Balloon Slingshot

With all the modern technology that kids are interested in nowadays you'd think they'd give up on the old toys and games of yesteryear. But there's barely a kid alive who doesn't still love a slingshot. Boy or girl, hunting or playing, a balloon slingshot can shoot bb's, spit wads, marbles, beans, peas, and similar things. Shoot at a tree, or even at a set of cardboard cutouts, for a whole lot of fun on a boring day.

There are many different things you could use to make the main piece for the slingshot. One thing is a piece cut from a PVC pipe. Cut a piece to be an inch to an inch-and-a-quarter wide. Sand the pipe section so that there are no sharp areas.

Another thing you can use as the base for the slingshot is the top off of a soda or water bottle. Puncture the side of the bottle, a few inches down from the cap, then use scissors to neatly cut off the top, and remove the lid. Instead of a bottle you could also use a section cut from a large-diameter hose. The hose should be an inch-and-a-half to two inches in diameter.

No matter which main piece you're using choose a balloon as the sling itself. A good balloon choice is one that's about two to three inches, across the center. Lay the balloon on a flat surface and cut it in half - but not equally - cut just where the mouthpiece of the balloon begins to expand out into the fullness of the balloon. Throw away the mouthpiece; you won't need it.

To set up the slingshot, put the uncut side of the balloon into the opening of the chosen base. Pull the balloon almost all the way through but, then, fold the cut part of the balloon over the sides of the base. Position it so that the edges of the balloon are about halfway down the sides of the base. Tape the edges down, then wrap the tape several times around the base, to ensure that the balloon is very secure.

To use the unique slingshot, drop a dry pea, bean, rock, or other object into the balloon. Hold onto the base, pull the balloon and the chosen projectile back tightly, then let go. The object will fly through the air as if it was shot from any other slingshot. Your kids will love it.