How to Tie Balloon Animals for Kids

Swan

• 1

  Blow up a 260 balloon two-thirds of the way, leaving a 4-inch uninflated end. Tie a knot at the end of the balloon.

• 2

  Bend the balloon into a circle. Fold the circle into the shape of a paper clip, with the tied-off end folded inward 3 to 4 inches and the other end folded over the first fold and the rest of the balloon.

• 3

  Twist all three parts of the balloon together in the middle, holding onto the knot. You should now have a bow shape with two large loops and one long end sticking up in the center.

• 4

  Tuck one of the loops through the open middle of the other loop to create the swan's body.

• 5

  Fold the uninflated end backwards so it touches the long straight piece of the balloon. Hold the end and squeeze the air out of the long piece and toward the fold. This maintains the bend and creates the swan's curved head.

• 6

  Pull backwards on the neck to create friction in the twisted end and hold the swan's body in place.

Dog

• 7

  Blow up a 160 balloon, leaving an uninflated 3-inch tail. Tie a knot at the end of the balloon.

• 8

  Fold the knot in toward the balloon so that 6 inches of the balloon lay parallel to the long part.

• 9

  Squeeze the long and short parts together 2 inches from the knot and twist twice to hold in place. This forms the dog's ears.

• 10

  Create the front legs by folding the balloon 2 inches farther in from the ears. Twist the balloon twice to hold the legs in place.

• 11

  Fold the balloon 2 inches from the front-leg twist to create the back legs. Twist the balloon twice.