The best outdoor fire pit activities are all about making great memories, am I right? Well, a few years back, I hosted what I called my “Fire Pit Friday.” It sounded cool. I imagined laughter, gooey s’mores, and acoustic guitar magic. Instead, the marshmallows caught fire, someone dropped a hot dog into the burner pan, and my playlist kept looping the same two songs.
Still. Everyone had a blast.
And that night taught me something: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing something memorable around the fire. That same fire pit has since become our go-to space for summer fun. And I’ve tested a lot of activities since then… some hits, some hilarious misses.
So today’s list is all about helping you skip the fails and go straight to the good times. Whether you’ve got a sleek propane fire table or a DIY paver pit out back, I’m walking you through Starfire Direct’s top 9 activities that make any summer night feel like the best night of the season.
Fire Pit Fun: Things to Know
- A fire pit isn’t just for roasting marshmallows. It’s the centerpiece for interactive games, low-key hangouts, and memory-making.
- Every activity on this list has been tested (sometimes poorly) and refined for summer fun with family, friends, or just your partner.
- You don’t need a massive backyard or fancy gear. Just a decent flame, good people, and a few props.
- Most activities work with propane, natural gas, or wood-burning fire pits.
- Safety and cleanup tips are sprinkled in throughout so your night doesn’t end with melted flip-flops or ash-covered snacks.
And if you’re ready to find the perfect fire pit for your backyard summer fun, read through our Fire Pit Buyer’s Guide. It has everything you need to shop smart.
1. S’mores Reinvented: The Gourmet Marshmallow Bar
This has to top the list, right? But I’m not just talking graham, chocolate, and Jet-Puffed.
Let’s get wild.
Build a S’mores Station:
- Base options: graham crackers, stroopwafels, chocolate chip cookies
- Filling fun: peanut butter cups, salted caramel squares, Nutella, crushed toffee, marshmallow fluff
- Flavored marshmallows: vanilla bean, strawberry, coconut, espresso swirl
My tip? Use skewers with wooden handles and keep a jug of water nearby. Burnt mallows are fun until someone sets theirs ablaze and flings it across the lawn (it happens, okay?).
Setup Ideas:
- Use a foldable camping table beside the fire pit.
- Label toppings in little mason jars for a rustic feel.
- Create a “build-your-own” contest with a judge (spoiler: Grandma always wins).
2. Fire Pit Trivia Night
Here’s a little-known fact: firelight makes people competitive. Maybe it’s the primal energy. Maybe it’s the second glass of wine, but trivia around the fire gets intense.
I started this with a simple stack of index cards. Then I leveled up with categories like “Summer Movies,” “Grill Master Knowledge,” and “Famous Fires in Pop Culture.”
How It Works:
- Split into teams or play 1v1.
- Each round has 5 questions. Winner picks the next category.
- Use props as prizes: s’mores ingredients, the comfiest chair, or who controls the playlist next.
Best played with: a propane fire pit that stays consistent—you don’t want your quizmaster dashing inside to reignite flames mid-round.
3. Backyard Ghost Stories: With a Twist
There’s no jump-scare better than a good ole fire pit jump scare. Or a story that ends with someone whispering “and it was coming from inside the house…”
But what if you gamified your storytime? Make it a team sport. Each person adds a sentence or plot twist until the story gets so wild, it collapses in laughter.
Example Starter:
“It was a warm summer night, just like this one. The dog started barking… and barking… and then… silence.”
Bonus Ideas:
- The speaker holds the flashlight for that under the chin dramatic effect, then hands it to whomever they want.
- Vote for “Most Ridiculous Plot Twist” or “Best Fake Scare.”
Even the skeptics in your group end up leaning in by the third round.
4. Backyard Movie Night + Outdoor Fire Pit Popcorn
What’s better than a long summer evening by the dancing flames? A good old fashioned summer fire pit movie night. Rig up a projector screen between some patio umbrella poles and hit Play on something new, something nostalgic, or just something everyone loves.
Grab some popcorn, something to sip, and enjoy summer movie magic.
Pro Movie Fire Pit Setup:
- Projector + white sheet or portable screen
- Bluetooth speaker or outdoor soundbar
- Popcorn pan with a long handle
- Camping chairs or beanbags
Looking for more tips for decorating your backyard this summer? Check out our 2025 Summer Decor Guide for Elevated Outdoor Living!
