Campfire Games and Crafts for Kids (and Kids at Heart)
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Whether you’re camping in the backcountry or setting up a tent in your own backyard, gathering around a campfire creates the perfect backdrop for family fun. Campfire games and crafts not only entertain but also help build lasting memories, spark creativity, and even sneak in a few life lessons, without the kids realizing it.
The flickering flames, toasted marshmallows, and cozy glow set the stage for laughter, storytelling, and a little friendly competition. So, if you’re wondering how to keep your crew engaged once the sun sets, we’ve got you covered with a list of campfire games and crafts perfect for campers of all ages.
Classic Games That Glow Around the Fire
Follow the Leader (Secret Edition)
This isn’t your ordinary game of “Follow the Leader.” In this version, everyone sits in a circle, starting with a simple rhythmic movement—like patting their knees. One person has secretly been chosen as the leader and will change the motion (snapping fingers, clapping, etc.) without giving away their identity.
Everyone must mimic the new action, and the group tries to guess who the sneaky rhythm-setter is before the game ends.
20 Questions (Campfire Edition)
Pick a camper to think of an object—anything at all. They keep it a secret (or write it down to avoid any “he said, she said” confusion).
Everyone else takes turns asking yes-or-no questions, trying to uncover the object’s identity within 20 questions. It’s a classic for a reason—and the guessing gets intense!
Guess the Murderer
Don’t let the name scare you—it’s more giggles than gore. Deal out cards, making sure one person secretly gets the “King” card. That person becomes the “murderer” and must discreetly wink at others in the circle. If you’re winked at, you’re out—with a dramatic scream, of course. The rest of the group has to guess who the silent culprit is. It’s campy, mysterious fun!
Telephone
A whispered sentence makes its way around the circle. “Sally went to the store for marshmallows” may very well become “Sasquatch saw a squirrel dancing with mushrooms” by the time it gets to the last person. And honestly? That’s the best part.
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Jellybean Flavor Roulette
Ready for a taste test adventure? Grab some wild jellybeans (hello, Bean Boozled or Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans), pass them out in the dark, and challenge players to guess the flavor. It’s all fun and games until someone gets “pencil shavings.”
S’more Races
Who can make the most s’mores in 10 minutes? Set a timer and let the sweet chaos begin. Pair younger kids with older campers and put teens or adults in charge of the marshmallow roasting for safety. Win or lose, everyone gets to indulge in gooey goodness.
Campfire Crafts That Spark Creativity
Marshmallow People
Give each camper a handful of marshmallows, a few toothpicks, and some fun extras like chocolate chips and licorice rope. The goal? Build the most lifelike marshmallow “person.” Once everyone’s creation is complete, vote on the winner and—if no one’s too attached—devour them!
Leaf Kabobs
If you’re short on supplies, nature provides. Find sticks and leaves of all shapes and sizes. Poke holes in the leaves and thread them onto the stick like a leafy skewer. See who can build the tallest or most colorful kabob. Then toss them into the fire for a satisfying crackle.
Campfire Storytelling Games
Group Story
Start with one simple sentence: “Once upon a time, there was a girl.” The next person adds a line, and the next, and so on around the circle. What begins as an innocent tale quickly morphs into a wild, hilarious adventure full of unexpected twists.
Scary Story Chain
No campfire is complete without spooky stories, but why not let everyone contribute? One camper begins a chilling tale, then abruptly passes the story to the next person, who must pick up the plot. Round and round it goes until the original storyteller brings the haunting tale to an end. It’s eerie, exciting, and always surprising.
Campfire Games and Crafts Mean Safety First, Always
Campfires are cozy, magical, and toasty—but they demand respect. When playing games or crafting near an open flame, keep safety in mind at all times.
Build a fire you can easily control, and always have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby in case it needs to be extinguished quickly. Matches and lighters should be stored safely out of reach after the fire is lit. Enforce a strict 10-foot rule around the fire and never leave children unattended nearby.
Before you call it a night, douse the flames completely and check for lingering heat. If you can feel warmth, it’s not out yet.
Wrapping Up the Night
From silly games to creative crafts and spooky stories, your campfire can be the heart of your camping experience. These activities don’t require much more than imagination, a few supplies, and the spirit of togetherness. So grab your marshmallows, your storytelling voice, and your s’more-making strategy, it’s time to make memories that will glow long after the fire has gone out with campfire games and crafts.