• Menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Before Header

Little Bins Members

Little Bins for Little Hands

Simple Science and STEM for Every Day

Header Right

  • STEM
    • Jr Engineer
    • Coding
    • STEM CHALLENGES
  • Science Activities
    • Earth Sciences
      • Geology
      • Space
      • Ocean
      • Weather
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
  • Seasonal
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Winter
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Spring
    • St Patricks Day
    • Easter
    • Earth Day
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
  • Art
    • Famous Artists
    • Process Art
      • 10+ Easy Homemade Paint Recipes For Kids
  • Slime
  • LEGO
  • Shop
  • Join
    • Little Bins Club
    • Library Club

Mobile Menu

  • STEM
    • Jr Engineer
    • Coding
    • STEM CHALLENGES
  • Science Activities
    • Earth Sciences
      • Geology
      • Space
      • Ocean
      • Weather
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
  • Seasonal
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Winter
    • Christmas
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Spring
    • St Patricks Day
    • Easter
    • Earth Day
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
  • Art
    • Famous Artists
    • Process Art
      • 10+ Easy Homemade Paint Recipes For Kids
  • Slime
  • LEGO
  • Shop
  • Join
    • Little Bins Club
    • Library Club

Baking Soda and Vinegar Balloon Experiment

Combine quick science and balloon play with this easy to set up science experiment for kids. Find out how to blow up a balloon with just baking soda and vinegar. Grab a few simple ingredients from the kitchen and you have amazing chemistry for kids at your fingertips. Science you can actually play with too!

BAKING SODA VINEGAR BALLOONS 

BALLOON SCIENCE

Do you know this balloon experiment was one of our top 10 experiments of all time? Check out more fun and simple science experiments for kids.

We do love all things science and have been exploring different ways to create fizzing reactions while having fun through play. Science that fizzes, pops, erupts, bangs, and explodes is pretty awesome for kids of all ages!

One of the things that we strive to do here is to create playful science setups that are extremely hands-on, maybe a little messy, and a whole lot of fun. They may be somewhat open-ended, contain an element of play, and definitely a whole lot of repeatability!

We also have a fun Valentine balloon experiment and Halloween balloon experiment for you to try!

All you need are a few common kitchen ingredients to make your own self inflating balloons. Read on for the full supply list and set up.

It’s so easy to inflate balloons with this simple chemical reaction kids can easily do!

HOW DOES THE BLOW UP BALLOON EXPERIMENT WORK?

Let’s keep it basic for our younger or junior scientists! The science behind this baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment is a chemical reaction between the base {baking soda} and the acid {vinegar}. When the two ingredients mix together the balloon baking soda experiment gets it’s lift!

That lift is gas, carbon dioxide or CO2. As the gas tries to leave the plastic container, it goes up into the balloon because of the tight seal you have created. Check out states of matter experiments!

The gas has nowhere to go and is pushing against the balloon it blows it up.  Similar to how we exhale carbon dioxide when we blow up balloons ourselves.

We love exploring simple chemistry you can do at home or in the classroom that isn’t too crazy, but is still lots of fun for kids! You can check out more cool chemistry experiments.

WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD FOR KIDS?

The scientific method is a process or method of research. A problem is identified, information about the problem is gathered, a hypothesis or question is formulated from the information, and the hypothesis is put to test with an experiment to prove or disprove its validity.  Sounds heavy…

What in the world does that mean?!? The scientific method should simply be used as a guide to help lead the process. It’s not set in stone.

You don’t need to try and solve the world’s biggest science questions! The scientific method is all about studying and learning things right around you.

As kids develop practices that involve creating, gathering data evaluating, analyzing, and communicating, they can apply these critical thinking skills to any situation. To learn more about the scientific method and how to use it, click here.

Even though the scientific method feels like it is just for big kids…

This method can be used with kids of all ages! Have a casual conversation with younger kiddos or do a more formal notebook entry with older kiddos!

Click here to get your FREE Science Challenge Calendar

BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR BALLOONS

Don’t have vinegar? Try a citric acid like lemon juice and check out our CITRUS CHEMICAL REACTIONS here.

SUPPLIES:

  • Baking Soda
  • Vinegar
  • Empty Water Bottles
  • Balloons
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Funnel {optional but helpful)
balloon science experiment supplies including baking soda and vinegar

EXPERIMENT SET UP:

 Step 1. Blow up the balloon a bit to stretch it out some and use the funnel and teaspoon to add baking soda to the balloon. We started with 2 teaspoons and added a teaspoon for each balloon.

 Step 2. Fill the container with vinegar half way.

 Step 3. When your balloons are all made up attach to the containers making sure you have a good seal!

