Have you ever read Balloons Over Broadway and felt amazed by the creativity behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? If yes, then you’ll love exploring fun and easy balloons over broadway project ideas. This book, written by Melissa Sweet, tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer who created the first giant balloons for the parade. It’s full of imagination, art, and inspiration.
With these creative projects, students, teachers, and parents can bring the story to life. Whether you are working in a classroom, at home, or during a holiday craft session, these balloons over broadway project ideas will spark curiosity, joy, and learning.
What Are Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas?
Balloons Over Broadway project ideas are creative activities inspired by the story of Tony Sarg and the tradition of the Macy’s Parade. These projects encourage reading comprehension, art, writing, science, and even basic engineering. Kids get to learn about history, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on fun. Teachers often use these projects for Thanksgiving lessons or STEAM activities.
Also read: Electronic Project Ideas for College Students 2026
220+ Balloons Over Broadway Project Ideas
Below is a massive list of 220+ balloons over broadway project ideas that you can use at school, home, or community events. They’re easy to customize and fit all grade levels.
Art and Craft Projects
- Draw parade balloons on poster paper
- Sculpt clay balloon animals
- Make paper mache parade balloons
- Paint watercolors of the parade scene
- Create tissue paper balloon models
- Build a cardboard puppet theater
- Design parade floats using shoe boxes
- Create a crayon resist parade picture
- Make balloon garlands for the classroom
- Cut out balloon shapes from colored paper
- Craft balloon animal masks
- Decorate balloons with permanent markers
- Make 3D hot air balloons with construction paper
- Build parade balloons using foam sheets
- Create recycled-material parade puppets
- Paint rocks as balloon characters
- Make origami parade balloons
- Craft paper bag puppets inspired by Tony Sarg
- Draw the New York skyline as parade background
- Glue collage parade scenes from magazines
- Construct parade hats and headbands
- Starglue popsicle stick balloon art
- Decorate parade picture frames
- Make string balloon mobiles
- Fold paper fans as parade decorations
- Craft parade flags from felt
- Glue cotton balls as clouds over parade pictures
- Build matchbox parade floats
- Design balloon character bookmarks
- Create parade scene window clings
- Wrap yarn around balloon templates
- Create parade stamps with sponges
- Decorate parade-themed photo albums
- Make finger puppets of parade characters
- Create foam hand parade props
- Mold clay parade hats
- Make parade-themed keychains
- Create puff paint parade balloons
- Build parade floats using recycled bottles
- Paint egg cartons as parade characters
- Cut tissue paper confetti for parade art
- Draw a map showing the parade route
- Build parade floats from cereal boxes
- Make parade signs on poster boards
- Craft balloon necklaces from beads
- Decorate parade treat bags
- Paint shoe box city skylines
- Make parade balloon pencil toppers
- Use pipe cleaners to create parade figures
- Create balloon stamped art
- Make mini balloon floats with plastic cups
- Decorate masks to wear in a mini parade
- Paint parade balloons using fingerprints
- Design parade ticket stubs for an event
- Build a city street scene using blocks
- Decorate parade scrolls for announcements
- Glue sequins onto parade hats
- Make parade puppets from socks
- Construct parade balloon towers with cups
- Craft parade sashes for students
- Draw comic strips about the parade
Writing and Reading projects
- Write a letter from Tony Sarg to Macy’s
- Compose a poem about parade day
- Write a short story set at the parade
- Create a diary entry as Tony Sarg
- Make a list of parade vocabulary words
- Write a newspaper article about the first parade
- Jot down facts about the Macy’s Parade
- Write about your favorite parade balloon
- Create a rhyming chant for a balloon character
- Write a “thank you Tony Sarg” letter
- Make a parade invitation card
- Write a pretend speech for the parade opening
- Compose interview questions for Tony Sarg
- List ten reasons parades are important
- Write instructions for making a balloon puppet
- Create a story “What If The Parade Was Cancelled?”
