Smithsonian Adventures

5 ft. tall

Hot Air Balloon Kit

Build a replica of the 1783  invention that was the first craft to carry humans aloft.   Based on the collections and research of the National Air & Space Museum and Smithsonian Institution Libraries, this kit provides everything you need (except glue and scissors) to launch a 5 ft tall hot air balloon.

Its easy to make:

• cut out the panels

• glue them together

• attach the bottom opening wire

• decorate with traditional designs or create your own

Its Easy to Launch

• Two Hair dryers of a popcorn popper will inflate the balloon.  Choose a cool day, fill the balloon with hot air for a few minutes then watch it gracefully rise into the sky.

Its a High Flyer

• Good flight require a large temperature difference between the air inside and outside the balloon.  When it's cold or cool outside the balloon will fly far overhead.  On warm days flights will be limited.

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