To begin, tie the empty balloon to the straight end of the bendy straw with a rubber band. Wrap the rubber band around as many times as possible so the balloon is secure.

With scissors, cut the hot dog container in half along the crease. (Older children should be able to do this themselves, but the little ones might need some adult assistance.) Then select half of the hot dog container to use for the boat. You can put the other half away or give to a friend for them to make a balloon boat themself.

With the pen, poke a hole through the bottom of your boat. The hole should be about an inch from the perimeter.

Now take your straw with the balloon on it and slide the bendy end inside the boat and out the bottom. The bendy part of the straw acts as the propeller under the boat!

Secure the bendy straw in place with some tape!

Your boat frame is complete. Decorate it however you like. When it is ready to sail, blow up the balloon from the bendy part of the straw and quickly place it in water. As the air escapes from the balloon, the boat will take off across the water!