Outdoor
Water Balloon Toss
Also called Balloon toss, Egg toss (water version)
Partners toss a water balloon back and forth and step back after every catch; the last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.
- people
- 6–40
- time
- 10 min
- energy
- Medium
- materials
- Cheap to buy
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Fill the balloons not too full (so they have some give) and keep them in a bucket of water. Mark two lines 2 m apart; partners face each other across the lines.
- 1Each pair gets one balloon. On the signal, one partner tosses it underhand to the other.
- 2After every successful catch, both partners take one step back.
- 3A pair is out when their balloon bursts or hits the ground.
- 4Last pair with an unbroken balloon wins.
What to say3
- 1“Underhand toss only — nice and soft!”
- 2“Catch! Everybody take one step back!”
- 3“Two pairs left… this throw is for the win!”
Host tips3
- People in office clothes or with phones in pockets get angry, not amused. Announce it as a 'you will get wet' game and have spectators stand behind the throwers, not beside them.
- Overfilled balloons pop on the first catch and the game is over in a minute. Fill them only to about the size of an orange.
- Broken balloon bits end up all over the grass. Give a prize for the kid who collects the most pieces at the end.
Variants2
Bucket catch
One partner catches with a bucket or bowl instead of hands. Good for small kids.
Team line
Teams pass a balloon down a line of tossers and back; any burst sends it back to the start.
Safety4
- Latex allergy: check first and use latex-free balloons if anyone is allergic.
- Balloon pieces are a serious choking hazard for small children — pick up every scrap.
- Underhand tosses only; an overhand throw to the face can hurt eyes.
- Wet grass gets slippery — keep it away from walkways and the food area.
Good for
Occasions
BirthdaySchoolReunionTeam buildingFiesta
Venues
Outdoor