Hot air balloons capture a small child’s imagination like nothing else — they’re colourful, they float, and best of all, you get to travel in a basket attached to a giant balloon. If you’re looking for a craft activity to fill a rainy afternoon, let the kids take an unforgettable imaginary trip with this fun hot air balloon craft.
You Will Need:
- Printer
- Paper
- Colouring materials
- Glue
- String
- Small basket or box
Method:
1. Decide how many balloons you’d like to make. Download and print the templates from the list below. You can choose between the black and white version (which you colour in yourself) or the ready-coloured version. There are three front and three back sheets, in either coloured or black and white, so you can make three different balloons in total.
- Balloon 1 Coloured – Back & Front
- Balloon 2 Coloured – Back & Front
- Balloon 3 Coloured – Back & Front
- Balloon 1 Black & White – Back & Front
- Balloon 2 Black & White – Back & Front
- Balloon 3 Black & White – Back & Front
2. If you choose the black and white option, colour the balloons before cutting them out — it’s much easier than colouring after cutting. Pick your favourite colours and make each balloon different. It’s fun to look up photos of real hot air balloons together for a bit of inspiration first.
3. Cut out the balloons.
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4. Prepare a small box or basket — choose a size that will fit a small toy for the trip — and attach short pieces of string to all four corners.
5. Glue both sides (front and back) of each balloon together, sandwiching the ends of the strings from the box or basket in between.
6. Choose who goes into which balloon. You could use small stuffed animals, Duplo figures, or even cut out paper body shapes and colour them to look like members of your family.
Now for the fun part — where do you want to go? Fly over a jungle, soar above the sea, or head off to visit the North Pole? Don’t forget a warm scarf for that last one!
Off you go on a wonderful adventure!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this hot air balloon craft suitable for?
This is a lovely craft for younger children with a bit of grown-up help for the cutting and gluing steps. Older kids who are confident with scissors and glue can manage most of it independently.
Do I need the printable templates to make this craft?
The templates make it quick and easy, but you can also draw and cut your own balloon shapes freehand if you’d prefer, or if you want to make the balloons a different size.
How long does this craft take to make?
It depends how many balloons you make and whether you’re colouring the black and white version first. Making one balloon is a short activity, while three balloons with colouring in makes a nice longer rainy-day project.
Can I reuse the basket or box for a different craft afterwards?
Yes — once the strings are removed, the small box or basket can easily be reused for other craft projects.
More Craft Ideas You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this one, the kids might also like making Cute Paper Ice Lollies or trying out some of our 18 Easy Paper Crafts for Kids — both great for keeping little hands busy on a rainy day.
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