Cozy Fireplace Activities for Families in Fall
Fall is the perfect time to gather the whole family for some cozy fireplace activities. There’s something about relaxing next to the comfort of flickering flames that makes fall traditions more enjoyable.
In fact, there is science behind this feeling. Research1 has demonstrated that when we sit around a fireplace, our blood pressure drops. It increases our mood and relaxation. We become more friendly, sociable and calmer. It’s possible that we may have evolved this response during our cavemen days.
No matter why we feel such comfort around an open flame, you can use the feeling to your advantage this fall and bring your family closer together.
Wood Fireplace Activities
There are some fall activities that you need real flames to enjoy. If you have a wood fireplace, consider these cozy activity ideas:
- Make s’mores and hot chocolate: That sweet combination of marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers is irresistible this time of year. Sure, you can make them in the microwave, but they’re never as crunchy that way. Learning to make hot chocolate over the fire is also a great teachable moment for kids.
- Education: Use your fireplace to educate your children on how to safely interact with a real fire and talk about how it was used hundreds or even thousands of years ago by people all over the world in different cultures, plus how it’s still used today in many communities. This is a great opportunity to discuss the different ways fire is used for ceremonies, comfort, survival, and more. You can also use this time to talk about your family’s fire escape routes, instructions on how to safely evacuate the house and practice what to do in the event of a fire.
- Picnic: If you feel like a fireplace dinner might be too much work and not enough relaxation, have a picnic in front of it instead. Grab your picnic staples, like cold cut sandwiches, coleslaw, watermelon and fruit punch, and gather everyone around for a special sort of picnic by firelight. Finish the night with some s’mores. Those who are already missing summer will love this option.
- Take photos: Capture your marshmallow roasting perfection, what you cooked over the open flame, and all the smiles in between with lots of photos. Preserve the silly to the sweet moments to look back on later.
Gas Fireplace Activities
If your family has a gas fireplace instead, you can still have fun together. The contained nature of a gas fireplace makes it perfect for other activities, without worrying about fire risk. Try out these cozy activities:
- Fall crafts: Many with young children love giving their kids the opportunity to express their creativity with seasonal crafts. Our favourite for this time of year is a paper plate turkey.
- Board games: With a gas fireplace, you don’t need to worry that the Monopoly money will go up in flames. Board games are a great way to encourage family members of every age to bond.
- Ghost stories: If your children are old enough, telling ghost stories around the fireplace at night can be an exciting activity. It’s also a great way to pass the time if you’ve experienced a power outage, so keep this idea in your back pocket.
- Read stories: Along with telling stories, you can also read books together or independently. Have someone read aloud and create different voices and personalities for the characters. Or simply enjoy the quiet of storytelling with individual books and perhaps talk about what you read afterwards.
Fall Fireplace Decor
If you’re looking to create a warm, fall atmosphere by the fireplace before your activity, check out our fall fireplace design trend ideas. You can even gather the family to make the décor together.
Whatever you’re planning, now is the perfect time to start your own cozy fireplace activity tradition this fall. If you find your fireplace needs a little maintenance while you’re enjoying the season, reach out to us at Stamford Fireplaces.
