Balloons Over Broadway Activities Free and bursting with creativity – that’s what we’re after! This magical event, inspired by the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, offers a fantastic opportunity to engage kids with STEM concepts, history, and of course, imagination. Let’s explore some exciting and educational activities you can enjoy for free, all inspired by the wonder of giant balloons soaring through the sky.
Bringing the Parade Home: DIY Balloon Design and Engineering
What better way to capture the magic than by creating your own miniature parade? This hands-on activity combines creativity with STEM learning, making it perfect for kids of all ages.
Design Challenge: Dream Up Your Balloon
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Brainstorm: What fantastical creatures, characters, or objects would you like to see flying high? Encourage kids to think outside the box!
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Sketch it Out: Have them draw their balloon designs, focusing on details and unique features.
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Choose Your Materials: Everyday items like cardboard, construction paper, yarn, and even recycled materials can be transformed into amazing balloon sculptures.
Engineering Fun: Building the Balloons
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Building the Base: Cardboard or foam board can be cut into shapes to form the base of the balloon. This is where you’ll later attach your chosen “inflation” method.
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Adding Dimension: Use crumpled newspaper or lightweight materials to create the balloon’s shape and volume. Secure everything with tape or glue.
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Decorating Time: This is where the real fun begins! Let kids unleash their creativity with paint, markers, glitter, and other embellishments.
The Science of Flight: Exploring Inflation
- Balloon Power: Discuss the properties of helium and how it makes things float. You can even try inflating small balloons to demonstrate!
- Upcycled Flight: Experiment with alternative “inflation” methods for your creations. Try attaching paper streamers that will catch the air and create a sense of movement.
- Parade Route Testing: Head outside and test how well your creations move in the wind. Observe how different shapes and materials affect their “flight.”
Beyond the Balloons: Exploring the History and Stories
The magic of Balloons Over Broadway goes beyond the parade itself. Dive into the history and stories behind this beloved tradition.
A Legacy of Innovation: Meet Tony Sarg
- Introducing the Puppet Master: Share the story of Tony Sarg, the brilliant puppeteer who brought giant balloons to life in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- From Puppets to Parade: Discuss how Sarg’s innovative use of puppets and marionettes paved the way for the iconic inflatable characters we know and love today.
Vintage photo of Tony Sarg with his puppets
Storytelling Through Balloons:
- Character Deep Dive: Encourage kids to research the stories behind their favorite parade balloons. Are they based on books, movies, or historical figures?
- Write Your Own Parade Adventure: Spark their imagination by having them write and illustrate stories about their balloon creations participating in a grand parade.
Balloons Over Broadway Activities Free: Keep the Fun Flying High!
From hands-on STEM challenges to exploring history and unleashing creativity, Balloons Over Broadway offers a springboard for endless free and engaging activities. So gather your materials, let your imagination soar, and create your own parade of fun and learning!