The Secret of Balloons
Try several ways to play with balloons—kick one, use static electricity to attract light objects, and release its air—then notice what happens each time.
- 2 years
- Some prep
- At home
- About 15 minutes
Developmental benefits
- Cognitive：Rubbing and releasing a balloon lets your child observe how static electricity and moving air can produce visible effects.
- Movement：Kicking, batting, and heading a slowly falling balloon gives your child practice coordinating whole-body movements.
Preparation
What You’ll Need
- 1
Several balloons
- 2
string
- 3
straws
- 4
empty cans
- 5
tape
Step 1
Kick the Balloon for Fun
An inflated balloon is large, light, and slow to fall. Give your child time to watch its path and move into place before it lands. They can kick it, bat it with their hands, or try tapping it with their head.
What to notice
- Balances on one foot while kicking the balloon with the other
Gross Motor - Watches the balloon’s path and gets ready to catch it before it lands
Emergent Mathematical Thinking
Tips
- Try more variations: bat the balloon toward the floor and watch it rise slowly, or see who can send it higher.
- A balloon falls more slowly and feels softer than a ball, making its path easier to watch while your child practices running, stopping, catching, kicking, and heading.
Step 2
Static Balloon Fun
Rub an inflated balloon on your hair, then hold it nearby and watch strands lift toward it. Invite your child to try attracting paper scraps, rolling an empty can, or moving another very light object with the balloon.
What to notice
- Rubs the balloon on their hair before using it to attract or move a light object
Exploration and Discovery - Points excitedly after the paper scraps lift or the metal can rolls
Relationships with Adults
Tips
- If your child skips the rubbing step, remind them to rub the balloon on their hair first, then try the object again and compare the result.
- Your child does not need a full explanation of static electricity. You can simply say, “Rubbing the balloon on your hair gives it static electricity.”
Step 3
Launch the Balloon
Inflating and releasing a balloon creates a stream of moving air. Let your child feel the air on a hand or arm, then let them release the balloon. For another experiment, attach the inflated balloon to a straw threaded on a taut string, release it, and watch it travel along the line.
What to notice
- Releases the balloon opening and watches the balloon fly away Exploration and Discovery
- Shows interest when the air from the balloon blows against them
Perception
Tips
- If your child does not like air on their face, aim it toward a hand or arm and let them watch and feel what happens as the balloon deflates.
- Before releasing the balloon, ask which way it will travel. After a few turns, attach it facing another direction and compare the launch path.
Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026