 Step 4. Next lift up the balloon to dump the baking soda into the container of vinegar. Watch your balloon blow up!

 To get the most gas out of it, we swirled around the container to get it all going!

using funnel to fill balloon with baking soda for science activity

Optional Art: Go ahead and use a sharpie to draw emojis, shapes, or fun pictures on your balloons before filling them with baking soda.

Have leftover balloons? Why not explore physics with a balloon rocket, this screaming balloon experiment or make a Lego balloon powered car! Balloons are a great way to explore Newton’s third law of motion.

You could also try our pop rocks and soda balloon experiment or our electric cornstarch experiment.

balloon baking soda science and chemistry for kids

Make predictions! Ask questions! Share observations!

My son suggested we try different amounts of baking soda in our experiment to see what would happen. Also will the balloon size grow bigger if more vinegar is in the bottle.

Always encourage your kids to ask questions and wonder about what will happen if…

This is also a great way to encourage inquiry, observation skills, and critical thinking skills. You can read more about teaching the scientific method to kids here. Make sure to grab our free printable science worksheet pack above too!

Balloon baking soda science with happy face drawn on pink balloon

Do be cautious with the amount of baking soda you add, as the reaction will get bigger each time. Safety goggles are always great for young scientists!

You could definitely see the difference in the amount of baking soda we put in the balloons! The red balloon with the least baking soda inflated the least. The blue balloon with the most inflated the most.

What else can you do with baking soda? Check out these unique baking soda experiments!

best science activity for classic science is blowing up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar

COOL BALLOON BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR BALLOON SCIENCE!

Click on the image below or on the link for more easy chemistry experiments.

 

Want printable instructions for your science activities all in one place? It’s time to join the Library Club!

LITTLE BINS LibrarY club
Previous Post: « 50 Easy Preschool Science Activities
Next Post: Baking Soda Vinegar Volcano For Eruption Fun Build a sandbox volcano for baking soda science and chemistry! Sand box science for kids outdoor STEM activities.»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miranda

    October 15, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Need more info on experiments. Thanks, Miranda

  2. littlebins

    December 2, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    What information would you like?

  3. monishree

    February 1, 2016 at 1:40 am

    thanks a lot very funny experiment

  4. littlebins

    February 12, 2016 at 10:16 pm

    Your welcome!

  5. molcom mahler

    February 22, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    (I was thinking that the pint bottle was going to blow up I got really scared first time I saw a science magic) but I can make smoke come out of my mouth it is very simple

  6. Angelina

    May 3, 2016 at 12:45 am

    I’m doing a Science Fair Project on this, but I don’t know and how to do the table and graphs, like the data and stuff. Can you help me?

  7. Angelina

    May 3, 2016 at 12:52 am

    And it’s due May 18, 2016 🙁

  8. kayla

    September 29, 2016 at 10:46 am

    this is cool thanks you verry much

  9. littlebins

    September 29, 2016 at 12:08 pm

    Your welcome! Try drawing on the balloons too!

  10. Jaclyn Martins

    January 21, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    Does the size of the container or size of balloon have any affect on how the balloon will blow up?

  11. littlebins

    February 1, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Yes, it will because of the space the gas has to fill once the baking soda and vinegar are combined. Great experiment to try different sizes using the same amounts of both vinegar and baking soda.

  12. tahnaejah

    February 21, 2017 at 10:19 am

    my team did the balloon inflating thing and it was fun

  13. Reena jain

    February 24, 2017 at 4:28 am

    Is it safe for kids to do this experiment in school

  14. littlebins

    February 24, 2017 at 7:36 am

    I would think it would be as it is just baking soda and vinegar. You would need to use your best judgement of course. We have never had a balloon explode.

  15. sikta

    August 14, 2017 at 5:45 am

    hi this is STEM project .
    can anyone explain how to connect – T technology E Engineering M mathematics through this experiment .
    thanks in advance

  16. littlebins

    August 21, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I will look into my information. Remember a STEM project does not need to contain each of the 4 pillars of STEM but at least two. I can tell you we used math {measuring} and science {chemical reaction}.

  17. littlebin

    November 26, 2017 at 9:04 am

    Definitely is cool

  18. kaylon

    December 11, 2017 at 2:51 pm

    i love yo stuff

  19. Fatima

    January 9, 2018 at 6:36 pm

    If we wanted to use this for a science fair project what would the Question asking be?

  20. littlebins

    January 10, 2018 at 8:04 am

    How much baking soda/vinegar is needed to inflate balloon completely. Or, which acid is better vinegar or lemon juice? Do different shape balloons fill better?

