While the kids are starting the glow sticks, I start blowing up the balloons. When a balloon is half full of air, we quickly insert a glow stick. This step takes a few trials before we are able to coordinate the operation (imagine balloons zipping all over the place!)

Once fully inflated and tied off, the balloons are ready for play. My son calls them "twinkle balloons" and enjoys just shaking the glow stick around.  He tosses and kicks the balloons around, his face all aglow.

We try various balloons, and ultimately find the best outcome with two glow sticks in a white balloon (Yep, those multi-colored glowing orbs started out white. Pretty neat, yes?). With the darkness of wintertime setting in, what do you do with your kids to make the best of the early sunsets?