How to Make Dinosaur Eggs for a Kid's Party With a Plastic Dinosaur Inside

A small plastic dinosaur placed inside the dinosaur egg creates a fun party favor or party game.

Dinosaur parties are popular with almost all kids, but it's easy for parents to go overboard and spend too much money trying to create the perfect prehistoric party scene for the birthday boy or girl. Making your own dinosaur eggs with plastic dinosaurs inside is an inexpensive, creative way to add a special touch to any dinosaur-themed party while getting kids involved in party preparations.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup flour
• Blender
• Mixing bowl
• 1-inch wide strips of newspaper
• Balloon
• Small plastic dinosaur toy
• Non-toxic paint

Instructions

Create a dinosaur egg

1. Place a small plastic dinosaur inside a deflated balloon. With the dinosaur inside, inflate the balloon to the desired size and shape of the dinosaur egg. Tie the balloon closed.

2. Create a papier-mâché paste by mixing 2 cups water with 1 cup flour in a blender. Blend until smooth, then pour into a mixing bowl. Dip each 1-inch strip of newspaper into the mixture, and slide the newspaper strip between your thumb and forefinger to remove any excess paste. Wrap strips one at a time around the inflated balloon until the entire surface of the balloon is covered, except for a small half-inch section.

3. Apply at least two layers of papier-mâché to the outside of the balloon, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer. Leftover papier-mâché paste can be stored in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator and used the next day. After the second layer of papier-mâché is dry, pop the balloon and remove it through the half-inch section that was left uncovered. You can cover the half-inch section with tissue paper, or leave it open to help kids hatch their dinosaur egg.

4. Paint the dinosaur egg in colors that match the party theme, or the favorite colors of the birthday boy or girl. This step can also be reserved for a party game in which partygoers can paint their very own dinosaur egg to take home.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply at least two layers of papier-mâché to the outside of the balloon before painting it.

• Let the papier-mâché dry overnight before adding another layer of newspaper.

• Provide "tools" at the party for kids to use to hatch their dinosaur eggs.

• Adult supervision is recommended when blending the water and flour mixture.

References

• Enchanted Learning: Make a Hatchable Dinosaur Egg
• Minnesota Children's Museum: Play at Home Ideas: Paper Mache Dinosaur Eggs

Resources

• DLTK Kids: Dinosaur Birthday Ideas