Some rules and regulations may have changed. Click here for more information.

At this time we are not accepting anymore Private Tour or Birthday Party Bookings until further notice. Thank you so much for understanding.

Blog Layout

What's New

DIY Firefly Lanterns

The days are getting darker and colder, as winter approaches. Babysits and The Victoria Bug Zoo have just the thing to brighten up your dark winter nights. We will teach you how to make a firefly using an old toilet paper roll! The most common species of firefly in North America is the ‘common eastern firefly’, which also goes by the name ‘big dipper firefly’. This firefly is not actually a fly, but a type of beetle! Keep reading to learn how to make your own firefly lantern!

Materials

Toilet paper roll
Colored paper
Paint
Scissors
Googly eyes
Antenna

Instructions

Step 1: Cut out a semi-circle at the bottom of your toilet paper roll.

Step 2: Paint the roll black or dark brown.

Step 3: Add a pair of eyes! You can also add red details with paint or paper.

Step 4: Use construction paper to cut out some wings, and glue them to your roll.

Step 5: Put white or yellow printer inside the toilet roll so it covers the hole you made at the start. Add some black antennae using pipe cleaners as a finishing touch!

Your firefly lantern is all done! All that’s left to do now is to turn off the lights and place an electrical tea light inside (Do not use real fire!). Take a picture of your finished creations, and tag us on Instagram @babysits and @victoriabugzoo! Did you enjoy this DIY? Click here for more tutorials!

< Older Post Newer Post >

Bug Kits

By Karlee Friesen • 16 May, 2023

Choose which style works best for your classroom!

DIY Rainbow Stag Beetle

By Ben Harrison • 21 Jun, 2022

The Rainbow Stag Beetle is one of the many cool critters you can go see at The Victoria Bug Zoo. Now you can have one at home too! This is a fun DIY for kids to do with parents or a babysitter! Don’t have a babysitter? Find one at Babysits.ca! Cardboard is a fun and versatile material that we all tend to throw in the recycling bin! Why not use it to create something fun and unique instead? Grab some cardboard, paint, and get crafting! To get started, grab some cardboard! An old shoe box or delivery package will be more than enough. You will also need a pencil, scissors, some paint and a paintbrush.

DIY Chocolate and Peanutbutter Redback Spider Treats

By Ben Harrison • 21 Jun, 2022

We’ve created the perfect sweet-treat for Halloween! Babysits and the Victoria Bug Zoo have teamed up to create these fun Redback Spider snacks. Trust us, these chocolatey and peanut buttery creatures will not disappoint you or your kids. They aren’t just delicious, they are super quick and easy to make! Children can make these together with their parents or babysitter, and the recipe does not require an oven so older kids can even make it themselves! All you need are these 5 ingredients: