You might think of s’mores as a purely summertime food—those gooey marshmallows! that melty chocolate!—but they’re starting to ease into fall as well. Good thing, because we can never get enough. Check out these four events that promise a little s’more satisfaction this September.
What good is a campfire if it doesn’t include some spooky stories? At Campfire Nights, families can enjoy games, crafts and nature hikes, plus kid-friendly campfire stories. Naturally, marshmallows are available for roasting (BYO Hershey’s bars and graham crackers for the true s’mores experience). $7. 7-8:30 p.m. Sept. 6. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277.
This is one fall fest that gets the year-round appeal of a nice roasted marshmallow. Goodenow Grove Fall Fest features hayrides, pumpkin painting, tree climbing, slacklining and tug-o’-war, all of which will work up your appetite for the campfire with s’mores and live music. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Sept. 10. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher. (708) 946-2216.
Creativity doesn’t just belong in the classroom—it can also be right at home around the campfire. The Night Hike& S’More-gasbord lets kids discover nocturnal creatures on a nighttime hike, and then craft their own s’more-ish concoction (or just try one of the provided recipes). $7. 7-9 p.m. Sept. 10. Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. (630) 850-8110.
S’mores go a little urban at the Chicago Park District’s Family Camping events. Camping novices and pros take a nature hike, go fishing and learn camping basics before bedding down in tents. Hotdogs and marshmallows are provided for the campfire. $50 family (up to six members). 2 p.m. Sept. 10-10 a.m. Sept. 11. Northerly Island, 1400 S. Linn White Drive, Chicago. (312) 745-2910.
