The age-old pastime of water balloon fights are still alive and well for kids of all ages (and adults!), providing some much-needed relief from our hot Charleston days.
The humble water balloon has come a long way. From filling individual balloons at an outdoor faucet to being filled by the bunch and even reusable, environmentally friendly options. This summer, we’ve compiled a list of the most well-known balloon options available (with pros and cons for each) and how they might stack up for your next epic water battle!
The Battle of the Water Balloons
Contender #1: The Classic Water Balloon
Pros:
- Don’t have to make a big batch, can fill up as needed
- Can control the amount of water per balloon
- Cost-effective for the amount of balloons included
Cons:
- Break into many pieces, which can be a choking hazard and hard to clean up
- Not environmentally friendly
- Need to tie and fill individually
- Not latex allergy friendly
Contender #2: Bunch o’ Balloons
Pros:
- Fill and tie 100 water balloons in 60 seconds
- Made of recycled materials
- Reasonably priced for the amount of balloons/convenience
Cons:
- Break into many pieces, which can be a choking hazard and hard to clean up
- Not environmentally friendly
- Have to blow up hundreds at a time
Contender #3: Homemade Crochet Water Balloons
Pros:
- Reusable and environmentally friendly
- Softer than a latex/rubber balloon
- Can be handmade and customizable
Cons:
- Have to make
- Need to be dried and stored properly to avoid mold
- Have to provide a water source for refilling
Contender #4: Sponge Balloons (Homemade Version)
Pros:
- Reusable and environmentally friendly
- Can be handmade and customizable
- Softer than a latex/rubber balloon
Cons:
- Doesn’t hold as much water
- Need to be dried and stored properly to avoid mold
- Have to provide a water source for refilling
Contender #5: Reusable Silicon Latex Free Balloons
Pros:
- Reusable and environmentally friendly (can be put in the washing machine!)
- Latex-free for allergies
- Can glow in the dark
Cons:
- Need to be dried and stored properly to avoid mold
- Have to provide a water source for refilling
- Silicon can wear and break down over time
Contender #6: Bunch o’ Balloons Reusable Water Balloons
Pros:
- Reusable and environmentally friendly (Up to 1500 uses)
- Easy to fill
- Soft silicone
Cons:
- Not a solid piece, which can open in mid-air or prior to hitting the target
- Can get holes in the silicone and magnets can wear over time
- Have to provide a water source for refilling
Contender #7: Splash Balls
Pros:
- Reusable and environmentally friendly
- Soft nylon fabric with bright colors
- Long-lasting
Cons:
- Doesn’t hold as much water
- Need to be dried and stored properly to avoid mold
- Have to provide a water source for refilling