![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_a546ec8e7c7b4c8dbf8ef1a6e60c2426~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_96,h_71,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/5c6c6a_a546ec8e7c7b4c8dbf8ef1a6e60c2426~mv2.png)
Inflatables
What are inflatables?
Ever seen those wacky waving tube dudes outside a car dealership or furniture store? Imagine a DIY version!
In this playful, open-ended activity, thin plastic is cut into shapes and taped together so it inflates when placed over an air source, such as a fan. Motion of the wind brings the character to life, and decorative elements like googly eyes and construction paper tell its story. Inflatables are a wonderful family activity and can be done by anyone who can hold a pair of scissors.
Materials
Inflatables can be created from all kinds of materials. Explore your junk drawer or garage to find fun odds and ends to give your creation personality.
![Inflatables.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_3e323415591c4ba48b86dd2fe95a6414~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_226,h_372,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Inflatables.png)
Subject
Design Thinking
Ages
6-12
Time
30+ minutes
Key Concepts
3D design, structural integrity, spatial reasoning, aerodynamics
Want a challenge?
![TAH-websitepieces-02.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_a569744a1c4549f2aa4fde7ef3abf3a0~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_56,h_55,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/TAH-websitepieces-02.png)
JUMP IN!
Write a story about an inflatable character.
Want a challenge?
![TAH-websitepieces-03.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_b734699e385940d7935381f55d41be42~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_15,y_1,w_552,h_554/fill/w_55,h_55,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/TAH-websitepieces-03.png)
REWARDING & FLEXIBLE
Create an inflatable from household items.
Want a challenge?
![TAH-websitepieces-04.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_d3b922f7fb8a4340bf3bea92c370a313~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_55,h_55,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_3,enc_auto/TAH-websitepieces-04.png)
DESIGN CHALLENGES AHEAD!
Add moving parts to your inflatable.
If you think this looks fun, wait ‘til you try these!
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_44d46387d0b1450cac85a0835bf8438a~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_238,h_237,fp_0.72_0.22,q_90/5c6c6a_44d46387d0b1450cac85a0835bf8438a~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_93249af8fd564386b6f9f3cfd878ac11~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_237,h_237,q_90/5c6c6a_93249af8fd564386b6f9f3cfd878ac11~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_b322b42268c74d21a22ea2553c013aea~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_238,h_237,fp_0.33_0.57,q_90/5c6c6a_b322b42268c74d21a22ea2553c013aea~mv2.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5c6c6a_61cd03f7c6974feebf7eb981a28201e9~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_237,h_237,fp_0.72_0.44,q_90/5c6c6a_61cd03f7c6974feebf7eb981a28201e9~mv2.png)