- Write a script for a parade puppet show
- Summarize the book in five sentences
- Write a fictional news bulletin about the balloons
- Make a compare/contrast essay about old and new balloons
- Write a note of appreciation to parade volunteers
- Create a reading log about parade-related books
- Write a book review about Balloons Over Broadway
- Make a parade history timeline
- Create a reading comprehension quiz
- Write an acrostic poem using “BALLOONS”
- Journal about parade memories
- Write a list of reasons why Tony Sarg was creative
- Create a parade “thankfulness” list
- Describe how parade balloons are made
- Write a poem using only parade words
- Create a classroom parade schedule
- Make an interview with a parade character
- Write your own ending to the story
- Create a dialogue between two parade balloons
- Draft a persuasive letter for more parade funding
- Write out parade rules for safety
- Letter to the mayor about the parade
- Write a story called “The Mystery of the Lost Balloon”
- Write an informative passage about helium balloons
- Compose a series of questions for book discussion
- Create a review of your favorite parade float
- Write a guide for parade volunteers
- Create captions for parade photo displays
Math and Science activities
- Measure the length of typical parade balloons
- Calculate distances on the parade route map
- Graph parade balloon heights
- Record parade attendance statistics
- Estimate how many balloons fit in the parade
- Learn about buoyancy using parade balloon models
- Weigh parade floats and compare
- Calculate the size ratio of parade balloons to people
- Discover the science behind helium
- Make predictions about parade weather
- Compare parade balloon sizes from different years
- Create a table of parade balloon costs
- Chart balloon inflation rates
- Observe the effect of air vs. helium
- Measure the volume of a balloon
- Create a math quiz about the parade
- Calculate parade time schedules
- List geometric shapes seen in parade balloons
- Measure how far balloons move in wind
- Count colors in photos of parade balloons
- Add up total parade participants
- Make a fact sheet about parade engineering
- Record parade balloon speeds
- Compare weights of different balloon materials
- Make a tally chart of parade balloon types
- Determine the number of floats in each year
- Use simple physics experiments on balloon flotation
- Calculate how many balloons it takes to lift a weight
- Find facts about parade balloon gases
- Write out the science behind parade sound
- Design an experiment for making balloons float
- Count the number of string pieces used per balloon
- Measure parade float dimensions
- Record sound measurements during a parade video
- Estimate parade balloon travel distance
- Compare mapping techniques for parade routes
- Calculate parade start and finish times
Dramatic Play and Social Projects
- Hold a classroom parade
- Organize a puppet show for families
- Design parade costumes for a school play
- Create a parade “cheering section”
- Act out interviews with balloon makers
- Hold a parade fashion show
- Role-play as parade characters
- Set up a parade photo booth
- Make parade broadcast scripts
- Organize a parade safety demonstration
- Hold a parade mascot contest
- Stage a “parade history” play
- Choreograph simple parade dance routines
- Host a classroom vote for best balloon design
- Organize parade volunteer teams
- Create parade judge scorecards
- Hold a parade trivia contest
- Host a costume parade for pets
- Arrange parade viewer seats
- Plan a parade day breakfast
- Create a classroom parade committee
- Host a parade art show
- Coordinate a parade clean-up crew
- Role-play a reporter covering the parade
- Stage a balloon parade for younger students
- Create parade program booklets
- Host a parade-themed dress-up day
- Act out the story of Tony Sarg
Technology and Digital Projects
- Make a parade slideshow
- Create a digital balloon design in an art app
- Film a classroom parade and edit a highlight reel
- Build a parade website
- Design digital parade invitations
- Make parade videos with sound effects
- Create a digital parade news report
- Use 3D modeling tools for parade balloons
- Code a simple parade route animation
- Design parade float graphics on a tablet
- Build parade character profiles online
- Post parade photos to a classroom blog
- Create parade podcasts
- Make an online parade art gallery
- Develop a short parade film
- Create interactive parade maps
- Digitize parade program booklets
- Record parade interview audio
- Host a virtual parade for remote students
- Edit parade photos with digital art
- Create parade emoji designs
- Use video calls to share parade projects
- Record parade sound effects
- Make animated parade GIFs
- Set up a classroom parade YouTube channel
- Use QR codes for parade project instructions
- Create online parade quizzes
- Build digital parade comics
- Organize a parade slide show night
- Create a class parade blogpost with balloon art
- Use photo-editing to add balloons to city scenes
- Build a parade float online using drag-and-drop tools
- Curate a digital parade music playlist
- Share parade project results in a virtual classroom
Family and Community Projects
- Host a neighborhood parade
- Invite families to view parade projects
- Organize a school-wide parade day
- Make a parade banner for the playground
- Create parade goodie bags
- Host a balloon animal workshop
- Arrange a parent-child parade craft session
- Plan a parade potluck
- Set up community parade voting
- Offer parade storytelling time
- Make a parade wall collage
- Host a parade talent show
- Organize a community parade clean-up
- Share parade-themed recipes for families
- Set up a balloon release event
- Decorate community hallways with balloons
- Make parade pins or buttons
- Hold a parade award ceremony
- Invite parade experts for classroom talks
- Encourage kids to photograph parade scenes
- Organize a thank-you party for parade helpers
How to Use These Project Ideas in Class
Teachers can easily include balloons over broadway project ideas into art, reading, and social studies lessons. For example, reading the book aloud can begin a fun classroom discussion on innovation and teamwork. Afterward, students can choose one of the project ideas to complete individually or in groups. You can also integrate science by exploring how real parade balloons float, or writing tasks where students describe their designs.
For homeschooling or family activities, these projects make an engaging Thanksgiving-week experience. Families can read the story together, build crafts, then hold a mini home parade in the living room. Creative projects like these strengthen imagination and fine motor skills while helping children appreciate tradition and creativity.
Conclusion
Balloons Over Broadway is a wonderful story that reminds everyone how imagination can bring joy to the world. These balloons over broadway project ideas give teachers, students, and families fun ways to celebrate reading and creativity. With over 220+ ideas, you can find projects for every age, skill level, and occasion. Whether you build, paint, draw, or write, each activity brings Tony Sarg’s world of puppets and parade magic to life. Let these creative projects inspire you to dream big—and maybe even start your own parade at home or in school.
