There’s a unique charm to enjoying freshly popped popcorn under the open sky, surrounded by the warmth of a campfire. For those who cherish the simplicity of old-fashioned popcorn and the thrill of outdoor adventures, a campfire popcorn popper is an essential piece of campfire cooking equipment, and you can make your own – you don’t to buy a ready made campire popcorn maker.
We’ll show you how to make your own over the fire popcorn popper with some simple supplies from home.
Making your own popcorn maker adds a creative twist to your camping experience, transforming the humble popcorn kernels into a delightful treat. It’s a fantastic activity for forest school sessions, wild camping or nature activity groups. Pick your favorite place in the forest, and get making your own popcorn machine to see those smiles on all the little muddy faces.
This DIY project, featuring stainless steel sieves and basic fire cooking equipment, not only provides a fun activity but also delivers the freshest campfire popcorn you’ve ever tasted.
As you gather around the fire pit, you’ll find that the process of creating popcorn over an open fire is as enjoyable as the final product. There is something undeniably special about outdoor cooking, especially with kids!
The fire popcorn popper, with its rustic charm, evokes a sense of nostalgia while adding a modern twist with delicious flavor combinations. Whether you prefer your popcorn salty or sweet, this fire popcorn popper will become a beloved part of your camping traditions.
MAKE A POPCORN MAKER
There’s something about watching popcorn pop that’s so entertaining. Try making this popcorn maker and experiment with some delicious flavour combinations.
Campfire Popcorn Maker Forest School Activity
Materials
- Wooden pole or stick about 40in (1m) in length (an old broom handle works well)
- • 2 metal sieves
- • Metal wire
- • Wire cutters
- • Pliers
- • Metal ‘O’ ring to fit over the pole and 2 sieve handles (buy or make from wire)
- • Heatproof gloves
- • Bowls or cups to serve the popcorn
- Ingredients
- • Popcorn kernels
- • Toppings for the popcorn
Instructions
- Step 1 - Secure the metal sieves together using the wire. Use the hooks either side of the sieves to twist the wire and fasten the two sieves together. This makes a leverage point so that the sieves can be opened and closed.
The second sieve should now be able to be folded over
the top, creating a full dome to enclose the popcorn. - Step 2 - Open the sieve ends on to the pole. Use the wire to make a metal ‘O’ ring that goes round the pole and the sieve handles. This ring will be used to secure the sieves onto the pole but will also need to slide on and off easily, so don’t make it too tight.
- Step 3 - Push the metal ring up to the base of the sieves.
Slide the pole off and put to the side. Take off the metal ring and put somewhere safe. Open the sieves and put a handful of popcorn inside.
- Step 4 - Put the metal ring back on the sieve handles.
Reinsert the wooden pole sandwiched inside the sieve handles. Slide the metal ring over the pole and over the top of the two sieve handles
to secure while cooking. - Step 5 - Hold the sieves over the flames but do not let
the flames touch the sieve as this will scorch the
kernels and burn the sieves. Keep moving the popcorn around to prevent burning.
- Step 6 - After all the kernels have popped, remove from the fire and wait a few minutes for the sieves to cool slightly. Wearing heatproof gloves, remove the metal ring in the same way as above and carefully open to reveal beautifully popped corn. Empty into a bowl and season to desired taste.
Flavour combinations for your Campfire Popcorn
- Parmesan ranch: Parmesan cheese, melted butter, dried herbs and garlic granules
- Cajun: garlic granules, dried thyme, chilli flakes, smoked paprika
- Cinnamon bon bon: salt, icing sugar and cinnamon
- Rocky road: mini marshmallows and chocolate drizzle
- Banoffee: crushed banana chips and toffee sauce
100 Forest School Activities
You can find 99 more wholesome family fun forest school ideas in the book 100 Forest School Activities by Naomi & Dan Walmsley. We really enjoyed browsing through this book and picking up all kinds of inspiration for ideas to try with our kids.
As you all know, time outdoors in nature is so important, and is an amazing way to help children ground themselves. This book helps you out on those days when you just need a new idea to liven things up, or switch things up a bit.
There are some great forest school ideas in this book for kiddos of all ages, so do check it out.
Activity Credit: 100 Forest School Activities by Naomi & Dan Walmsley, Button Books, RRP £16.99, available online & from all good bookshops
We have more nature activities for kids here at Crunchy Family, so browse those too and if you’re new here why not subscribe to our emails.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of crafting your own popcorn maker and watching as those little kernels transform into a favorite salty snack. The joy of making popcorn over an open fire, with the aroma of freshly popped popcorn filling the air, creates lasting memories, and you’re not stuck getting that burnt popcorn smell out of the kitchen.
Whether you’re gathered around the campfire with family or sharing stories with friends, this campfire popcorn popper enhances the experience, making every moment special.
The simplicity of this fire cooking equipment, combined with the endless possibilities for flavoring your popcorn, means that this old-fashioned popcorn maker will become a staple in your campfire cooking repertoire.
So, the next time you head out on a camping trip, don’t forget to bring along your homemade popcorn popper. Embrace the joy of campfire cooking, and enjoy the fresh, delicious taste of fire-popped popcorn.
If you enjoyed this simple idea to enjoy with your family, and can’t wait to try this homemade and healthy snack then please go ahead and share this blog post or pin to your Pinterest board. We really appreciate all of your support.
This sounds like a great idea! I’m thinking it could also work over a barbecue
This is an amazing idea. I will have try this.
learned a new hack today.. will try it thanks