For those who wish to have more fun in the sun but don’t wish to meet the melting point, the Water Balloon Toss Game can provide that water-filled relaxation with some exercise thrown in the middle. Having a splash of good fun without actually making any splashes in the process.
Introducing the Water Balloon Toss Game
The Water Balloon Toss Game is one filled with both physical activity and the watery fun we all love to have when water balloons are involved. The enjoyment of getting wet whilst also beating your opponents in a competitive spirit. Promoting teamwork and hand-eye coordination in the process. Water-based games are one of the best ways to keep healthy and decrease the risk of heatstroke, so your kids can stay safe out in the sun.
The Water Balloon Toss Game features a few similarities to other outdoor watersports you may have heard of. You may recognise the other names Water Balloon toss goes by such as water bombs, balloon knots, swellephant or a simple throw down. However, the objective of Water Balloon Toss isn’t to get each other wet. To win, it’s actually the exact opposite. Whoever gets wet first is in fact, the loser.
What is Water Balloon Toss?
The aim of Water Balloon Toss is to throw each other a balloon filled with water and try not to pop it. Players will be constantly throwing the balloon at each other and all you must do is catch it without it blowing up in their face and getting them all drenched. It’s the perfect recipe for mischief in these hot summer days.
Number of players: Minimum 2+ players.
Ages: Suitable for all ages with younger kids having supervision.
Difficulty: Easy, with getting dry being the hardest part.
Main objective: To be the last player who hasn’t popped a balloon and gotten wet.
Why we love it: A fun, competitive game to keep players on their toes and staying active. It improves hand-eye coordination, improves team building with other children and helps kids make friends in group events set outdoors.
A Brief History of the Water Balloon Toss Game
Water balloons are used in many kinds of activities, not just in games. Even though we had balloons invented in the 19th century, the first water balloons didn’t appear until 1950. Apparently, it was invented by a man named Edgar Ellington as he was trying to cure “trench foot” for WW1 veterans. He filled it with water but when he saw it started leaking, he threw it in disappointment and BLAM. The water exploded, and he decided to sell it as a toy for children.
Water Balloon Toss Game Equipment
Here are all the things you need to get started with your very own Water Balloon Toss game:
Water
You’re going to need a refutable water source to keep your balloons filled with water. Preferably, have a hose ready with a nozzle. One that can easily fit around the opening of a balloon.
Water Balloons
Water balloons can be purchased from local stores or retailers. Or from online sites where you can get larger packs for good prices. You will need as many water balloons as there are players in your game.
Water bucket
Having a bucket ready to keep all of your water balloons is the safest way to stop them from popping.
Water Balloon Toss Game Rules and Gameplay
Standard rules
Here is a rundown on the rules of how to play the game. With extra rules on other variations of the game if you need to play it.
- Depending on how many players you have, it will be up to them to decide how the teams should be split. Every member should have an opponent to throw the balloon with. After teams have been sorted, you will give each team a single water balloon.
- Have the teams form two lines, with the two members of the team facing each other 3 feet away from the other. Then make sure each person in one line is holding a water balloon.
- When the signal is given, the player who is currently holding the water balloon will then attempt to throw it to their partner in front of them.
- The players will be passing the balloon back and forth from one another until finally it pops. A water balloon will usually pop when it hits the other team member, or it falls onto the ground. That team is then out until the next round then begins. The team will remain in the game as long as they keep catching the balloon in their hands and it doesn’t pop.
- If the water balloon falls to the floor and doesn’t break, they can pick it up and continue playing.
- After all the balloons have been thrown, the teams that still have them intact will then take a step back away from each other to give them a handicap. The further away the players are from each other, the harder the balloon is to catch and prevent from popping.
- The players will continue throwing until only one team is left standing with an un-popped water balloon.
Game Scoring and How to keep track
Keeping score is relatively easy, as all you need to do is keep track of which teams still have a water balloon. It’s also important to make sure that all teams are following the rules. For example, if they have had a water balloon after five throws, then they should have taken five steps away from each other after every round.
To make things better to keep track of, try marking the steps behind each team so you know how far they need to be apart from one another.
Different Variation
Other variations of the game exist as well, which follow the same rules but with new twists.
- You may not need to start in a line or in teams. Players can all throw the balloon at each other without popping it. Whoever gets the balloon popped is the loser and will be out of the game. Last one standing wins.
- Players can line up in a circle and throw the balloon to a random person in the circle. If they catch it, they take a step back. The circle will get bigger and bigger each round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are water balloons made of?
Water balloons are usually made from latex rubber, same as regular balloons. When filled with water, instead of air, this gives them a buoyancy.
Are water balloons environmentally friendly?
Since water balloons are made from latex, this material will naturally decompose. There is still a risk of the burst water balloons becoming choking hazards for animals in the wild. However, this risk is minimal.
Can water balloons injure?
There are risks to injury unless proper precautions are taken. If hit with enough force, they can bruise or scrape any part of the body, including eyes and ears. Make sure your water balloons are safe to use and supervise any child using them under the age of six.
Alternatives to Water Balloon Toss Game
Here are few alternatives to the game that include increased challenges and extra pieces of equipment:
Basket Catch
One player will hold a basket with holes in the bottom. The other player will throw water balloons into it. They will receive a point for each water balloon that lands in the basket without bursting. After five balloons have landed successfully, the players switch the basket. Winners are those with the most points.
Water Balloon Catch
This works the same as the original water balloon toss except with more balloons than ever. The aim is to catch as many water balloons as you can, without popping them, in 30 seconds. Whoever catches the most un-popped balloons, wins.
Blindfolded Water Balloon Toss game
For that extra challenge where players could definitely get wet, try playing the game blindfolded. Directions can be given by the player throwing to make sure their teammate catches it successfully.