Nostalgic Movie Suggestions:
- The Sandlot
- Back to the Future
- The Goonies
- The Parent Trap (for the nostalgia)
- Jaws (if you’re near a pool… extra spooky)
5. Campfire Song Circle (No Musical Talent Required)
Look, you don’t need to be John Mayer to enjoy a singalong. I’ve led many a campfire jam session where the only instruments were a Bluetooth speaker, two spoons, and a guy named Ryan who swore he could beatbox. He could not.
But the vibe? Immaculate.
How to Set It Up:
- Acoustic or Bluetooth? Choose your lane.
- Pass the mic: Let everyone take turns picking a song or singing a verse.
- Themed playlists: 90s throwbacks, country hits, yacht rock, or campfire classics.
From our seasoned viewpoint, the fire pit works like magic here. It draws people in, gives them something to focus on, and makes even the most introverted friend hum along by song three.
Song Suggestions:
- Wagon Wheel
- Brown Eyed Girl
- Take It Easy
- Hotel California (yes, it’s long, but worth it)
For bonus fun: Print out lyrics and do a backyard karaoke round.
6. Fire Pit Craft Night (Yes, Adults Can Craft Too)
I once attempted to DIY citronella candles with my wife by the fire. Did I accidentally pour wax into the patio cracks? Maybe. Did we still end up with some very charming mosquito-repelling masterpieces? Also yes.
Craft Ideas That Work Well Fireside:
- Paint-your-own garden rocks
- Macramé string lights
- Mini herb planters
- Wood burning (for the experienced only—do not attempt while sipping wine)
Lay down trays or mats to keep things tidy. And if it’s a mixed-age group, include things like coloring books or sticker art for the kids.
In our judgment, crafting by the fire slows things down. You talk more. You laugh more. You forget to check your phone. That’s a win in my book.
Looking for fire pit table safety tips for families and pets? Read this guide to avoid common mistakes and keep everyone safe around the flames.
7. Outdoor Game Night: Firelight Edition
Board games by the fire? Underrated.
We’ve spent hours playing classics like Uno, Monopoly Deal, or charades, and I promise—the glow of the flames adds something special.
Fire-Friendly Games:
- Giant Jenga (just don’t play too close)
- Cards Against Humanity (after the kids go to bed)
- Scattergories
- Name That Tune (use your fire pit playlist!)
From our informed perspective, game night works best with a propane or gas fire pit that doesn’t need tending—so you’re not distracted trying to relight logs mid-turn.
Pro Tip: Use battery-powered lanterns or warm string lights for extra visibility without killing the mood.
8. Wine (or Whiskey) Tasting by the Fire
This one started as a joke during a date night. I brought out two different cabernets and asked my wife to “guess the region.” She rolled her eyes, took a sip, and nailed it. I’ve never felt more both impressed and humiliated.
Now, we invite friends over for a casual backyard tasting. You don’t need to be a sommelier—just curious and open-minded.
Set It Up:
- Three wines (or whiskeys) to taste
- Notecards for flavor notes
- Cheese, chocolate, or fruit pairings
- Fire-safe coasters and glassware
Optional: Blindfolded taste tests with funny penalty rounds (singing, impressions, or answering questions from a trivia jar).
It’s relaxing, low-prep, and turns your backyard into a bougie bar without valet parking.
9. Fire Pit Reflection Circle: The Chillest Way to Bond
This is the kind of fire pit activity I didn’t know I needed until a friend initiated it one night.
No phones. No noise. Just sitting around the fire and taking turns sharing something meaningful—what you’re grateful for, what’s been hard lately, what you’re looking forward to.
I’m of the belief that fire pits create safe space. The glow, the silence between flames, the flicker that draws your eye but frees your thoughts—it’s all the setup you need.
Ground Rules (from our experience):
- No cross-talk or interruptions
- Listening is the goal, not solving
- Bring a drink, bring a blanket, bring your real self
It’s not every night that you want to go deep. But once in a while, this hits in a way that no party game can.
