A fanoos is a lantern, and in some communities children carry a lit one in the evening during Ramadan — a tradition we found described in one source clearly, which is exactly why we are telling you that.
Sources describing the fanoos as a children’s tradition — carrying a lit lantern in the evening, sometimes singing as they go — point to Egypt, and mention Jordan and Saudi Arabia. We found this described clearly in one source and did not independently confirm it in a second, so treat the regional detail as likely but not fully verified. Whether this is part of Ramadan where you are is worth asking your own community rather than assuming from us.
A paper lantern — cut, folded and decorated by the child, with a small battery light rather than an open flame — gives a young child something to carry and display through the month, whether or not an evening lantern walk is part of your own community’s practice.
Some families hang the lantern by the door or table each evening of Ramadan as a simple, repeated marker that the day's fast has ended. That is our suggestion, not a tradition we are claiming for every family — take what is useful and leave what is not.
No. It is most associated with Egypt in what we found, and we only confirmed that through one source. Ask your own community whether lanterns are part of how Ramadan is marked where you are.
A battery tea light is the safer choice for anything a young child is carrying or handling, regardless of what the traditional version uses.
Cutting and folding paper shapes works from about four with help; decorating works from any age a child can hold a crayon.
Part of our guide to Ramadan & Eid with young kids.