Supplies Pre-blown balloons (filled with air, not helium) Setup 1. Have the group spread out, arms length apart. 2. In a bag should be one pre-blown balloon for each person playing the game. 3. The game leader is in charge of distributing the balloons (at the right time), turning music on and off, and watching the participants. Sometimes the game leader could use a helper. How to Play 1. Once the group is nice and spread out, the game leader can turn on the music. 2. At the same time, a balloon should be released into the group. 3. As the group dances, the balloon needs to be kept in the air. Kids can hit it with their hands, heads, feet -- anything to keep it up! 4. Now you have TWO choices for this game: a. You can stop the music and all dancers must freeze while also keeping the balloon off the floor. IF somebody moves when they should be frozen, or a balloon hits the ground, ANOTHER balloon is added to the group. b. You can leave the music playing and ONLY IF a balloon hits the ground is another balloon added. 5. In the end, there should be as many balloons in the air as dancers on the ground. Tips 1. If you are having a themed party and are concerned that "balloons" and "dancing" don't fit the theme, you can always alter the name and concept of the game. At a bunny party it could be "Keep the Carrot in the Air." An orange balloon can be used as the carrot and the bunnies (dancers) don't want the carrot to spoil! At a princess party it could be "Keep the Crown in the Air." Again, a colorful balloon represents the crown that can not break by touching the ground. Stats Activity Length 15 - 30 minutes Age Preschool School-age Tween Teen Competitiveness Non-competitive (cooperative) Difficulty Easy peasy (fun and simple) Indoor/Outdoor Outdoors Mess Factor Clean and tidy Noise Level Rowdy Number of Players 20+ Prep Time 5 - 10 minutes Space Needed Medium (a clearable open space the size of a 2-car garage) Team Division Every man for himself (individual players) Teamwork! (divide into teams)
