One of my favorite things about summer is fireflies! I love to watch them and try to catch them outside. When I catch a firefly, I will always let it go again. Did you know that fireflies are not actually flies? They are a type of beetle. They do not live very long at all. The males fireflies flash their lights to attract a female.  Different fireflies have different patterns of flashing lights and different colors. Some glow blue of green and some glow yellow or orange. Watch the fireflies in your backyard. Can you tell what kind you have?

You can learn more about fireflies in this video:

Did you know that in some places, fireflies can flash their lights together? They are called synchronous fireflies and they are beautiful to see. You can see some fireflies in the videos below:

And there are LOTS of stories about fireflies! Here are a few for you to enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XrPyF4Mpl4

Play a firefly game:

Firefly Hide & Seek

You’ll need:

* a light stick or light stick bracelet for each participant
* a good-sized building, yard, park, etc. for the game

Give each player a light stick.

Have the group agree upon the location of “base.”

Choose one play to be “it.” They may carry of flashlight if needed for safety.

All the other players, the “fireflies,” choose a signal to use to warn each other when they are captured.

“It” stays at “base” and counts to a predetermined number while other players hide (the bigger the playing area, the higher the count to give everyone a chance to find a good hiding spot).

After counting, “it” tries to find the other players.

When a player is found, she or he signals other players in the area that she or he has been “captured.”

“It” takes his/her captured firefly back to base, where their light stick is placed in a jar.

Other players may choose to move to another hiding spot while this is taking place.

Then “it” and the captured player join forces to find another firefly.

Play continues until all “fireflies” have been found.

Safety note: since these games are best played at night or in a dimly lit building, check your playing area for possible hazards before beginning. Set appropriate ground rules for the ages and personalities of kids in your group to keep everyone safe.

And lastly, if you want to try a firefly craft, here is an easy light up one to try:
firefly craft

Have fun and I hope you are all having a happy and safe summer!