There’s something magical about sharing stories around a crackling campfire. But when you turn it into a game, it’s even more fun — and a great way to keep kids of all ages entertained as the stars come out.
One favorite activity is the “round-robin” story. Start with a simple opening like, “Once upon a time, in a forest just like this one…” Then, each camper adds a sentence or two, letting the story twist and turn in wild and funny ways. Maybe it’s about a brave squirrel searching for the ultimate acorn, or a mysterious ghost dog that only howls at midnight. The more unexpected the additions, the better!
Another option is to play “campfire mad libs”. Before your trip, write out a basic campfire tale but leave blanks for key words: adjectives, nouns, actions. Let kids fill them in without seeing the story first. Reading it out loud with silly or spooky words swapped in is guaranteed to get everyone giggling.
You can also try a mystery object story. Choose something from your camping gear — a forgotten sock, a stick, or even a marshmallow — and weave it into a tale. “This isn’t just any marshmallow,” you might say, “this is the last marshmallow of the Forest Giants, and it can only be roasted by moonlight!” At the end, reveal the real identity of the “magic” item.
For kids who love drama, act out shadow puppet stories on the tent walls with a flashlight, or create sound effects with sticks, rocks, and pots to add atmosphere. Or, for a slower-paced evening, take turns telling real stories about past camping trips, favorite animals, or even imaginary camping adventures set on the moon or in a jungle.
Campfire storytelling games aren’t just about passing time — they spark creativity, build confidence, and create memories kids will talk about long after the trip is over. So grab a blanket, gather around the fire, and let the stories fly.
