Balloon

A balloon is a bag that is usually filled with gas. This gas can be helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen or air.

Small balloons filled with helium

A big balloon filled with hot air

Deflated toy balloon in a tree

Throughout the 19th century, balloons were made out of animal bladders. Nowadays, balloons are made from a thin and stretchy material like rubber, latex, neoprene or plastic and can come in many different colors. Big balloons are made from nylon fabric.

Balloons are used for many purposes like decorations and entertainment.

Most small balloons are made for parties or hiccup cures. These balloons are sometimes made to look like animals.

Some balloons are very big. Big balloons are used for people to fly into the sky. Big balloons are called aircraft. Most balloon aircraft are filled with hot air. They are called hot air balloons.

Balloons can also be filled with water. They are called "water balloons". Water balloons are a kind of toy, best known for its use of water balloon fights.

Related pages

• Balloon (aircraft)