Activities / Play
Balloon rocket race
A balloon zooms along a string from one chair to another. Make two and race them.
- Ages5+
- Time15 minutes
- A grown-up helps withTying the string and blowing up balloons
How to make it
- Thread the string through the straw.
- Tie each end of the string to a chair. Pull the chairs apart until the string is tight.
- Blow up the balloon and pinch the end shut. Do not tie it.
- Tape the balloon to the straw while you keep pinching.
- Slide the balloon to one chair, count down from three, and let go.
Why it works
Air rushes out of the back of the balloon, and that push sends the balloon the other way. Real rockets move for the same reason: they push gas out one way and go the other.
Try next
- Try a bigger balloon. Does it go farther?
- Tilt the string uphill. How steep can the rocket climb?
Safety note. Balloons are a choking risk for children under 8 when broken or not blown up. Pick up popped pieces right away. A grown-up should be nearby for the whole activity.
Watch it
The video for this activity is on its way. It will be on our YouTube channel first.
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