If you’re looking for cheap things to do at your next bash, you’ll love these party games to play with balloons!
Just how cheap, you ask?
In many cases, all you’ll need is a pack of balloons and a few supplies that you probably have around your house, so very cheap!
Also, since there’s a worldwide helium shortage (true story, I kid you not), none of these games require renting an expensive helium tank.
Let’s check them out!
►►►Don’t miss: 20 Awesome Things to Do at a Graduation Party◄◄◄
Indoor Party Games to Play with Balloons
Stuck indoors on party day? No problem! These balloon games were meant to be played inside. As promised, no helium required.
Like I mentioned above, the shortage has seriously driven up the price on helium tanks. IF you can find them, they’re running between $50-100!
In comparison, they were about $20 the last time I threw a party.
So, to save you money (and to save helium for medical industries that really need it), I’m sticking with games that don’t need it.
Also, this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we get a small commission at no extra charge to you.
Now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, let’s talk balloon games!
1. Tush Pop Game
Some people call it the “Sit and Pop.” I was going to call it “butt pop” game, but “tush” sounds classier.
Whatever you call it, this is probably the most well-known balloon party game ever.
How to Play it:
The concept is simple: players try to be the first person to pop a balloon by sitting on it.
Add a fun twist by writing different actions (like “do the chicken dance, hop on one foot, etc) on slips of paper and stick them inside the balloon.
Players have to pop their balloon AND be the first to complete their action to win.
2. Indoor Balloon Sitball
Too rainy to play football outside? Move the game indoors with this fun balloon game!
How to Play it:
Before the party, blow up a few “football” balloons and cut out pieces of cardboard for guests to sit on.
During the game, players sit on the cardboard and scoot around the room, trying to get the balloon into the goal.
This game is perfect to play at a football themed party! Need more inspiration? Check out this football balloon centerpiece:
3. Battle of the Balloons
The Spruce has a fun game that’s guaranteed to be a great ice-breaker at your next bash! It’s also incredibly easy to set up!
How to Play:
Before the party, blow up a bunch of balloons in two different colors and tie a string to each balloon.
During the game, divide players into two teams and have them tie a balloon around their ankle.
The goal is to step on and pop all of the opposing team’s balloons while avoiding popping your own!
4. Balloon Balance Indoor Relay Race
For this game, you’ll need little more than a few balloons and a wooden cooking spoon!
How to Play
Divide players into teams of 3-4 people and give each team a wooden spoon and a balloon.
Set players up at even intervals throughout the room (or go big and use several rooms!).
The goal is to carry the balloon on the spoon and pass it off to the next player until the first team reaches the finish line. If they drop the balloon they have to go back three steps!
5. Balloon Pyramid Minute to Win It Game
This is a really cool Minute to Win It game that uses balloons and plastic cups!
How to Play
Set out balloons that aren’t blown up yet and six plastic cups per team.
During the game, players have to blow up a balloon inside a cup, then use it to carry the cup to another table, where they’ll make a pyramid without using their hands.
First player to finish their pyramid wins!
Outdoor Party Games with Balloons
Ready to move the party out into the sunshine? Read on for some fun games you can play with balloons outside!
1. Capture the Balloon
Similar to Capture the Flag, but with a balloon as the flag instead!
How to Play
Divide your guests into two teams and give each team a different colored balloon.
Give teams 5 minutes each hide their balloon somewhere outside.
Keep the other team indoors during this time so they can’t see where it’s hidden.
During the game, each team has to try to find the other’s balloon AND “capture” it.
First team to capture the balloon wins. This game is even more fun when played at night with glow-in-the-dark balloons!
2. Water Balloon Dodge Ball
A much less painful spin on the game that most schools have banned, water balloon dodge ball is a fun way to cool off on a hot day!
How to Play
Before the party, fill up a few buckets full of water balloons. You’ll want enough for everyone to throw at least 2-3 balloons.
During the game, divide players into two sides of your yard and arm each side with a good supply of balloons.
The rules are simple: if you get hit with a water balloon, you’re out. Last player standing wins!
3. Water Balloon Volleyball
Everyone’s favorite beach pastime gets a watery upgrade with this fun outdoor balloon game!
How to Play
If you have a volleyball net handy, set that up in your backyard. If not, you can easily make one by follow the directions in the video below:
During the game, divide players into teams and set out a bucket of balloons to act as your volleyballs.
While in regular volleyball your goal is to get the other team to miss the balloon, here you’ll want to “spike” it just right so that it pops on them!
4. Balloon Dart Game
The classic carnival game also works great as an outdoor party game!
How to Play:
Before the party, blow up small balloons (or use water balloons!) and attach them to some type of board.
You can use a pegboard if you have one handy. If not, just tape or glue several pieces of cardboard together to make a thicker board.
Attach the balloons either with string through the pegs, or with a tack carefully stuck through the end that sticks out when you tie it (what is that called? No clue!).
You’ll also want to attach “prize” tags to the balloons, a la carnival style. If you’re on a tight budget, you can just make one balloon a prize winner and challenge players to find it.
For a messier variation, check out this video:
5. Water Balloon Paint Ball
I’ve always wanted to play paint ball, but I heard that those pellets hurt! Here’s a slightly less painful variation that’s still a blast!
How to Play:
Check out the video below on filling water balloons with non-toxic washable paint, then make a hefty stock of them.
Divide players into teams and set up a “home base” for each player. Stock the base with filled balloons as well as supplies to make more if necessary.
The rules are fairly simple after that. Don’t get hit! If you do, you’re out. Last team with a player still standing wins.
If you’re not sure how to play paintball, check out these guidelines.
See how much fun you can have with little more than a handful of balloons? Who said parties had to be expensive!