Celebrate Firework Night with Preschoolers: Fun, Food & Safe Sparkles!

Photo credit: Google

Bonfire Night on 5th November can be magical for little ones—with the right mix of history, hands-on fun, and gentle sparkle. Here’s how to make it memorable (and safe!) for your preschooler.

🎇 A Brief History: Why Do We Celebrate Bonfire Night?

Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, marks the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. A group of men, including Guy Fawkes, tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in protest against King James I. The plot was foiled, and ever since, the UK has commemorated the event with fireworks and bonfires¹.

For preschoolers, you might say:"A long time ago, someone tried to do something very naughty, but they were stopped. Now we celebrate with lights and sparkles to remember how important it is to be kind and safe."

You can read all about Guy Fawkes here: Twinkl

🎨 Easy Bonfire Night Activities for Little Hands

Keep it cosy and creative indoors with these themed crafts:

• Toilet Roll Fireworks: Dip the ends of cut toilet roll tubes into paint and stamp onto black paper for a firework effect.

Click here for full instructions Toilet Paper Roll Fireworks

• Sparkler Wands: Wrap silver or gold tinsel around a straw or stick for a safe, glittery “sparkler.”

• Bonfire Collage: Use red, orange, and yellow tissue paper to create a fiery bonfire on cardboard.

  
  

Check out more Bonfire Night Crafts for Kids here Twinkl Learning Resources

🍎 Simple & Tasty Recipes

Warm, comforting treats are perfect for chilly November evenings:

• Mini Toffee Apples: Use small apples or even grapes on sticks, dipped in caramel and rolled in sprinkles.

• Bonfire Baked Potatoes: Wrap in foil and bake in the oven. Let kids choose toppings like cheese, beans, or sweetcorn.

• Hot Chocolate Bar: Set up a mini station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles for a warm treat.

Eats Amazing has some great ideas for fun firework themed foods and bonfire night themed packed lunch ideas, so you can celebrate Bonfire Night in style!

From FUN MINI BAKED POTATO MONSTERS to SAUSAGES ON STICKS, CHOCOLATE FIREWORKS BARK and EASY CHOCOLATE DIPPED APPLES – your little ones will enjoy helping you in the kitchen to whizz up a spectacular feast!

MINI BAKED POTATO MONSTERS CHOCOLATE DIPPED APPLES

Photo credit: Eats Amazing

🔥 Firework Safety Tips for Families with Young Children

Preschoolers are often sensitive to loud noises and bright flashes. Here’s how to keep things safe and stress-free:

• Watch from a distance or through a window to reduce noise and crowd overwhelm.

• Use ear defenders if attending a display.

• Glow sticks over sparklers: Sparklers can burn at 1000°C—opt for LED wands or glow sticks instead.

• Keep pets indoors and talk to your child about how animals might feel scared too.

• Have a “safe zone” indoors with books, cuddly toys, and a blanket in case your child needs a break.

Grab a hot chocolate and huddle under a cosy blanket to Enjoy your favourite cartoons for girls and boys – full episodes available on our Official YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/@EverythingsRosie

🏡 Celebrating at Home: Calm, Cosy & Magical

If a big display feels too much, try these gentle alternatives:

• Firework videos on a screen with the volume turned down.

• Shadow play with torches and cut-out shapes.

• Storytime with themed books like Sparks in the Sky or The Firework-Maker’s Daughter (for older siblings).

• Mini garden bonfire (with adult supervision) or a tealight in a jam jar to mimic the glow.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Firework Night doesn’t have to be loud or late to be special. With a little planning, you can create a warm, wonder-filled evening that your preschooler will remember for all the right reasons.

Photo credit: istockphoto.com