Balloon waddle race
Pop a balloon between your legs and race your way to the finish line - without dropping it!
This giggle-filled classic is perfect for parties, playdates, or just burning energy on a rainy day. Each player places a balloon between their knees and waddles from one end of the space to the other, trying not to let it fall or pop.
You can turn it into a race, a relay, or even a silly obstacle course. It’s a great way to get the whole family moving and laughing together - and it’s surprisingly fun for grownups too.
For younger kids, just reaching the end of the course is a challenge. For older ones, add rules like no hands, hopping only, or team relays to level up the fun.
Materials
Prep
Step 1:
Blow up enough balloons for each racer (not too full to avoid easy popping).
Step 2:
Clear a small race space with a start and end point - or create a mini obstacle course with a few turns.
Step 3:
Mark the start line.
Play
Step 1:
Give each player a balloon to hold between their knees.
Step 2:
On “Go!”, they waddle, shuffle or hop to the finish line - without using their hands!
Step 3:
If they drop the balloon, they go back to the start.
Step 4:
First one to finish wins - or just play for laughs!
Extend
Team relay: Play in teams and tag the next racer after completing the course.
Animal mode: Call out silly themes like “waddle like a penguin” or “march like a robot.”
Backwards race: For older kids or grownups - add the challenge of walking backwards with the balloon!
