Introducing Play: Fireside. Free Conversation Games for Your Fire Pit Gatherings

We're thrilled to announce the launch of Play: Fireside, a free digital companion platform designed to deepen connection and conversation around the fire.

The Fire Brings People Together. Fireside Keeps Them Engaged.

There's something about gathering around a fire that invites real conversation. No scrolling, no notifications, no distractions, just people, stories, and the warmth of the flames. But sometimes, when there's a lull in the conversation or a group that doesn't know each other well, you need a little spark to get things going.

That's why we built Play: Fireside.

What Is Play: Fireside?

Play: Fireside is a free web-based platform offering conversation prompts, games, and fire management tools designed specifically for gatherings around a fire pit. It's the digital companion to our Fireside Chats card deck, now available on every device, with no app to download and no account required.

No scrolling feeds. No endless notifications. Just intentional connection.

Features That Keep the Fire (and Conversation) Going

1. Conversation Decks

Five themed prompt sets that spark meaningful discussion:

• Deep DivesQuestions that get to the heart of who people are
• IcebreakersPerfect for groups that are just getting to know each other
• Story StartersCollaborative storytelling that builds on itself
• Wisdom & ValuesReflections on what matters most
• Laughs & MemoriesLight, fun prompts that keep the energy up

Each prompt is designed to move beyond small talk into real conversation, the kind that happens best by firelight.

2. Games for Every Group

• Story WeaverCollaborative storytelling where each person adds a sentence, building an increasingly hilarious or heartfelt narrative
• Hot Takes & PollsQuick voting games on funny dilemmas and "would you rather" scenarios
• Last WordA photo + caption logbook that captures memories as they happen

3. Fire Management Tools

Because a great gathering needs a great fire:

• Fire BuilderA wood calculator that factors in wood type, wind, and desired fire size
• Field GuideTips for different fire types and techniques
• Camp PotluckA shared menu planner with recipes for cooking over fire

4. Flexible for Any Group Size

Fireside works two ways:

• One phone, passed aroundGreat for intimate groups around a single fire
• Multiple devices syncedUse a 4-letter code to sync phones across your whole gathering for bigger groups

Why We Built This

After selling thousands of fire pits, grilling grates, and fireside gear, we realized something: the gear is just the beginning. The real magic is in what happens when people gather around the fire, the conversations, the stories, the moments that matter.

We created Fireside because:

1. Real gatherings deserve real toolsNot another app designed to pull you away from the moment, but one that enhances it
2. Connection is intentionalThe best conversations happen when you're genuinely present, and Fireside removes barriers to that
3. It pairs perfectly with your Walden gearWhether you're using our Stoker Poker to tend the coals or our grilling grate to cook dinner, Fireside makes the whole experience richer

It's Free. Forever.

Fireside is a completely free platform. No hidden tiers, no premium features locked behind a paywall, no ads. We built it as a gift to our community, a way to help you create lasting memories around your fire.

Think of it as the conversation counterpart to your fire pit.

How to Get Started

Visit fireside.waldenbackyards.com anytime before your next gathering. No download, no login required. Just pick a game or conversation prompt, gather your people, and let the fire and conversation flow.

Perfect for:

• Backyard gatherings with friends and family
• Campfire trips with your group
• First dates who want to skip small talk and get real
• Team building events that need to feel less corporate
• Family reunions where you want to build actual connection
• Firepit season anywhere in North America

Fireside + Walden Gear = The Complete Experience

Already have Walden fire pit gear? Fireside is the perfect complement:

• Use our Stoker Poker to tend the fire while the conversation flows
• Cook with our fire grates and discuss favorites from the Camp Potluck menu
• Create memories to share while wrapped in a Fireside Wool Blanket

Don't have the gear yet? Shop our complete fire pit collection and make your gatherings unforgettable, starting with the right setup.

Coming Soon

We're constantly adding new features based on community feedback:

• Seasonal prompt packs (holiday gatherings, summer parties, etc.)
• Advanced fire management guides
• More games and activities
• Integration with Walden product guides

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Ready to start a conversation? Head to Play: Fireside now. And if you're looking to upgrade your fire pit setup, check out our complete collection of fire pits, grilling grates, and fireside essentials.

Because the best moments happen when we gather around the fire, together.