Name: Baking Soda Balloon Experiment
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Educational
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons baking soda; 1/2 cup vinegar; 1 balloon; 1 small empty plastic water bottle; 1 funnel; optional few drops food coloring

Who knew science could look this magical? The Baking Soda Balloon Experiment is not just educational but also an explosion of color, fun, and curiosity. This simple yet eye-catching activity demonstrates the power of chemical reactions, and it’s a hit for both kids and adults who love hands-on learning with a bit of wonder.

Imagine watching vibrant colors swirl and expand a balloon without a single puff of air from your mouth. This experiment combines art and science in the most satisfying way—perfect for home learning, science fairs, or just a fun afternoon activity.

What Kind of Balloon Should I Use?

While any balloon will work, using clear or lightly tinted balloons lets you see the reaction more vividly. The transparent shell beautifully highlights the colored fizzing magic that builds up inside.

Ingredients for the Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Baking Soda
The key ingredient that reacts with vinegar to create carbon dioxide, which inflates the balloon.

Vinegar
An acid that starts the fizzy chemical reaction with baking soda. White distilled vinegar works best.

Balloons
They capture the gas formed during the reaction, and the more flexible they are, the better the expansion.

Empty Water Bottle
Acts as the chamber for the reaction. A small plastic bottle is ideal.

Funnel
Makes adding baking soda into the balloon a mess-free task.

Food Coloring (optional)
Adds a fun visual twist, especially if you’re using clear balloons.

How To Make the Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Step 1: Prep the Balloon

Using a funnel, scoop 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a deflated balloon. Gently shake the balloon to make sure it settles toward the bulb.

Step 2: Add the Vinegar

Pour about 1/2 cup of vinegar into an empty water bottle. Add a drop or two of food coloring for a dramatic effect, if desired.

Step 3: Connect the Balloon

Stretch the balloon’s opening over the bottle mouth carefully, without letting the baking soda spill in just yet. Make sure it’s sealed tight.

Step 4: Let the Magic Happen

Lift the balloon so the baking soda falls into the vinegar. Watch as the fizzy reaction inflates the balloon with colorful swirls.

Step 5: Observe and Learn

Discuss the reaction with kids or note your observations—what worked best? What colors made the most vibrant visuals?

Serving and Storing This Science Fun

This experiment is best enjoyed fresh! Since it involves a chemical reaction, you won’t want to prep it too far in advance. However, the filled balloon will stay inflated for a little while, making it fun to display as a quirky science centerpiece.

What to Serve With the Baking Soda Balloon Experiment?

Lemon Churro Cookies

Sweet, tangy, and just as fun as the experiment, these cookies add flavor to your science day.

Classic Vanilla Fudge

Creamy, sweet, and timeless—classic vanilla fudge makes for the perfect treat to munch on while you watch the balloon inflate.

Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins

Perfect for a cozy science session, these muffins are great warm with cocoa.

Condensed Milk Snow Cookies

Keep the color theme going with snow cookies that melt in your mouth and match your pastel science palette.

Raspberry Crescent Rolls

Add a pop of fruity delight by serving these raspberry rolls while you talk chemical reactions.

Want More Fun & Educational Ideas?

If you love this fizzy, colorful experiment, you’ll probably enjoy these creative treats and playful recipes:

Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a soft melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Classic Vanilla Fudge for smooth, nostalgic sweetness.
Raspberry Crescent Rolls to keep that vibrant color theme going.
Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins for comforting, oven-warm goodness.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this mesmerizing science moment to your favorite Pinterest board so you can bring the fizz and fun back anytime.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added glitter to the mix or used neon food dye? I’d love to hear how yours turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Baking Soda Balloon Experiment

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 experiment

Print Recipe

Description

Turn your kitchen into a colorful science lab with this Baking Soda Balloon Experiment! This fizzy fun activity is a creative way to demonstrate a basic chemical reaction using everyday ingredients. Perfect for science fairs, homeschool days, or just a rainy afternoon, it doubles as a vibrant art display and an educational experience. Whether you’re looking for easy experiments for kids, fun learning ideas, or just something cool to do with balloons and baking soda, this one hits all the marks. Add some food coloring for a mesmerizing twist!