It's time to Whoosh - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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It's time to Whoosh

Build a balloon powered straw rocket, launch it along a string, observe the whoosh motion, test different balloon sizes, and measure distance.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to build a balloon-powered straw rocket

What you need

Balloon, plastic straw, tape, string, measuring tape or ruler, two chairs or door handles, paper and pencil, adult supervision required

Step 1

Choose two chairs or door handles about 1 to 3 meters apart.

Step 2

Tie one end of the string to the first chair or doorknob.

Step 3

Tie the other end of the string to the second chair or doorknob.

Step 4

Pull the string tight so it is straight and secure.

Step 5

Thread the plastic straw onto the string.

Step 6

Slide the straw to the middle of the string.

Step 7

Stick a small piece of tape on the string right next to the straw to mark the start.

Step 8

Inflate a balloon to your first chosen size.

Step 9

Pinch the balloon's neck closed to hold the air.

Step 10

Stretch the balloon opening over the back of the straw so the balloon's nozzle points backward.

Step 11

Wrap tape around the balloon and straw where they meet to make a tight seal.

Step 12

Put the straw at the start mark and release the balloon's neck to launch the rocket.

Step 13

Measure from the start mark to where the straw stopped and write the distance down.

Step 14

Deflate or replace the balloon and repeat the launch with a different balloon size to collect another distance.

Step 15

Share your finished creation and what you discovered on DIY.org

Help!?

What can we use instead of the plastic straw or string if we don't have them?

If you don't have a plastic straw, roll and tape a sheet of paper into a smooth tube that can be threaded onto the string, and if you don't have string use fishing line or yarn tied between the two chairs or doorknobs.

Why won't the straw slide smoothly or the balloon travel far?

If the straw sticks or the rocket doesn't go far, retie and pull the string tight between the chairs or doorknobs, replace the straw with a smoother tube, and keep extra tape off the straw so the tape only seals the balloon-to-straw joint.

How can I modify the activity for different ages?

For younger children shorten the chair distance to about 0.5–1 m, pre-thread the straw and have an adult tie the string and hold the balloon neck, while older kids can test different balloon sizes, record distances from the start mark, and graph the results.

How can we extend or personalize the balloon rocket activity?

Decorate the balloon and straw, add paper fins or a small paperclip payload, try tilting the string at different angles, and share your distances and what you discovered on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to build a balloon-powered straw rocket

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Beginners guide to make WHOOSH sound effects

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Facts about forces and motion for kids

🎈 A simple party balloon can produce enough escaping air to send a lightweight straw rocket several meters along a taut string.

🚀 Balloon rockets show Newton's third law in action: as air rushes out one way, the rocket moves the other way.

📏 Bigger balloons usually provide longer pushes, but more air also adds weight and drag, so the best flight often comes from the right balance.

⏱️ You can find your rocket's speed by timing its run and dividing distance by time — e.g., 3 meters in 1 second = 3 m/s!

💨 The loud whoosh is fast-moving air — the faster the air escapes, the more thrust (and usually the louder the sound).

How do you make and launch a balloon-powered straw rocket?

Thread a long string taut between two chairs at child height. Thread a drinking straw onto the string. Inflate a balloon (don’t tie it), pinch the neck, and tape the balloon to the straw so the opening points back along the string. Move the straw to the start line, release the balloon’s neck, and watch the straw ‘whoosh’ along the string. Mark landing points and repeat to compare results.

What materials do I need to build a balloon-powered straw rocket?

You’ll need several balloons of different sizes, a drinking straw, strong string or fishing line, tape, a clothespin or paper clip to hold the balloon closed, scissors, two supports (chairs or poles), and a measuring tape or ruler. A marker and paper for recording distances and trials are handy for experiments and comparisons.

What ages is a balloon-powered straw rocket activity suitable for?

This activity suits children about 4+ with adult help; ages 6–12 are ideal for independent setup, measuring and experimenting. Younger kids enjoy the launching and watching the whoosh but need an adult to handle cutting, tying string, and tape. Older children can design tests, record distances, and explore variables like balloon size and straw type.

What are the benefits and safety tips for balloon-powered straw rockets?

This simple STEM activity teaches action–reaction, measurement, hypothesis testing and fine motor skills. Safety: supervise children, keep balloons away from children under 3 (choking hazard), don’t aim balloons at faces, and secure anchors so chairs won’t tip. Variations: try different balloon sizes, add paper fins, change straw diameter or angle, or race two rockets on parallel strings.

Ready to create?