Bonus Round: Spontaneous Moments You Can’t Plan
In my experience, the best fire pit nights are rarely the ones you orchestrate perfectly. They’re the nights when:
- Someone brings out a deck of cards and invents a new game
- The kids start shadow dancing behind the fire
- An unexpected guest shows up and ends up staying until midnight
- A dog steals a hot dog and sprints around the yard like it’s the Olympics
I can’t help but think that these little moments are the real magic. The ones you talk about later. The ones that make you say, “We’ve got to do this again.”
Setting the Scene: Fire Pit Ambiance Tips for Summer Nights
The activities are key, but let’s talk atmosphere—because in our experience, it’s the little touches that make your fire pit gatherings feel like events instead of just another night in the backyard.
Here’s how I like to set the mood without going overboard or draining my Saturday afternoon.
Lighting
- String lights draped along a fence or overhead beam = instant charm.
- Battery-powered lanterns are great for tabletops and steps.
- Tiki torches can help define the perimeter and repel bugs (just keep them away from the flames).
Seating
- Mix and match is fine. Adirondack chairs, cushions, benches—they all work.
- I like to throw down a few outdoor rugs to soften the space and visually anchor the area.
- Have blankets on standby for when the night air creeps in.
Sound
- A discreet Bluetooth speaker on low volume sets the tone.
- Acoustic playlists, soft indie, classic hits—whatever suits the group.
- Pro tip: Save your go-to fire pit playlist on Spotify or Apple Music so you can hit play and forget it.
As far as I can tell, the best nights aren’t about cramming in every idea from Pinterest. They’re about having a warm, welcoming place where people want to linger.
And if you're interested in learnng a bit more about backyard essentials this summer, check out the blog!
Fire Safety and Etiquette Tips (Trust Me, You Need This Section)
From our careful evaluation (and more than one slightly singed patio table), these are the fire safety rules I wish someone had drilled into me from day one.
Golden Rules:
- Always keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby. Yes, even with propane or gas pits.
- Don’t stack fire media too high—it can block airflow and smother the flame.
- Check wind direction before lighting. I once lost a napkin and nearly a tortilla chip to an unexpected gust.
- Never leave the fire unattended. Even when it seems small.
- Cool down before cleanup. Give fire pits at least 60–90 minutes after turning off before you try to move anything.
For Guests:
- Shoes off the edge of the pit (melted soles are not good).
- No horseplay near open flame. Just say it upfront.
- Respect the flame space—don’t throw stuff in unless it’s meant for the fire (yes, that includes old receipts, plastic wrappers, and chicken bones).
In our considered belief, one serious fire pit accident can turn a dreamy summer night into a disaster. And with such easy fixes? It’s just not worth the risk.
Fire Pit Gear Checklist: What to Have on Hand for a Great Night
Let me save you 12 trips to the house. Here’s the ultimate checklist I keep near the backdoor before hosting any fire pit hangout:
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Skewers or roasting sticks | For s’mores, hot dogs, marshmallow games |
| Extra fire media or gas tank | Don’t let the flames die mid-laugh |
| Outdoor-safe drinkware | No shattered glasses on the patio |
| Blankets | One per guest if you can swing it |
| Bug spray or citronella | No one likes to slap their ankles all night |
| Wet wipes or damp cloths | Sticky hands = cranky guests |
| Battery lanterns | For when it gets really dark out there |
| Trash bag or small bin | Keep the area tidy, especially if food’s involved |
| Playlist or speaker | Good vibes = better night |
| Seating variety | Some prefer firm chairs, others flop-ready cushions |
I firmly maintain that a little prep goes a long way. The goal is to stay out by the fire, not running back and forth from the kitchen like you’re hosting a wedding.
Your Best Summertime Outdoor Fire Pit Life
It’s easy to think of a fire pit as another backyard living accessory. A centerpiece. A heat source. Something to make the patio feel “finished.”
But you’re really getting so much more, and a fire pit is perfect for your summer backyard for so many reasons.
You get slower evenings. You get conversations that don’t happen around TVs. You get your partner, friends, and kids to open up after long days. Impromptu singalongs, the beginning of inside jokes, and a place to sit quietly as a summer night stretches on.
So, from where we’re sitting, a fire pit isn’t just a product. It’s a permission slip. To sit. To stay. To stop rushing around and actually enjoy outdoor time spend with the people you love.
If you only try one of these activities this summer, great. If you go for all ten, even better. But no matter what, I hope your fire pit becomes the backdrop for memories you’ll talk about for years.
