Magic Inflating Balloons

Can you make a balloon inflate without using air? Sure you can! You just need to make carbon dioxide gas, which is easier than you think. When your vinegar and baking soda touch, get ready to watch the bubbly reaction!

  1. Ages: 5 - 16

  2. <30 minutes

  3. Messy

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Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Step 1

    Gather your materials!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 1

  • Step 2

    Use one of your funnels to pour vinegar into the bottle. Fill it about 1/3 full.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 2

  • Step 3

    Use your other funnel to pour baking soda into the balloon. Fill it about 1/2 full. A grownup can help with this part if it's tricky for the kids.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 3

  • Step 4

    Stretch the opening of the balloon over the opening of the bottle. While you do this, pinch off the balloon opening so that no baking soda escapes into the bottle!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 4

  • Step 5

    Lift the balloon up, allowing the baking soda to pour into the bottle. This causes a carbon dioxide gas reaction that makes the balloon inflate. How cool is it to watch the balloon expand?

    Photo reference of how to complete step 5

  • Warning

    After the balloon is fully inflated, pull the balloon off and discard it (as balloons are a choking hazard).

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