The “Balloons Over Broadway” book by Melissa Sweet tells the wonderful story of Tony Sarg, the man who invented the huge, floating balloons we see every year in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. These amazing balloons didn’t start out that way; they began as a creative project by one person with a big imagination. Kids of all ages can get inspired by this story and explore fun projects to bring their own balloon ideas to life.
Here, we’ve come up with 60 balloons over broadway project ideas to help you and your kids enjoy and learn from the story. Each project idea is simple and clear, helping kids understand and appreciate the creativity behind these big balloons. Dive in, try a few, and see where your creativity takes you!
Also read: Advocacy Projects for Students
60 Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas
- Design a Mini Parade Balloon – Make a small balloon figure inspired by Tony Sarg’s creations.
- Create a Character Sketch – Draw a character that would look cool as a parade balloon.
- Research the History of Balloons – Learn about how parade balloons got their start.
- Build a Simple Puppet – Create a puppet using paper or cloth like Tony Sarg’s early designs.
- Design a Thanksgiving Parade Float – Draw or build a model of a parade float.
- Write a Story About Your Balloon – Make up an adventure for a parade balloon character.
- Create a Balloon Animal – Practice making animals from balloons like a real balloon artist.
- Make a Balloon Collage – Use magazine clippings to create a colorful balloon collage.
- Decorate a Paper Mache Balloon – Make and paint a paper mache balloon.
- Draw the Macy’s Parade Route – Map out the route you would have for a parade.
- Design a Parade Poster – Create a bright poster to announce your own imaginary parade.
- Paint a Balloon in the Sky – Paint a big balloon floating in the clouds.
- Make a Comic Strip – Draw a short comic strip about a balloon’s parade journey.
- Create a Parade in a Box – Set up a small parade scene inside a shoebox.
- Invent a New Animal Balloon – Imagine a new animal balloon and draw it.
- Build a Balloon Model from Clay – Make a small balloon figure using clay or playdough.
- Learn About Helium – Discover why helium makes balloons float in the air.
- Build a Balloon on a Stick – Create a balloon puppet on a stick to wave around.
- Draw Tony Sarg’s Workshop – Imagine what Tony Sarg’s workshop looked like and draw it.
- Write a Song About Balloons – Make up a song about a parade balloon’s journey.
- Learn Basic Puppetry – Watch or read how to make simple puppets for fun.
- Design a Giant Character Balloon – Draw a large version of your favorite character as a balloon.
- Make a Balloon Hat – Make a fun hat that looks like a balloon animal.
- Plan a Neighborhood Parade – Set up a “parade” with friends or family using small toys.
- Draw a Map of Your Parade Route – Sketch a map of your imaginary parade route.
- Create a Balloon Journal – Write about different types of balloons and parade stories.
- Make a 3D Balloon Model – Use paper or cardboard to make a three-dimensional balloon.
- Write a Poem About a Balloon – Make up a short poem about a balloon’s journey in the sky.
- Make a Balloon Bookmark – Design a colorful balloon-themed bookmark.
- Create a Mini Thanksgiving Parade – Set up a mini parade with small toys or figures.
- Interview Someone Who Loves Parades – Ask someone what they enjoy about parades.
- Paint a Balloon Face – Decorate a balloon with a fun face or character.
- Invent a Funny Balloon Character – Create a character that would make people laugh in a parade.
- Make a Balloon Dance – Attach strings to a balloon and make it “dance” like a puppet.
- Write a Short Play About a Balloon – Write a quick script for a balloon’s adventure.
- Make a Balloon Scrapbook – Collect photos and facts about famous parade balloons.
- Draw Balloons in Different Weather – Imagine how balloons would look in sun, rain, or snow.
- Create a Mini Storybook – Make a small book with a story about a balloon in a parade.
- Make a Parade Timeline – Research and create a timeline of famous parade balloons.
- Craft a Balloon Paperweight – Use clay to make a paperweight shaped like a balloon.
- Draw Your Balloon Dream Team – Sketch a group of favorite characters as parade balloons.
- Make a Recycled Balloon Sculpture – Use recycled materials to create a balloon-like sculpture.
- Build a Lego Parade Float – Use Legos to make a small parade float.
- Create a Parade Soundtrack – Make a playlist of songs that would play at your parade.
- Invent a New Balloon Shape – Design a unique balloon shape that’s never been seen.
- Draw Balloons on Parade Day – Paint or draw balloons floating on a parade day.
- Write a Parade Newspaper Headline – Write a news headline about your imaginary parade.
- Imagine a Parade in Space – Draw or write about a parade held in outer space.
- Design a Parade Balloon Invitation – Make an invitation for people to watch your parade.
- Make a Paper Balloon Chain – Use paper to create a long chain of balloon shapes.
- Draw a Floating Balloon Over Your School – Imagine a big balloon floating over your school.
- Write a Thank-You Note to Tony Sarg – Pretend you’re thanking Tony Sarg for his balloon ideas.
- Design Your Own Parade Logo – Create a logo for your own unique parade.
- Make a Balloon Trading Card – Design a trading card for your favorite balloon character.
- Draw Balloons from Around the World – Imagine parade balloons from other countries.
- Create a Balloon Passport – Pretend your balloon travels the world and make it a passport.
- Invent a Balloon Superhero – Create a superhero character that could be a balloon.
- Design a Balloon Safety Manual – Write tips on how to keep parade balloons safe.
- Write a Letter to Macy’s – Write a pretend letter to Macy’s sharing your parade ideas.
- Create a Balloon Certificate – Design a certificate for “Best Balloon” or “Most Creative Balloon.”
Final words
Each of these projects brings a piece of “Balloons Over Broadway” to life, helping kids explore storytelling, art, and the history of parade balloons. These projects are great for creative expression and help kids learn while having fun. Whether drawing, writing, or building, every idea offers a unique way to celebrate and learn from the story of Tony Sarg’s famous balloons. Get inspired and see how far your imagination can float!