On a recent trip to Thailand I picked up a "Sky Lantern" (mini hot air balloon / make a wish balloon) which is used as part of the new moon festival (Loy Krathong). During the festival the Thai sky is filled with millions of these sky lanterns - quite an impressive sight (see video below). But they are also quite impressive even when you just launch a single sky lantern with your kids from the backyard.

We lit up our sky lantern to Celebrate Chinese New Year ... but you can really do this on any day (as long as there's no wind). Most lantern are super easy to make (tissue paper, wire and a candle or rolled wax paper for fuel).

Check out the following video clips for instructions on how to make your own sky lantern, how to light one and where to get them from in the US / Canada.

Here's the video clip with footage from the Loy Krathong festival in Thailand - magic!