Hobbies Magic

5 Balloon Animals You Need to Know for Parties

Toy of balloons isolated
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If you want to entertain with balloon animals at a party, here are some tried and true creations that you should know how to make quickly and effortlessly.

You'll notice that some of these designs aren't technically animals. But these are suitable for parties of all ages, from the youngest school-age children. In general, you should practice for a while with some good quality balloons (not the kind you get at the party store) before you get in front of an audience.

Once you're feeling confident, you may want to add a little banter to your routine, chit-chat with people while you put their requested creation together. Of course, this is optional, ​but it can add an extra aspect of entertainment to the whole performance. 

If you're performing for a group of kids, it's not a bad idea to make a few samples animals ahead of time, and display them at a table where you'll be doing your magic. That way, you don't get stuck with a kid asking you to make one that's not in your repertoire.

  • 01 of 05

    Dog Balloon Animal

    Balloon dogs
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    The dog balloon is a fundamental sculpture in the art of balloon twisting and balloon animals. And once you know how to make a dog, you can make a giraffe, wiener dog, and a mouse.

    You'll start with three basic balloon twists. The first will be about two inches long, which will form the snout of the dog. The second and third twists will be smaller, about an inch each, to form the dog's ears.

  • 02 of 05

    Sword Balloons

    Two boys (5-7) playing with balloon swords, laughing, low angle view
    Zac Macaulay / Getty Images

    Sword balloons are your basic, most straightforward balloon design. While technically not a balloon "animal," most kids will dig having a sword to play with. A good basic design starts with two balloons which you braid like challah bread, but there are a couple of variations you should try to learn. 

  • 03 of 05

    Flower Balloons

    Lovely child smiling joyfully at camera
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    Like the sword, the flower balloon is not really a balloon "animal" per se. But it is cute, and it is a crowd-pleaser. You'll want at least two 260 balloons (made specifically for twisting and designs) in different colors. You'll start with two loops on a twisted axis to make the petals (it sounds more intimidating than it is), and work in the "leaves" from there. 

  • 04 of 05

    Poodle Balloon Animal

    balloon animal poodle
    akiyoko / Getty Images

    The most difficult of the balloons on this page, the poodle balloon animal is not one you want to try for the first time at your first gig. Get a little practice under your belt before showing this one off to a crowd. 

    It starts with the basic dog, so learn that one first.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below
  • 05 of 05

    How to Make Balloon Hats

    Boy wearing colored balloon hat

    Clover No.7 Photography / Getty Images

    What's a party without fun hats? Balloon hats vary in difficulty; some are simple and fast while others are more colorful and detailed. Start slow and don't try to do one of these before a crowd before you've practiced. And a bonus: Balloons are a very inexpensive way to provide cute hats for your guests. Never mind that it's not an "animal," a balloon that is a good trick to have in your repertoire.