens
Mess Factor:
Clean and tidy
Prep Time:
No prep time needed!
Time Length:
5 - 15 minutes
Step 1:

To begin, tie the empty balloon to the straight end of the bendy straw with a rubber band. Wrap the rubber band around as many times as possible so the balloon is secure.

Step 2:

With scissors, cut the hot dog container in half along the crease. (Older children should be able to do this themselves, but the little ones might need some adult assistance.) Then select half of the hot dog container to use for the boat. You can put the other half away or give to a friend for them to make a balloon boat themself.

Step 3:

With the pen, poke a hole through the bottom of your boat. The hole should be about an inch from the perimeter.

Step 4:

Now take your straw with the balloon on it and slide the bendy end inside the boat and out the bottom. The bendy part of the straw acts as the propeller under the boat!

Step 5:

Secure the bendy straw in place with some tape!

Step 6:

Your boat frame is complete. Decorate it however you like. When it is ready to sail, blow up the balloon from the bendy part of the straw and quickly place it in water. As the air escapes from the balloon, the boat will take off across the water!

Materials:
  1. Balloon
  2. Pen
  3. Bendy straw
  4. Thin rubber band
  5. Tape
  6. Styrofoam hot dog take-out container
  7. Scissors

Sophie's Tip of the Week

These days, it's better to be safe than sorry -- so many children have nut allergies that it's best to avoid them altogether. Don't forget to ask your guests if there are other specific allergies to be aware of, like lactose intolerance or gluten-free diets.