How to celebrate Bonfire Night with kids
By Babysits
•
7 min read
Whether you’re not able to go to a firework display this year, or your kids are sensitive to loud noises, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to celebrate Bonfire Night from the comfort of your own home. From firework crafts to tasty ‘bonfires’ - it will be a 5th of November to remember.
Bonfire Night has been celebrated in the U.K. for over 400 years. It remembers the day Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested for attempting to blow up the Houses of Parliament on the 5th November 1605. After his arrest, the British people celebrated the fact that King James I had survived by lighting bonfires around London; and a few months later, the 5th November was announced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot's failure.
Nowadays, we continue to celebrate with bonfires, as well as firework displays. However, here are some other family-friendly ideas on how to celebrate Bonfire Night at home:
- Toilet Paper Roll Firework Rockets
- Fireworks in a Jar
- Firework Rings
- Bonfire Cupcakes
- The Fifth of November Poem
- Sparklers
Toilet Paper Roll Rockets
Three, two, one...blast off! These colourful firework rocket crafts are not only fun for your kids to make and play with, but you’ve probably got most of the materials already! The perfect last-minute DIY for Guy Fawkes Night.
Step-by-step:
- You’ll need toilet paper rolls, paint, paper, crepe paper, and a bowl/cup/compass (to draw a circle). Also feel free to add stars, glitter, etc. to fit your own style!
- First draw a circle on the piece of paper, and then draw a line to the centre (i.e. the radius). Then proceed to cut out the circle and along the radius.
- Then twist your paper to create a cone shape.
- Next, paint your cone and toilet paper roll any colour you please. Once dry, glue (or blu tac) the cone to the top of the toilet paper roll.
- Cut up the crepe paper into strips. Then glue the top of the strips inside the bottom of the toilet paper roll.
- And tadaa! Now you’re ready for take-off.
Fireworks in a Jar
Try this fun science experiment and create your very own fireworks display in a jar! Both educational and a cool decoration, it’s sure to impress the kids.
Firework Rings
Want to get dressed up for the evening and add a bit of sparkle to your look? Then try this simple but cute firework ring craft.
Step-by-step:
- For each ring all you need is 3 glittery pipe cleaners.
- You then cut these in half, so that you have 6 pieces of equal length in total.
- Next, gather 5 of the pipe cleaners and fold them in half. You then need to create a circular shape, making sure to leave enough room so that it’s able to fit your kid’s finger.
- After this, wrap the 6th pipe cleaner around a couple of times to secure the ring. Make sure that the ends lay flat so that it doesn’t poke your kid’s finger.
- Turn the ring over so that the loose ends face up, and then bend them slightly so that they look like a burst of fireworks. Again, make sure that the pipe cleaners are raised enough so that they aren’t poking your kid’s hand.
And voila! Now you have a festive firework ring. Feel free to make as many as you want, in all your favourite colours.
Bonfire Cupcakes
What’s better than a real bonfire? One you can eat! Try this delicious and festive bonfire cupcake recipe - something for the whole family to enjoy.
The Fifth of November Poem
If your kids don’t know this nursery rhyme already, then why not teach it to them now? It’s a great way to introduce them to the history behind Bonfire Night, who Guy Fawkes is, and why we celebrate.
Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
Guy Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent
To blow up king and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England's overthrow.
By god's mercy he was catch'd
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.
And what shall we do with him?
Burn him!
Sparklers
Sparklers can be a great alternative to fireworks - just as pretty but without all the noise. They’re also much cheaper and relatively easy to obtain. Kids love being able to see the sparkles up close and creating all kinds of wonderful shapes, as well as spelling their own names in the night sky.
Please remember to follow the ROSPA's safety code. at all times though, especially with young children.
Did you enjoy these fun Guy Fawkes inspired crafts and activities? Then make sure to check out our other DIYs such as these autumn crafts or this moon astronomy activity!
Or do you want to learn more about the UK and its national holidays? Then you can check out this article for maps, fun facts, and more!
If you tried making any of our crafts we’d love to see them - tag us @babysits on Instagram or Facebook.
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