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Baking Soda Balloon Inflation

Super simple science experiment for kids using baking soda and vinegar to inflate a balloon. Easy, fast, and fun!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 experiment
Cuisine: Science
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Balloon
  • 1 Small Plastic Bottle (12–16 oz) Water bottle or soda bottle
  • 1–2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Cup White Vinegar
  • Few drops Food Coloring Optional
  • 1 Pair of Safety Goggles
  • 1 Tray To catch spills

Equipment

  • Balloon
  • Small Plastic Bottle (12–16 oz)
  • Funnel (optional)
  • Safety Goggles
  • Tray

Method
 

  1. Safety First! Grab your safety goggles and put them on. It’s always a good idea to protect your eyes when you're playing with science.
  2. Vinegar Base: Carefully pour about 1/2 cup of white vinegar into your plastic bottle. If you're feeling fancy and want a colorful balloon, now's the time to add a few drops of food coloring! Give it a gentle swirl.
  3. Baking Soda Cargo: This is where the balloon gets its power. Use a small funnel (or carefully spoon it) to get 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda into your balloon. Try to get it all the way into the bulb of the balloon.
  4. Seal the Deal: Now, very carefully, stretch the opening of the balloon over the mouth of the bottle. Make sure it’s a good, tight seal so no precious gas escapes! The balloon will be hanging down the side of the bottle for now.
  5. The Big Reveal: Ready for the moment of truth? Lift the balloon upright, allowing all the baking soda to tumble down into the vinegar in the bottle.
  6. Watch the Magic! As the baking soda meets the vinegar, you'll see it start to fizz and foam. This reaction creates carbon dioxide gas, which will then inflate your balloon! How cool is that?

Notes

You can experiment with different amounts of baking soda, different bottle sizes, or other mild acids like lemon juice. Ensure a tight seal on the balloon for best results.