Looking for a fun activity for a birthday party, activity days, scouts or  just for fun?  This is it!  We’ve seen versions of these poppers around in magazines and other websites but they were made out of heavy plastic cups.  We made several of them to use as a possible activity for a preschool camp.  They were fun, but so flimsy we couldn’t get them to work  right even with the heaviest of cups.  Also, the big cups were harder to manage for little hands.

Searching for a sturdier way to make a popper, we went to Home Depot and bought some PVC pipe. With the help of Mr. “Depot” and his trusty saw, the cool super sturdy popper was born!  (Right in the sprinkler isle in front of everybody). One 4 foot piece of PVC ( 2 inch pipe) made 12 poppers for about $6.00.

They couldn’t be more simple to make:  Buy some bigger birthday balloons.  Tie a knot in the bottom just like you would if you blew it up.  Cut off the very top of the round part of the balloon (just a bit).  Pull the balloon over the pipe. You’re done.  Ta Da. (The balloon stays nice and tight).  Put a pom-pom or a marshmallow in the hole, pull back on the knot and stand back!  Straight up is the best.  They really fly.  You can shoot several small pom-poms at a time or one giant one.  Try to pop one and catch it.  They’re fun for everyone!

* You will have to sand the PVC if it’s rough or it may make a hole in the balloon.  Also remember to be careful if you have young children because there are small items and balloons involved.