  21. Cloe

    January 18, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    We just did this experiment, but we only used one balloon. My kids are 2.5, 4 and 7 so we have a range of ability levels, but I wanted to add my kids’ favorite part! We took the balloon off the bottle and tied it shut, careful not to lose the gas. And then I blew a balloon up the same size, I asked them which one they thought would hit the ground first as I held them even in the air. Try it out!!

  22. littlebins

    January 18, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    That’s awesome! We will def have to try that. What a great idea!

  23. Justin

    January 25, 2018 at 6:20 am

    Where did you find your containers to hold the baking soda and vinegar?

Trackbacks

  1. Tutors Only: Week 16 Science Experiment – ccricelake says:
    January 2, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    […] https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/balloon-baking-soda-vinegar-experiment-kids/ […]

  2. Fun With Balloons says:
    March 8, 2018 at 5:17 pm

    […] Balloon Baking soda Vinegar Science Experiments for Kids […]

  3. Grow Sugar Crystals for Edible Rock Candy Chemistry Experiment says:
    May 5, 2018 at 8:26 am

    […] Balloon Baking Soda Experiment […]

  4. Summer Science Camp for Young Scientists : 5 Days of Fun! says:
    June 3, 2018 at 9:15 pm

    […] Blowing Up Balloons […]

  5. Exploding Science Experiments for Kids | My Home Based Life says:
    June 19, 2018 at 6:13 pm

    […] Rocket 15. Exploding Frozen Stars 16. Baking Soda Volcano 17. Exploding Bag Experiment 18. Balloon Baking Soda and Vinegar Experiment 19. Erupting Scientist Potion 20. Fizzing Slime 21. Fizzy Cloud Dough 22. Chalk Rockets […]

  6. Discrepant Event | Colleen Boyds teacher e-portfolio says:
    August 17, 2018 at 4:18 pm

    […] https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/balloon-baking-soda-vinegar-experiment-kids/ […]

  7. 100+ STEM Projects for Kids (With Free Cheat Sheets) says:
    August 26, 2018 at 10:40 am

    […] the kids another fun way to blow up a balloon using classic […]

  8. Insanely Rad Pre K Science Projects for Your Curious Little Einsteins - MyVyllage says:
    October 23, 2018 at 7:12 pm

    […] sure to add this Pre K science project from Little Bins for Little Hands to your […]

  9. 30 Incredible Chemistry Experiments - 123 Homeschool 4 Me says:
    October 26, 2018 at 11:46 am

    […] Balloon, Baking Soda, Vinegar Science Experiment – What happens when you mix baking soda and vinegar? Find out with this chemistry experiment. […]

  10. Rainbow Science Experiments and STEM Ideas (St. Patricks Day) says:
    February 18, 2019 at 3:13 pm

    […] Rainbow Baking Soda Balloon Experiment […]

  11. 50 Simple Science Experiments with Supplies You Already Have says:
    February 19, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    […] a balloon without blowing into it with a baking soda and vinegar balloon experiment as seen on Little Bins for Little […]

  12. Science Experiments for Preschoolers - Round Rock Teravista says:
    February 27, 2019 at 4:01 pm

    […] Baking Soda Balloons […]

  13. Science Experiments for Preschoolers - Sienna Plantation says:
    February 27, 2019 at 4:06 pm

    […] Baking Soda Balloons […]

  14. M&M Candy Experiment For Kids | Little Bins for Little Hands says:
    April 30, 2019 at 10:38 am

    […] Inflating Balloon Science Activity […]

  15. The BEST Very Simple Science Experiments for Kids to Try Anywhere says:
    May 3, 2019 at 5:00 pm

    […] BAKING SODA BALLOON CHEMISTRY […]

  16. Kitchen Science Experiments and Activities for Kids says:
    May 3, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    […] Baking soda and vinegar eruptions are always a hit and we have a ton of baking soda science ideas . We also like to get out the cookie cutters too. […]

  17. 60 Very Simple Science Experiments Your Kids Will Love says:
    May 6, 2019 at 5:31 pm

    […] Baking Soda And Vinegar Balloon Experiment| Little Bins for Little Hands. […]

  18. 25 Must Try Science Experiments For Kids | Little Bins for Little Hands says:
    May 17, 2019 at 9:18 pm

    […] BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR EXPERIMENT […]

  19. Bump Club And Beyond says:
    March 25, 2020 at 12:39 am

    […] Inflate a balloon with baking soda and vinegar! […]

Primary Sidebar

We have a PASSION for SLIME, and are dedicated to helping you make the best slime ever. Questions? Just ask us!

We also LOVE science and all things STEM. Join us on our journey to discover just how cool science can be. Want to know how to get started? Click on any of the images or menu options!

Site Footer

Sign Me Up!

Take our FREE 5-Day STEM Challenge with boredom busting activity ideas for kids!

Privacy Policy