- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- Activities
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- First Friday of August
- Holiday emoji:
- 🎈
National Water Balloon Day splashes down every first Friday of August, dedicated to the joyful, jiggly spheres that turn hot summer days into memorable, refreshing battles. Gather your friends and family, fill up dozens of balloons, and prepare for an epic, splashy melee. Embrace the thrill of a good water fight and cool off with some wholesome, damp fun!
Want to sponsor National Water Balloon Day? Learn how
History of National Water Balloon Day
National Water Balloon Day was an event launched by the town of Newmarket, New Hampshire, in 2019 as a way for residents to have fun while cooling down in the hot summer sun. It is seen as a wholesome, family-friendly activity because it is an inclusive, energetic activity that encourages bonding and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
A staple of pool parties, playgrounds, and the summertime, water balloons exude so much joy for those playing with them. There is a certain thrill and excitement that one feels whenever they chuck a jiggly orb of water and see it explode in a burst of wetness and rubber flakes. For many, the action of throwing balloons back and forth ignites an excitement that is unmatched by any other.
The water balloon has retained much of its form and use since its first appearance in 1950. Back then, British inventor Edgar Ellington was merely looking for a way to treat trench foot by filling up a latex sock with water. Seeing that it leaked, he threw the watery orb against a table and watched it explode. Ellington was splashed with an idea to market his accidental invention as a children’s plaything, which it remains to this day.
However, there have been several innovations over the years since its invention, with different types being invented and more efficient ways and devices to help fill it being available today. Water balloon fights also help its users develop skills such as tactical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. However, the main goal of the water balloon remains the same as it was decades ago: to bring simple, wet fun to people everywhere.
Just remember to keep a towel around!
National Water Balloon Day timeline
Michael Faraday invents the first rubber balloon.
Ellington invents the modern water balloon using a latex sock and cotton initially as a way to treat trench foot.
The largest water balloon fight, according to the “Guinness Book of Records,” takes place in Lexington, Kentucky, featuring 8,957 participants throwing up to 175,141 water balloons.
The town of Newmarket, New Hampshire, holds the first National Water Balloon Day.
National Water Balloon Day FAQs
When is National Water Balloon Day?
National Water Balloon Day 2026 falls on Friday, August 7. It’s the perfect way to kick off a summer weekend with refreshing, splashy fun.
How many water balloons are sold each year?
While exact figures vary, it’s estimated that hundreds of millions of water balloons are sold globally each year, with sales peaking in the summer months. Innovations like self-tying balloons have significantly boosted consumption.
What are the best types of water balloons?
Traditional latex balloons are popular for their affordability and classic feel. However, newer innovations like Zuru’s Bunch O Balloons, which allow for rapid filling and self-tying, have become a favorite for large-scale water fights due to their efficiency.
Are water balloons bad for the environment?
Traditional latex water balloons can contribute to litter and microplastic pollution if not properly cleaned up after use. Many manufacturers are exploring biodegradable materials, and reusable silicone water balls offer a more eco-friendly option.
National Water Balloon Day Activities
Throw your own party!
Gather your friends or family for a party and let it rip! Be sure to have enough balloons for everyone to throw and don't forget to be careful when playing. It might be a water balloon war, but nobody should get hurt while having fun.
Choose a game to play
While how you want to play with water balloons is your choice, there are a set of well-known games that are available if you're at a loss on how to play. One of them is the "water balloon kryptonite" hot-potato style musical chairs game where you make sure you're not the last one holding the balloon (unless you want to get soaked).
Bring some fun to a party
If a friend or family member is throwing a party for their kids, it doesn't hurt to offer some water balloons if they feel it's appropriate. When you get the green light, show up with as many water balloons as you can to give the party some extra fun and bask in the echoes of children's laughter as it resonates through the fracas.
5 Interesting Facts About Balloons
Animal organs make good balloons
Historically, the earliest balloons were made from animal bladders and intestines.
Balloons can travel high in the sky
Latex balloons can fly over three miles above the ground.
Popping balloons create small sonic booms
The sound of a popped party balloon travels faster than the speed of sound, hence its loudness.
Helium shrinks in the cold
Helium balloons last about eight to 12 hours in a cold room, but they shrink in colder temperatures due to the properties of helium.
Phileas Fogg’s balloon is a myth
Jules Verne's famous world-traveling character Phileas Fogg never used a hot air balloon during his voyage in the book “Around the World in 80 Days.”
Why We Love National Water Balloon Day
It ensures a riot of laughter
For a child, having access to water balloons, and the authority to hurl them to their heart's abandon is a feeling that rouses excitement like no other. When kids get their hands on one, you know that they will spend the next few minutes having a blast.
It's a good way to get through the hot summer
During hot days, all you want to do is just soak yourself in as much water as possible to keep off the heat. Water balloon fights are a fun way to cool yourself down and make the summer heat bearable.
It reminds us that having fun is a necessity
National Water Balloon Day is a day that celebrates and recognizes the importance of recreation. It is a day where you are asked to forget your troubles for the sake of having fun. Who knows, maybe throwing a few balloons might help reduce some of your stress!
