Make a Hot Air Balloon
Make a colorful paper hot air balloon model using tissue paper, string, and a small lightweight basket, learning how warm air helps balloons rise.
About this activity
Make a colorful paper hot air balloon model using tissue paper, string, and a small lightweight basket, learning how warm air helps balloons rise.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all your materials on a clean flat table so everything is ready and easy to reach.
- 2
Step 2
Cut eight equal rectangles from the tissue paper about the size of your hand to make the balloon panels.
- 3
Step 3
Lay the eight tissue panels side by side in a color pattern you like with small overlaps so the edges meet.
- 4
Step 4
Glue or tape each overlapping edge to the next panel so the panels form a long cylinder.
- 5
Step 5
Cut four pieces of string about 15 centimeters long each and set them nearby.
- 6
Step 6
Pinch and gather one end of the tissue cylinder into a rounded top and wrap a short piece of string tightly around the gathered tissue to knot and hold the dome shape.
- 7
Step 7
Keep the other end open and use tape or a stapler to attach the four string pieces evenly spaced around the open rim so they hang down like legs.
- 8
Step 8
Tie the four loose ends of the strings to the four sides of your small basket or paper cup so the basket hangs centered under the open rim.
- 9
Step 9
Trim any rough edges and add bright decorations or extra tissue flaps so your balloon looks colorful and neat.
- 10
Step 10
With an adult nearby, turn a hair dryer to a low warm setting and hold the open rim of your balloon a safe distance above the dryer so warm air can flow in and you can watch the balloon inflate and try to rise.
- 11
Step 11
Share a photo of your finished colorful hot air balloon model and what you learned about warm air on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a colorful paper hot air balloon model with my child?
Start with a lightweight frame: a small paper lantern or an inflated balloon as a mold. Cover it with overlapping tissue paper squares using diluted craft glue or decoupage technique; let dry fully and remove the mold if used. Tie four equal-length strings around the balloon rim and attach them to a tiny lightweight basket (paper cup or cardboard). Decorate with markers or more tissue. For the warm-air lesson, gently show how rising warm air (using a safe hairdryer on low or a warm sunny spot) m
What materials do I need to make a paper hot air balloon?
You will need colorful tissue paper, diluted craft glue or decoupage medium, a lightweight frame (paper lantern or balloon mold), scissors, string or thin twine, and a small lightweight basket such as a paper cup or cardboard box. Add markers, stickers, or ribbon for decorating, and use clothespins or clips to hold pieces while drying. Choose non-toxic glue and lightweight materials to keep the model safe and balanced.
What ages is a tissue-paper hot air balloon activity suitable for?
This craft suits children about 4–10 years old with adult supervision. Ages 4–6 will need hands-on help with cutting, gluing, and tying strings. Ages 7–10 can manage more steps independently but still benefit from safety oversight. For kids under 4, this activity is not recommended due to small parts and glue—offer simpler tissue-paper collages instead. Adapt difficulty by assigning precise tasks to older kids and basic sticking to younger ones.
What safety tips should I follow when making a paper hot air balloon?
Supervise scissors, glue, and small parts; keep materials away from children under 3 due to choking risk. Use non-toxic glue and craft tools appropriate to age. Never use open flames or heated elements—if demonstrating warm air, use a hairdryer on low at a safe distance or explain the concept verbally. Make sure the basket is securely tied and test strength before holding. Work on a protected surface and allow glue to dry fully to avoid mess or fragility.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use if I can't find tissue paper or the exact strings called for?
If you don't have tissue paper, use lightweight crepe paper, coffee filters, or napkins cut into the eight hand-sized rectangles and substitute thin craft twine or sewing thread for the four 15-centimeter strings when following the cutting and panel-gluing steps.
My balloon collapses or the strings pull out when I try to tie the basket—what should I do?
If the gathered dome or open rim rips or the strings tear out, reinforce the rim by wrapping a strip of clear tape or folded paper around the open edge before taping or stapling the four strings in place and retie the knots securely to the small basket or paper cup.
How can I change this activity for different ages so it's safe and fun?
For younger children, pre-cut the eight tissue panels and pre-measure the 15-centimeter strings and help with stapling and hair-dryer use, while older kids can design complex color patterns, add extra tissue flaps, and experiment with hair dryer distance and airflow to observe lift.
How can we make the hot air balloon more interesting or perform better?
Personalize and improve performance by adding lightweight stickers or extra tissue flaps in the decoration step, swapping the paper cup for a small foam basket for stability, and testing tiny paperclip weights tied to the strings to balance the basket for steadier lift with the hair dryer.