Why You Should Gather Your Kids Around the Campfire A Lot

Spring is such a magical time of year, isn’t it?

Everything is thawing, the sweaters are starting to be pushed to the back of the closet, the chill is falling off of everything, and everyone wants to be outside more. With the days warming up and the nights staying cool, spring is one of the best times of year in my book to grab my husband and kids and cuddle up in front of a campfire to roast marshmallows, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a nice, hot tea or cocoa.

If you know my family, you know that we’ve basically been on a big camping trip for the past few years (travel bug turned full-time adventure), but that doesn’t mean we have a campfire every single day by any means.

Campfires for us are special.

They require time and attention. They require putting aside the to-do list, intentionally pulling up a chair and sitting with people, and often at least a little bit of conversation too.

Sometimes our favorite campfires happen when we share them with other people. When we’re back home in Georgia, my dad makes a mean campfire in his backyard for all the grandkids, and everyone ends up sticky and happy. When we’re camping out in the middle of nowhere, I love it when a friendly face wanders over to chat around the fire we’ve built. And when we’re settled down for a bit in the summers on the coast of Maine, we love to gather with our friends for a spontaneous campfire while enjoying the ocean breeze.  

Other times, we experience sweet family time right by ourselves over the warmth of a campfire burning sticks and leaves, watching the flames until we run out of firewood, or pulling our chairs in close to talk while we stay warm.

Sometime this week, whether you’re in need of some time alone with your spouse or a special treat for the whole family, consider making a campfire to bring everyone together for at least a little while.

Sip some cocoa and talk about whatever comes to mind. Lean in as your little one cuddles up to you under a warm blanket. Snag a kiss when you’re cleaning sticky melted marshmallow from her hands. Tell a few funny stories while you listen to the fire crackle and notice his sweet laughter. Soak in the good moments and relish in the fact that you’re building memories right there around the campfire.

And if you’re caught in a storm or a bit of bad weather, it might just be the perfect time to cozy up one more time by the fireplace inside.

Hopefully the marshmallows, popcorn, and hot drinks will work inside just as well! In our pre-outdoorsy days, I was even known to pitch a tent right there on the living room floor for some extra fun.

Have you ever tried a family campfire? Do you have some go-to's that work every time?

Let us know! Come on over to the email group and share.