Beanbag Balls

ages 3-6

Supplies

Nine 11 inch balloons (for 3 balls) , funnel, 2 1/4 cups of dried lentils, scissors

Activity Detail

Use this activity to make totally awesome squishable balls. They are great for beanbag games or a good old game of catch. 1. Stretch the first balloon by inflating it halfway, holding it closed for about 30 seconds, and then deflating it. 2. Place a funnel in the balloon's neck and gradually pour in 3/4 cup of lentils, pushing them in as you go. Balloon should be firm but squeezable. 3. Snip off balloon's neck. Cut the neck off a second balloon and gently stretch the opening. 4. Ease the second balloon over the first, full balloon, tucking in the neck as you go so that it is hidden within the second balloon. 5. Cut the neck off the third balloon, stretch the opening, and ease it over the two. Repeat this process to make a set of three balls or however many you like! (Note: Be very careful using balloons with small children. If one breaks, it can become a choking hazard. A good alternative for balloons with very small children is surgical gloves. They are almost impossible to break.)