Make s'mores
Make classic s'mores by roasting marshmallows and assembling with chocolate between graham crackers, practicing safe fire use with adult supervision.
About this activity
Make classic s'mores by roasting marshmallows and assembling with chocolate between graham crackers, practicing safe fire use with adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all materials into one spot so you can see everything you need.
- 2
Step 2
Wash your hands with soap and water until clean.
- 3
Step 3
Put two graham cracker halves on a paper plate for each s'more you will make.
- 4
Step 4
Break the chocolate bar into bite-size squares.
- 5
Step 5
Place one or two chocolate squares on one graham cracker half.
- 6
Step 6
Push a marshmallow onto the end of a roasting stick until it feels secure.
- 7
Step 7
Ask an adult to safely light the campfire or a fire-safe burner for roasting.
- 8
Step 8
Hold the marshmallow a few inches above the flame and slowly rotate it until it turns golden brown.
- 9
Step 9
If the marshmallow catches fire, immediately tell the adult so they can put it out.
- 10
Step 10
Move the roasted marshmallow away from the heat and wait about 20 seconds for it to cool slightly.
- 11
Step 11
Place the roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate square on the graham cracker.
- 12
Step 12
Put the second graham cracker half on top and press gently so the chocolate softens and the marshmallow squishes a little.
- 13
Step 13
Share a photo of your finished s'more on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you make classic s'mores safely with kids?
To make classic s'mores safely, set up a clear roasting station and have an adult light and control the fire. Place a chocolate square on a graham cracker half, skewer a marshmallow on a long roasting stick, then slowly roast it over low flame until golden or melted. Carefully sandwich the hot marshmallow with a second graham cracker and press for a few seconds. Keep hands, clothing, and hair away from flames; supervise children at all times.
What materials do I need to make s'mores?
You'll need graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate squares as the basics. Also bring long roasting sticks or skewers, a campfire, fire pit, or other heat source, plates, napkins, a water bucket or fire extinguisher, tongs, and heat-resistant gloves. Optional extras: aluminum foil, cookies instead of crackers, fruit slices, and allergen-friendly or vegan marshmallows and chocolate. Check ingredient labels for allergies before serving.
What ages is making s'mores suitable for?
Making s'mores is family-friendly for a wide range of ages. Toddlers (under 3–4) should only help with assembly and taste—never roast. Preschool and early elementary kids (4–7) can roast marshmallows with close adult guidance and long tools. Older children (8+) can learn to roast more independently once they follow rules. Always assess a child's maturity, motor skills, and ability to follow safety instructions; never leave children unattended around fire.
What safety tips, benefits, and variations should I know for s'mores?
Safety tips: always have an adult supervise, use long non-flammable roasting sticks, keep a water bucket or extinguisher nearby, tie back hair and avoid loose clothing, and teach children to step back from flames. Benefits: s'mores build outdoor skills, fine motor practice, and family bonding. Variations: try chocolate alternatives (peanut butter cups, Nutella), fruit like banana or strawberry slices, use graham cracker substitutes, or melt marshmallows in an oven for a no-open-flame option.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of graham crackers or a chocolate bar if they are hard to find?
If you don't have graham crackers use digestive biscuits or any sturdy cookie, and if you lack a chocolate bar break up chocolate chips or spread chocolate onto the cracker as in step 4.
The marshmallow keeps falling off the stick or catching fire—what should we try?
If the marshmallow falls off or burns, push it further onto the roasting stick per step 6, hold it a few inches above the flame while slowly rotating as instructed in step 8, and tell an adult immediately if it catches fire as in step 9.
How can we adapt the activity for different age groups?
For toddlers have an adult roast the marshmallow and let the child assemble the cracker and chocolate, while older kids can roast under supervision and practice pressing the warm marshmallow to soften the chocolate as in step 12.
How can we make the s'more activity more fun or unique?
Customize your s'more by adding banana slices, peanut butter, or flavored marshmallows and trying different cookie bases or chocolates from steps 3–4, then share a photo of your finished s'more on DIY.org as in step 13.