As the nights draw in and the skies begin to glitter with fireworks, Bonfire Night offers a perfect theme for play and creativity.

While real fireworks may be too loud and bright for some of our little ones, there are plenty of gentle, engaging ways to capture the magic through crafts that celebrate colour, sparkle, and imagination.

1. Glitter-Free Firework Painting

Using black or navy paper as the “night sky,” let toddlers dip the ends of cardboard tubes (or even cut-up straws) into brightly coloured paint and stamp them onto the paper to make firework bursts. Babies can join in using their hands or soft sponges to make colourful prints. For extra sparkle, sprinkle a little biodegradable glitter or add stickers once the paint is dry.

2. Sensory Sparkle Bags

Fill a zip-lock bag with a mix of hair gel, glitter, sequins, and a few drops of food colouring. Seal tightly (taping the edges for safety) and let little ones squish and pat the bag to see the “fireworks” shimmer and swirl. It’s a lovely, mess-free sensory activity that encourages fine motor skills and curiosity.

3. Bonfire Collage

Offer little ones strips of red, orange, and yellow tissue paper to glue onto dark paper, creating their own bonfire flames. Add brown paper “logs” or real twigs for texture. Older ones can arrange and glue independently, while younger ones can enjoy tearing or sticking pieces with help.

4. Firework Wands

Cut star shapes from cardboard and decorate them with foil, ribbons, and stickers. Attach them to paper straws or sticks to make magical firework wands - perfect for waving during a “light show” with torches or fairy lights.

These simple crafts make Bonfire Night safe, fun, and full of sensory wonder - letting little ones enjoy the sparkle and excitement in their own gentle way.

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