Add a pop of color, whimsy, and individuality to any space with these fun ping pong ball lights!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Library programming is designed to be fully inclusive. Age limits may be implemented in certain programs to ensure that program content fosters appropriate developmental markers.

Accessibility:

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Mode: Facilitated

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Staff Energy: Medium

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Ages: 5+

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Cost: $5.26/strand

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Length: 45 min.

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Ideal Attendance: any

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STEAM Practices:

✓ Science (electricity)

✓ Art (colors)

✓ Math (patterns)

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Tags: electricity, lights, kids, teens, tweens, family, decor, art

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Credit: advancedmischief.com; createdbyv.com

Supplies:

(Commonly on-hand supplies are not included in cost breakdown.)

Colored Ping Pong balls (70 count for $11.99)

Light strands (5ft length, with 15 bulbs) ($2.26/ea)

Total Cost: $5.26/strand

Instructions:

Attendees decide on patterns and colors for their lights, then pop the ping pong balls on the bulbs, making sure they fit snugly.

Staff Know-How

Planning, Set Up & Facilitation

Using a power drill outfitted with a ⅜” bit, make a hole in one ping pong ball. Don’t drill the hole on the seam–it is more likely to break. You can also use an X-acto knife to cut a small x into the ball.
Check that a bulb from a light strand fits snugly into the hole. Adjust the size of your hole accordingly.
Make the holes in the remaining ping pong balls.
Confirm that all light strings work.

Pro-Tips

Each of the above linked light strands have 15 lights, so will need 15 balls. I added three balls per child in case they crack during drilling or kids get too excited.
Making the holes takes time. Don’t wait till the last minute!
If you make this a family activity, you can have the caretakers make the holes in the ping pong balls.