The Best Fall Fire Pit Activities for Families

Love the feeling of a warm campfire on a chilly autumn night? A backyard fire pit puts this feeling at your fingertips – literally!

If you’ve been thinking of getting a fire pit for your backyard or patio but you’re not sure how to make the best use of it, we’ve got you covered with the best outdoor fire pit activities. Because we’re such big fans of outdoor living at Porch & Patio, we like nothing more than helping our customers make the most of their outdoor spaces. From fun campfire games to storytelling by the fireside, enjoy any of these fun family activities around a fire pit.

Here are our top five favorite things to do around a campfire.

S’mores

Is there a more time-honored campfire tradition than roasting marshmallows? This do-it-yourself dessert is guaranteed to delight everyone in the family. Sticky fingers and gooey marshmallows smothered in melted chocolate are a must-have for your next fire pit campout.

While you can’t go wrong with the classic combination of toasted marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, these 15 creative recipes can help you level up your S’mores game. Candied bacon, cookie butter, salted caramel, and peanut butter cups are just a few examples of the ingredients you’ll find in these tasty treats.

If you’re looking for campfire activities that are as fun as they are sweet, making s’mores is your go-to!

Storytelling

Finding time to spend together as a family in our busy lives can be challenging. Setting aside one night every weekend to relax by the fire while sharing stories is a wonderful way to connect. By far one of the best backyard fire pit activities, storytelling keeps the whole family entertained.

Use a reflection prompt like Thorn, Rose, and Bud, or keep it casual. Reminisce on stories from family vacations or bond with the kids over stories from your childhood. Regardless, there’s something about a roaring fire that creates a warm, safe ambiance for family bonding.

Stargazing

When was the last time you stopped and looked up at the night sky? With a fire pit, you’ll have more opportunities to embrace mindfulness while pondering the vast starry sky. When it comes to fun activities around a fire pit, stargazing is a timeless tradition that just requires a clear night sky.

To get the most out of the moment, be sure to put in some prep work. For example, free astronomy apps like Stellarium, Star Walk, and Sky Map are handy guides to identifying stars, constellations, and planets. Lay out a few blankets and pillows or relax on your comfy patio furniture for a night of stargazing that is sure to impress your children.

Sing-Alongs

Sing-alongs are fun for the whole family! While any song can qualify as a campfire song, refer to this list of the 50 Greatest Campfire Songs of All Time for inspiration. If you have a guitar player or another musician in your family, encourage them to jam along. Short on a musician? Download a karaoke app!

For a less formal vibe, check out this Campfire Music Playlist on Spotify – singing along is recommended, but not required!

Campouts

Want to go all out? Consider combining some of the above activities with an overnight campout extravaganza. Invite guests to bring along sleeping bags, tents, pillows, headlamps or flashlights, and lanterns, plan an itinerary, and get ready for an unforgettable night.

And remember: The more comfortable the setting, the longer people will linger. For example, placing a circle of Adirondack chairs around your fire pit creates a truly inviting and cozy space. With a few pieces of quality patio furniture and some games to play around the fire, your campout is sure to be a success.

From campfire games to collecting fireflies, there are near-endless campfire activities for families to enjoy together. If you’re ready to transform your outdoor living space with a fire pit and outdoor furniture, you’re in the right place. Porch & Patio is a trusted destination for homeowners looking to create more functional and beautiful outdoor spaces. To learn more about our convenient tabletop fire pits, furniture, and more, contact our team.