Kidoloo
🎈

Balloon Keepy Uppy

One balloon. It must not touch the floor.

For ages2y - 10y
Time available15 min
Prep2 min
Mess
Noise
YouYes, I will join in

Ten minutes of real physical effort in a room too small for a ball.

What you need

  • a balloon

How to do it

  1. Blow up a balloon and clear the floor space.
  2. The only rule is that the balloon must not touch the ground.
  3. Count how many hits you manage as a team.
  4. Add a rule each round: only left hands, only heads, no hands at all.
  5. Try it sitting down for the final round.

Why this is good for them

A balloon falls slowly, which gives children time to track it and position themselves. That makes it far more achievable than a ball for younger or less coordinated children while still demanding real tracking and timing.

Adapting by age

2 to 3 yearsNo counting, no rules. Just hitting it.
8 to 12 yearsTwo balloons at once, or add a no-repeat-player rule.

Keep it safe

Burst balloon fragments are a serious choking hazard for under-threes. Clear every piece immediately and do not use with children who mouth objects. Watch for latex allergies.

Cleanup tip

Pop it into the bin at the end rather than leaving it deflating around the house.

More like this

20 min

Bubble Chase

You blow. They chase. That is the whole thing and it works every time.

12 mo - 6yMess Noise Yes, I will join in
15 min

Freeze Dance

Music on, dance. Music off, freeze. That is the whole game.

2y - 9yMess Noise Yes, I will join in
15 min

Torch Tag

Lights off, one torch, and a spot of light to chase around the room.

2y - 8yMess Noise Yes, I will join in
15 min

Egg and Spoon Walk

A potato on a spoon and a very slow, very serious walk down the hall.

3y - 9yMess Noise I will set it up, then step back
25 min

Corridor Bowling

Ten plastic bottles, a soft ball, and a hallway.

3y - 11yMess Noise I will set it up, then step back
25 min

Hopscotch

Ten squares of chalk and a stone. Still undefeated.

3y - 10yMess Noise I will set it up, then step back