Kid Friendly Project #5 – Create a Firefly Lantern

By Tim Bogert

Firefly Lantern Instructions & Diagram

Summer evenings come to life with this classic activity. It all starts with a mason jar and a sense of wonder. And some fireflies.

  1. Get some medium or large mason jars (one for each participant). Choose plastic jars for younger kids.
  2. Cut some wire cord or string for handles. Wrap the handle around the top of the jar just below the lid leaving enough length to easily carry the lantern.
  3. Use water-based glue or hot glue to secure the handle to the glass.
  4. Drill a series of 3/32” holes in the lid to allow the fireflies to breathe. Paint or decorate each jar as desired.

Wait until dark when fireflies start to emerge and gently capture them in the jar. Have a competition to see how many each person can capture. Do the fireflies light up as often in the jar as they did flying around?

Reuse the jars all summer long keeping a running count of the number of fireflies each person captures for the summer. (Don’t forget to let the fireflies go at the end of each night!)

RECOMMENDED MATERIALS:

  • Medium or large Mason jars
  • Wire cord or string for handles
  • Water-based wood glue or hot glue
  • Paint or stickers (optional) for decoration

RECOMMENDED TOOLS:

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Kid Friendly Project #5 – Create a Firefly Lantern
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Kid Friendly Project #5 – Create a Firefly Lantern
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Summer evenings come to life with this classic activity. It all starts with a mason jar and a sense of wonder. And some fireflies.
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