What became a gag purchase at a hobby shop actually became something quite interesting. I bought an ant farm. They are pretty amusing pets and VERY easy to care for. I put the little cage together, went out and got some ants from an ant hill around the apartment we live in and put them in their new home. I was surprised the next day to find they had already started tunneling. When starting an ant farm however, you want to make sure that the ants are bigger than the air holes in the farm, otherwise you will wind up with the problem i had and you have ants on your computer desk. I let them go, and i think i got all of them : ) I went and got bigger ants the next day, who started off tunneling where the others left off.  They don't eat much at all and like to just go about their business.  I would recommend this setup for any family that has limited room or a child too young to care for a larger pet.  They are also educational for the parents that like their kids to learn while having fun ; ).  I would recommend some parental supervision if you child would like to capture their own ants however, due to the fact that some children may not know the difference between fire ants and regular ants. We don't want anyone getting hurt : )
Some companies that make ant farms also allow you to order live ants from them, in case you are not the "search for your own ants" kind of person. Have fun with your tiny tunnelers if you decide to try this. I know i am!