101+ Best Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas For Students

Discover Balloons Over Broadway project ideas for students! Learn easy ways to create your own mini parade with activities that kids and families will enjoy.

Have you ever wondered how the giant balloons at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade are made? These huge, colorful balloons floating above the streets of New York City are loved by millions. But how did it all begin?

It all started with Tony Sarg, a creative puppeteer with a big idea. He was the one who brought these amazing balloons to life, turning the parade into something magical.

The story of Tony Sarg and his balloons is told beautifully in the book Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet. This book shows how Tony’s creativity and imagination changed the way we see parades today. Did you know that every year, around 3.5 million people watch the parade live on the streets, and over 50 million watch it on TV? That’s how popular it is!

If you’re interested in learning more about this story or just looking for fun activities to try, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we will share over 101 project ideas inspired by Balloons Over Broadway. These projects are perfect for kids and families to get creative together.

Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas PDF

What Is the Balloons Over Broadway Project?

The Balloons Over Broadway project is inspired by the children’s book Balloons Over Broadway by Melissa Sweet. The book tells the story of Tony Sarg, the brilliant puppeteer who created the iconic giant balloons featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These larger-than-life balloons are beloved by millions, and Tony’s creativity brought a new dimension to the world of parades.

The project usually involves activities that connect the book’s story with hands-on learning. These projects can include creating your own balloon characters, designing mini parades, or even exploring how to make your own puppets. It’s a great way for kids to learn about history, art, and the spirit of creativity.

Important Things Before Selecting a Great Balloons Over Broadway Project Topic

Before diving into the project, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Age Appropriateness

Choose a project that fits the age group of your students or kids. Younger children might enjoy simple crafts, while older students can take on more challenging activities, like designing a working balloon puppet.

Materials

Make sure you have all the necessary materials. Simple projects may only require paper, markers, and string, while more complex ones might need craft supplies like balloons, paints, and even lightweight building materials.

Time and Effort

Consider how much time you have for the project. If you’re short on time, go for quick activities like drawing or coloring. For longer sessions, you can explore building and crafting 3D models.

Educational Value

Ensure that the project includes a learning aspect, whether it’s about art, history, engineering, or teamwork. Projects that teach kids how to think creatively and solve problems are always a great choice.

How to Select the Best Balloons Over Broadway Project?

Here’s how you can pick the perfect project topic:

Align with Interests

Choose a project that aligns with your child’s or students’ interests. If they love art, focus on drawing or painting their own balloon designs. If they’re curious about engineering, consider projects where they build or experiment with moving parts.

Incorporate Learning Goals

Think about what you want children to learn from the project. This could include storytelling, design skills, teamwork, or understanding how parades are put together.

Keep It Fun and Engaging

The project should be enjoyable. Kids are more likely to stay interested if the activity is fun and interactive. Hands-on activities that involve movement or creating something they can play with afterward are always popular.

Involve Creativity

Encourage children to think outside the box. Let them come up with their own balloon characters or parade floats. This will help boost their creative thinking.

Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas

Here are some of the best balloons over broadway project ideas:

Art & Craft Projects

1. Create your own mini parade float using a shoebox.
2. Design a balloon character using paper mâché.
3. Draw your version of a Macy’s parade balloon.
4. Make a 3D model of a parade using clay or playdough.
5. Create paper puppets inspired by the book.
6. Use watercolors to paint a scene from the parade.
7. Design a balloon using fabric scraps and glue.
8. Build a balloon-inspired mobile to hang in the classroom.
9. Use recycled materials to create parade floats.
10. Make a diorama of the Macy’s parade.
11. Create a parade-themed collage using old magazines.
12. Draw a comic strip showing how Tony Sarg came up with his balloon ideas.
13. Design your own parade poster with markers and glitter.
14. Make finger puppets of parade characters.
15. Create balloon animals with colorful modeling clay.

STEM & Engineering Projects

16. Build a simple balloon-powered car.
17. Create a balloon float that can be moved using gears and pulleys.
18. Experiment with helium balloons to learn about buoyancy.
19. Design a mini parade balloon that can fly using helium.
20. Make a balloon rocket and measure how far it can go.
21. Build a floating balloon character using light materials.
22. Design and build a parade float using LEGO bricks.
23. Create a balloon maze game using magnets.
24. Make a paper rocket balloon launcher.
25. Test how different balloon shapes affect lift and movement.
26. Use straws, tape, and balloons to build a balloon bridge.
27. Create a pulley system to lift a parade balloon replica.
28. Experiment with parachutes using toy figures and balloons.
29. Design a robotic parade float with basic coding.

Writing & Language Arts Projects

30. Write a story about creating your own parade balloon.
31. Compose a poem inspired by Balloons Over Broadway.
32. Create a script for a puppet show based on Tony Sarg’s life.
33. Write a letter as if you were Tony Sarg pitching a new balloon idea to Macy’s.
34. Create a storyboard of the Macy’s parade history.
35. Write an acrostic poem using the word “BALLOON”.
36. Describe what it would be like to see your own balloon in the parade.
37. Write a journal entry from Tony Sarg’s perspective.
38. Research the history of the Macy’s parade and write an essay.
39. Write a persuasive piece convincing Macy’s to use your balloon idea.
40. Create a newsletter announcing your own parade float.
41. Write a step-by-step guide on how to make a parade balloon.
42. Design a brochure for a Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade tour.
43. Write a dialogue between two balloons floating in the parade.
44. Create a short comic about a balloon that accidentally floats away.

