If you’re looking for a creative party theme for a birthday party or baby shower, a balloon themed party is the perfect choice! Balloons provide endless possibilities for decorations, games, and activities that can make any celebration a memorable one.
With our fabulous selection of balloon party ideas, you can easily add a festive touch to your event. From creative DIY decorating ideas to fun games and activities – we’ve got everything you need to throw an unforgettable and unique balloon-themed party for kids or adults!
One of the best aspects of a balloon themed party is that you can make it as simple or as elaborate as you would like.
There are also plenty of variations you can choose from, such as hot air balloons or water balloons. No matter what balloon theme you choose, don’t forget to stay on track with week-by-week party planning checklists. It’s the easiest way to make sure you stay organized and on-track.
And, if you’re hoping to include balloons into your games and decorations, but worried about the environmental effects, biodegradable balloons are a great option. They’re made from natural rubber latex and dissolve at a much faster rate than regular balloons.
Balloon Themed Party Ideas
Balloon Party Decorations
There are SO many ways to use balloons in your decorations. It’s also one of the most affordable ways to fill a large space.
DIY Balloon Arch
Building a balloon arch can look REALLY intimidating but it doesn’t have to be. This post has tips and tricks to help you create an arch, even if you’re a beginner.
FreeBalloons and Banners Birthday Party Printables
This set of free balloon themed party printables includes a multicolored banner, bag toppers, editable party sign, circle tags and food labels to help you decorate. They're perfect for everything from birthday parties to Mother's Day.
DIY Balloon Photo Backdrop
Create a balloon photo backdrop for a fun balloon party! This idea would be perfect for photos, behind a dessert table, or just about anywhere (and it's incredibly easy).
8 Easy Miraculous Ladybug Birthday Ideas
Make a balloon banner to hang at your child's next birthday party or any balloon themed party. Even though it is a quick and simple DIY, this party decoration makes a big impact!
Up, Up & Away!
Hang colorful 3D balloons from the ceiling for a fun and bright atmosphere. This super easy DIY project is especially perfect for spring and summer parties.
Balloon Craft - Reuse Balloons To Make Pretty Wall Art (Step by Step Video)
Looking for a project that can be made weeks in advance to reduce stress on party day? Make a giant flower out of deflated balloons for a unique statement piece, or make smaller versions to decorate your walls and more.
DIY Hot Air Balloons from Paper Lanterns
This craft project is perfect for a hot air balloon themed party. Fabric strips get glued to a paper lantern, and then a basket hung below to look like a hot air balloon.
Not doing a hot air balloon theme? Instead of hanging a basket, stick a dowel rod out of the bottom and you've got the perfect make-ahead project to add to floral centerpieces
Balloon Party Wreath
Greet your guests with this colorful DIY balloon wreath. Hang it on the door, on the wall as a backdrop, or even a window to create a festive atmosphere.
PRINTABLE Dinosaur Balloons Dinosaur Party Decorations - Etsy
These adorable dinosaurs made out of balloons would be a simple and fun activity for any kind of party, but especially a birthday party!
PEW 60 Bear Hot-air Balloon Baby Shower Games Editable Cute - Etsy
For a balloon themed baby shower these printable games and activities are a quick and easy option to keep your guests entertained and your host stress free!
Hot Air Balloon Coloring Placemat Birthday Personalized - Etsy
Print these hot air balloon themed coloring pages for your party guests. They double as placemats and are a great way to keep kids busy especially during transition periods of the party.
Balloon Themed Party Invitations
Welcome your guests to your balloon celebration with one of these super cute balloon party invitations.
Birthday Invitation Download Rose Gold Balloons Glitter Party - Etsy
For a more elegant party with a balloon theme, this simple invitation does the trick. It would work great if your celebration is for an adult.
Party Balloons Birthday Invitation Balloon Invitation Simple - Etsy
A fun and modern invitation that can be customized with the text you want for a birthday, wedding shower, baby shower or any occasion! These printable balloon invitations are a neutral option for all kinds of parties.
Bear in the Balloon Party Invitations Bear in the Balloon - Etsy
If it’s a little one who is having a party, this hot air balloon and animal invitation is precious. Perfect for a birthday but can be customized as you like.
Let's Get Soaked Birthday Invitation Boy Printable Summer - Etsy
Are you throwing a water balloon party? This is a fun and simple invitation that makes sure your guests will know what to expect - and to come prepared!
Balloon Party Food and Drinks
The good news is that with a theme like balloons there are many different directions you can go. The food is very flexible in this way and you could really serve anything you like. With a few decorations and a little tweaking it will all seamlessly fit the theme.
However here are a few balloon specific ideas you can use for your party planning.
UP Cupcakes
Inspired by Disney's Movie Up, these adorable cupcakes combine gumballs with piped decorations to create the look of a giant bouquet of balloons. You can easily leave off the house part of the decoration for some adorable cupcakes if your party isn't Up themed.
Balloon theme baby shower
Chocolate covered oreos are a classic treat for any kind of party. For this balloon themed baby shower, the Oreos are dipped in white chocolate and decorated with blue clouds and colorful balloons!
Fried Apple Rings with Caramel and Cinnamon Sugar
With their naturally round shape fried caramel apple rings coated and cinnamon sugar are reminiscent of all balloons and make the perfect dessert table addition!
Rainbow Sherbet Punch Recipe
This delicious, colorful punch is perfect for a balloon themed party! With rainbow sherbet and sparkling soda it's a sweet and refreshing drink that everyone will love.
Snow Globe Cupcakes with Gelatin Bubbles
While technically this is meant to be a snow globe it makes a great balloon design for your balloon party celebration! Fill them up with mixed candy or a special figurine.
Balloon Party Games and Activities
There are so many classic party games that use balloons. It’s an easy and fun way to get people active! The hard part will be narrowing down how many you have time to play.
Slime Party Games and Ideas Everyone Will Love (plus a Free Printable!)
Take water balloons to the next level by filling them with shaving cream instead! We played this for slime party games, but you could do it any hot summer day. Don't forget to click on through for must-read tips to make sure you don't make a mess of yourself trying to fill up the balloons.
Crapty marshmallow poppers
I can tell you right now, my 7-year-old son and his friends would LOVE this activity. (They pretty much love any activity that includes shooting things through the air.) All you need is a few empty yogurt containers, some balloons, and something soft to shoot out of them.
Hilarious Birthday Party Games
This fun birthday stomp is one of the best party games for both kids and adults! All you need are some balloons, prizes, and string!
Blue or Pink Gender Reveal Game Bundle Printable Baby Shower - Etsy
Balloon Rocket Races
This game is perfect for a larger group of kids and adults alike. Use balloons and paper straws to power rocketing balloons along a string for a fun competitive game that's great for older kids.
How to Make Sponge Water Bombs
Have a blast in the summer heat with these super easy sponge water bombs! They’re a great alternative to water balloons and so much fun with the kids.
As you can see, a balloon themed party is a fun and whimsical way to bring a splash of fun and festivity to your special gathering. Whether you’re planning on a kid’s birthday celebration or an adults-only baby shower, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate balloons into your decor, food, and activities.
If you need more help keeping track of all your plans and ideas, grab your copy of our free party planner at the bottom of this post. It’s designed to help you track budget as well as time, so you can pull off your balloon party without a hitch!
This post was originally published on February 23, 2011. It has been updated with new party ideas as well as helpful tips and new images.
JC's Loft says
Oh that is a fun theme!!! Tuck that into your back pocket…I'm sure you'll use it soon : )
paula