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June 5 – Hot Air Balloon Day

On June 5, we celebrate Hot Air Balloon Day! This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of hot air balloons and their history. From the first flight to modern-day balloon festivals, there’s so much to discover about these incredible flying machines. You can check out all of the Fact of the Day for kids here.

TEN HOT AIR BALLOON FACTS FOR KIDS

  1. The first hot air balloon flight was in 1783 in France.
  2. Hot air balloons work by heating the air inside the balloon, which makes it rise.
  3. A sheep, a duck, and a rooster were the first passengers in a hot air balloon.
  4. A hot air balloon can fly as high as 3,000 feet or more.
  5. The largest hot air balloon festival in the world is in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  6. Hot air balloons are often made from nylon or polyester fabric.
  7. The basket beneath the balloon is called a gondola.
  8. Hot air balloons can travel at speeds of up to 8 miles per hour.
  9. The colors and patterns on hot air balloons are called “envelopes.”
  10. Some hot air balloons are shaped like animals, characters, or other fun designs.

ACTIVITY IDEAS TO CELEBRATE JUNE 5

Here are some fun ways to celebrate Hot Air Balloon Day in the classroom or school:

  • Color the Hot Air Balloon Free Printables and design your own!
  • Hot Air Balloon Craft: Create mini hot air balloons using paper and string.
  • Science Experiment: Demonstrate how hot air rises with a simple experiment.
  • Balloon Art: Paint or color pictures of hot air balloons.
  • Story Time: Read a book about hot air balloons and their adventures.
  • Math Activity: Calculate the volume and area of different-sized balloons.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT HOT AIR BALLOON DAY

Consider these questions to dive deeper into the world of hot air balloons:

  • How does the temperature inside the balloon affect its flight?
  • What were some of the challenges faced by early hot air balloon pilots?
  • How do hot air balloons stay safe while flying?
  • What are the different uses for hot air balloons besides recreation?
  • How has technology changed the way hot air balloons are made and flown?

WOULD YOU RATHER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOT AIR BALLOONS

Here are five questions to spark conversation. Would you rather:

  • Ride in a hot air balloon or a helicopter?
  • Fly in a hot air balloon at sunrise or sunset?
  • See a city from a hot air balloon or a countryside?
  • Ride in a traditional balloon or one shaped like your favorite animal?
  • Fly in a hot air balloon alone or with friends?

MORE FUN STUFF

Here are more fun ideas to help keep the kids entertained:

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