Math & Measurement Projects

45. Measure the height and width of various balloons.
46. Calculate the amount of helium needed for different balloon sizes.
47. Create patterns for balloon decorations using shapes.
48. Estimate the distance a balloon can float based on its size.
49. Use graph paper to design a balloon blueprint.
50. Calculate the costs of materials needed to make a balloon float.
51. Create a bar graph comparing different types of balloons.
52. Solve word problems related to balloon inflation rates.
53. Measure and cut out paper balloons using circumference formulas.
54. Estimate the time it takes for a helium balloon to deflate.
55. Count and categorize the types of balloons in a fictional parade.
56. Make a timeline of Tony Sarg’s life with important dates.
57. Practice fractions by cutting out different shapes of balloons.
58. Measure the volume of a balloon using water displacement.
59. Calculate how many balloons it would take to lift a small object.

Social Studies & History Projects

60. Research the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
61. Create a timeline of how parade balloons have changed over the years.
62. Study the art of puppetry and its cultural significance.
63. Research the life of Tony Sarg and create a presentation.
64. Compare parades from different cultures around the world.
65. Make a map showing the route of the Macy’s parade.
66. Explore the history of Thanksgiving and its traditions.
67. Create a family tree for Tony Sarg.
68. Research other famous inventors and their creations.
69. Interview family members about their favorite parade memories.
70. Study how parades have been used to celebrate events in history.
71. Create a scrapbook of historic Macy’s parade photos.
72. Research the evolution of helium balloons.
73. Investigate the environmental impact of balloon waste.
74. Make a poster on parade safety tips for organizers.

Creative & Fun Activities

75. Host a mini parade in your backyard with homemade floats.
76. Create balloon animals to represent parade characters.
77. Make a costume inspired by a parade balloon.
78. Host a “Balloon Day” where everyone dresses up as their favorite character.
79. Build a life-sized parade balloon using cardboard boxes.
80. Organize a parade-themed trivia game.
81. Set up a balloon pop game with hidden questions inside.
82. Host a drawing contest for the best balloon design.
83. Play a “guess the balloon” game using silhouette cutouts.
84. Create a TikTok or YouTube video explaining how to make a balloon float.
85. Organize a classroom or family parade with homemade decorations.
86. Make balloon-inspired cookies or cupcakes.
87. Host a movie day featuring the Macy’s parade scenes.
88. Create a balloon scavenger hunt with hidden clues.
89. Design a board game based on the book Balloons Over Broadway.
90. Plan a photo booth with parade-themed props.
91. Craft a parade hat using paper and ribbons.
92. Organize a talent show where students showcase parade-themed acts.
93. Play charades with parade-related words and themes.
94. Make a scrapbook documenting your balloon project progress.
95. Set up a “balloon science” experiment station.

Additional Creative Projects

96. Build a balloon-powered boat to float on water.
97. Make a parade float using marshmallows and toothpicks.
98. Host a balloon animal craft station at a school fair.
99. Create a parade playlist with themed songs.
100. Make a short stop-motion video with balloon characters.
101. Write a blog post reviewing Balloons Over Broadway.
102. Design a “balloon of the future” using futuristic materials.

What is the Main Idea of Balloons Over Broadway?

The main idea of Balloons Over Broadway is to tell the inspiring story of Tony Sarg, who created the first giant balloons for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It highlights his creativity and how his passion turned into a lasting tradition.

Is Balloons Over Broadway Nonfiction?

Yes, Balloons Over Broadway is a nonfiction picture book. It’s based on the real-life story of Tony Sarg and his contribution to the Macy’s Parade.

What Do They Do with the Balloons After the Macy’s Parade?

After the parade, the giant balloons are deflated and stored in a special warehouse until the next year. Some are repaired and reused, while others may be retired after a few years.

How Do Parade Balloons Work?

Parade balloons are filled with helium, which makes them float. They are controlled by handlers on the ground using ropes to keep them steady and in position throughout the parade.

Latest Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas

• Create your own balloon float design on paper.
• Build mini parade floats using recycled materials.
• Make a puppet inspired by Tony Sarg’s creations.

Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas for School

• Read aloud sessions followed by a craft activity.
• STEM projects to explore how helium makes balloons float.
• Create a classroom parade with homemade balloon models.

Balloons Over Broadway Read Aloud

This is a popular classroom activity where teachers read the book to students, followed by discussions on creativity and teamwork.

Balloons Over Broadway STEM Activities

• Experiment with filling balloons with air, helium, or water to see how they behave.
• Design a simple pulley system like Tony Sarg used for his puppets.

What Are Macy’s Balloons Made Of?

Macy’s balloons are made from durable, lightweight materials like polyurethane, which are strong enough to float while withstanding outdoor conditions.

What Do Balloons Get Filled With?

The balloons are filled with helium, a gas that’s lighter than air, which allows them to float.

What’s Inside a Balloon?

A typical parade balloon contains helium. The outer part is made of polyurethane to keep it light but strong.

How Much Do Macy’s Balloons Cost?

The cost to create a single Macy’s balloon can range from $190,000 to $220,000, depending on its size and design. Additionally, the upkeep and storage add to the overall expense.

Final Words

The story of Balloons Over Broadway is full of fun and inspiration. Working on projects based on this story can spark creativity and joy in both kids and adults. Whether you’re a teacher, a parent, or just someone who loves art and crafts, these activities are great for spending quality time while learning something new.

Hands-on projects help kids learn by doing. They can improve skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity. Plus, they’ll get to see how the famous Macy’s parade balloons were made. It’s a fun way to mix learning with play.

So, if you want to bring some of that parade magic into your home or classroom, these project ideas are a great start. Just like Tony Sarg dreamed big and brought joy to millions, you too can create something special. Try out these activities and watch your kids’ faces light up with excitement.