How to Have a Successful Bonfire With the Kids

Since long before the beginning of recorded history, humans have been fascinated with fire. We’ve used it to cook, we’ve used it as a backdrop for building communal bonds and telling stories, and more recently, we’ve used it as a symbolic hearth in architecture and design.

To this day, bonfires are still a favorite pastime of families everywhere. But if you want to make the most of this special occasion with the kids, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind.

The Allure of a Bonfire

The definition of a “successful” bonfire is going to vary slightly from family to family. That’s because there are many good reasons to appreciate a bonfire, and different families may have different perspectives on which aspects are most important to highlight.

A semi-special occasion. Having a bonfire in the backyard is sort of a special occasion; it doesn’t require dressing up or going anywhere, but it’s still something you don’t do every day. This makes it memorable, yet accessible.

Sights and sounds. Most people love the sights and sounds associated with a bonfire; the dull orange glow, soft crackling flames, and even the smell of the campfire have a natural appeal.

Interesting foods. For many families, the best part of a bonfire is the food. You can cook hot dogs, sausages, vegetable skewers, hamburgers, and of course, marshmallows and smores – plus many other goodies if you’re willing to think creatively.

Quality family time. Perhaps most importantly, this represents quality family time. Instead of gathering around a television set, you’ll be looking at each other and talking without distractions.

If you already have an outdoor fire pit, or something similar, you’re probably ready to go with the basics. But if you want to take the bonfire to the next level, you’ll need some further planning and preparation.

According to Studio Nisho, the warmth and ambiance of a well-crafted fire pit can transform any outdoor gathering into a memorable experience, with the soft glow and crackling sounds naturally drawing people together.

How to Have a Successful Bonfire With the Kids

These are some of the best strategies for having a successful bonfire with your kids:

Start early. Most people choose to start bonfires when the sun goes down, but there are some benefits to starting early. You’ll have plenty of daylight to do all your setup and preparations, and you’ll have more time to enjoy the actual fire. Plus, if your kids are young, you won’t have to worry about encroaching on their bedtime.

Have plenty of fuel. There are many different types of fire pits available these days, including traditional wood burning fire pits and ones based on natural gas or propane. Whatever type of fire you choose to start, make sure you have plenty of fuel to last as long as you need. Nothing kills the mood faster than using the last piece of wood prematurely.

Educate on safety. Fire safety is an area you can’t afford to neglect. Even if you feel like your kids already know the basics, it’s a good idea to have a quick reminder lesson before you start the fire. Do a quick safety check before lighting the flames and always have a quick extinguishing method available in case things get out of hand.

Get comfortable furniture. Your family is going to enjoy the bonfire a lot more if you have ample, comfortable outdoor furniture to enjoy. Don’t be afraid to splurge here; buying a slightly more expensive chair could entitle you to a much more luxurious experience and furniture that lasts longer.

Bring lots of different foods. It’s hard to beat traditional campfire foods like hot dogs and smores, but if you want to make this occasion more special, consider bringing lots of different foods. The kids will love experimenting with different foods above the fire, even if they burn half your materials in the process.

Send invites. Depending on your intentions and family dynamics, it may make sense to send out some invites as well. Consider inviting some of your kids’ best friends, neighbors, or extended family members to broaden the reach of this special event.

Eliminate distractions. If you want quality family time, you can’t have distractions getting in the way. There’s nothing inherently wrong with bringing out a portable TV or checking your smartphone while the fire is roaring, but you’ll probably have a much better experience if you keep the screens inside.

Play a game. Pass the time and enrich the experience by playing the game. Simple guessing games, word games, and other social games are ideal here. Depending on the setup, you could even play cards on a nearby table.

Give everyone the spotlight. Conversation is almost always a highlight of hosting a bonfire, but if you plan on spending a lot of time talking to each other, make sure everyone gets a chance to have the spotlight. In other words, don’t let any one person dominate the conversation or get all the attention.

Generate new ideas. Ask your kids if they have any ideas for how to make future bonfires even more interesting! You might be surprised at what they come up with.

If you can follow these strategies, and add some unique personal twists of your own, you’ll be able to host a family bonfire that none of your family members will be able to forget. This is a special time for bonding with each other, and it’s hard to replace in the modern era.