Reusable Water Balloons Are Safer for Wildlife and the Environment
Reusable water balloons are the best way to keep the nostalgic summer fun of the past alive without harming the environment. Some great options are available for eco-friendly water balloons to cool off with a splash for family fun!
Single Use Balloons Are Deadly to Wildlife
Truth be told, I hate balloons. It’s one of the many things our editor, Amity, and I have in common. The first time she saw an image of a bird that had choked on a latex balloon was when she decided to host her first eco friendly party.
Latex balloons are the type most commonly found in the stomachs of dead animals. Stories and images of animals tangled in balloon strings are enough to make you realize that no event or celebration should result in the death of a living creature.
Biodegradable Balloons Are a Marketing Scheme
Natural latex may be biodegradable. But to make it into a colorful balloon, the manufacturer adds chemicals, plasticizers, and artificial dyes.
BalloonsBlow gathered a variety of balloons marketed as biodegradable and left them out to see how long they took to break down. Some are months old, and some are years old. As you can see, they haven’t broken down nearly enough to no longer pose a threat to animals.
You might be thinking, “If I’m letting my kids toss water balloons in the back yard, I’ll clean up the pieces so no bird can eat them.” And you’re mostly right – that will help. But our landfills are overflowing with single use plastic. And if you’ve ever lived near or driven past a landfill, you see clouds of birds at a time.
All of this said – as a child of the 1980s, I have many nostalgic memories of water balloon fights with my neighborhood friends, and I’d like to share some of that fun with my kids.
The good news is that while planning your summer with your kids, you don’t have to cross water balloon fights off the list! Reusable water balloons are here to save the day, and there are plenty of options to consider that will keep the environment clean without negating your family’s efforts to be earth-conscious.
Best Reusable Water Balloons
Reusable water balloons are totally worth it and can be a lasting part of family fun, an eco-friendly summer party, or a way to cool off on a hot afternoon. The best part is that since you don’t throw them away, they’re ready and available for last-minute fun!
If you want to reduce your environmental footprint but keep the fun of childhood alive, these are the best reusable water balloons!
It’s important to note that some reusable water balloons have small magnets, so consider the safety of each option depending on your kids’ age and developmental abilities. Have fun!
Magnetic Reusable Water Balloons
Magnetic reusable water balloons have their place since they seal and fill easily. They can be used over and over! But, keep in mind what is right for your family and err on the side of caution. Try these safer magnetic options.
I recommend Soppycid water balloons because the magnets in their balloons are completely enclosed. They pose less of a swallowing danger for young children due to this design.
This self-sealing and quick-filling balloon is another similar magnetic reusable water balloon. It has a ring magnet that is safer than one with small magnets for a young child.
Refillable Water Balloons
These magnet-free self-sealing water balloons are made of silicone and are easy enough for kids to fill either under the faucet or by submerging them in a bowl of water.
Crochet Water Balloons
My favorite reusable water balloons are crochet water balloons. They have a slow-living grandmacore vibe, are super easy to use, and have a great splash effect.
Remember getting sprayed in the face by the sink or hose while filling up tiny water balloons? Then the chore of tying them? Ugh! Those days are over. With this type of water balloon, all you have to do is soak them in water, splash, and repeat!
If you love to crochet, here is a great crochet pattern to make them. Or, try this set of 12 crochet water balloons on Etsy.
Other options that aren’t crocheted but still have the same easy soak-and-toss method are these reusable water balls. You could also opt for these washable fleece reusable water balloons.
Or, these water splasher balls are a really good value with the same idea of soaking and splashing.
DIY Reusable Water Balloons
If you are crafty, you can make these simple water “balloons” with sponges, scissors, and rubber bands. Follow this simple tutorial on how to make them with your kids, or follow these basic steps.
- Use scissors to cut a basic kitchen sponge into strips lengthwise (using different colors is fun, but you do you).
- Make a layer of 4 sponge strips, and stack a second layer of 4 more strips on top.
- Tightly wrap a rubber band around the middle of all 8 strips and floof them out into a ball.
- Soak them in water, throw them, and repeat!
Find more fun and eco-friendly party games here.