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Setting Up a Fall Backyard Campfire Night: A Cozy Family Tradition
As the leaves change colors and the crisp autumn air settles in, one of my favorite family traditions is setting up a backyard campfire night with my two daughters. It’s the perfect way to unwind, connect, and create memories as a family. My girls, Audrey and Alana, absolutely love it, and to be honest, so do I. There’s something magical about gathering around a warm fire under the stars, especially during the cozy fall season.
Preparing for the Night
Our backyard campfire nights start with a bit of planning. First, I involve Audrey and Alana in choosing the essentials. We make a list of everything we’ll need—firewood, blankets, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers, and even a thermos full of hot cocoa. The girls take their roles seriously, with Audrey usually volunteering to help gather the snacks while Alana picks out her favorite cozy blanket. It’s a team effort, and they love being part of the process.
Setting up the fire pit is my job, though they always watch eagerly. We have a portable fire pit tucked away in the shed, perfect for these fall nights. Once it’s set up and ready, the girls like to decorate the area with little touches—pumpkins, string lights, and even some fall leaves they’ve collected earlier in the day. It’s their way of making the night extra special.
The Campfire Snacks
No campfire is complete without snacks, and Audrey and Alana are all about the s’mores. They’ve turned it into a science, carefully roasting their marshmallows to the perfect golden brown (or, in Audrey’s case, occasionally catching them on fire and laughing uncontrollably). Watching them giggle and share their creations is one of my favorite parts of the night.
This year, we decided to mix things up a little. In addition to the classic s’mores, I brought out some apple slices and caramel dip, which turned out to be a hit. We also made banana boats—slicing a banana open, stuffing it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, wrapping it in foil, and letting it melt by the fire. The girls loved the idea of creating their own little dessert experiment.
Stories and Stargazing
Once the snacks are devoured, we settle into our cozy blankets for some storytelling. Audrey is the creative one and always comes up with the wildest, most imaginative tales involving magical forests and talking animals. Alana, on the other hand, loves to retell her favorite stories from school or books we’ve read together. Their laughter and excitement are contagious.
After stories, we usually shift our focus to the stars. I bring out a simple stargazing app on my phone, and we try to spot constellations. The girls are fascinated by the idea that there’s so much happening in the sky above us. It’s a peaceful moment that always feels a bit magical.
Wrapping Up the Night
As the fire starts to die down, it’s time to wind down. We snuggle together under our blankets, sipping the last of the hot cocoa. Audrey and Alana always beg to stay out “just a little longer,” but eventually, their yawns start to take over. Before heading inside, we make sure the fire is safely out and gather up our things.
These backyard campfire nights have become a cherished tradition for our family, and I hope it’s something my daughters will remember fondly as they grow up. There’s something so simple yet so meaningful about spending time together like this—no screens, just the warmth of the fire, the crisp fall air, and the sound of laughter.
If you’ve been thinking about setting up your own backyard campfire night, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s an easy, affordable way to bring your family together and make the most of the beautiful fall season. Trust me, you’ll treasure the memories as much as I do.
