10 Fun Things to Do on Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, whether you're heading out to watch fireworks or looking for something different to do on 5 November. While traditional bonfires and fireworks displays are popular ways to celebrate, there are plenty of other activities to make the evening enjoyable.

If you're looking for things to do on Bonfire Night, we've rounded up 10 ideas to help you plan a memorable evening, from cosy activities at home to a fun-filled trip to Hollywood Bowl.

1. Visit a Local Fireworks Display

For many people, Bonfire Night wouldn't be complete without watching a fireworks display. Check local listings for organised events near you, as many communities host displays around 5 November.

Remember to check event times, ticket requirements and travel arrangements before setting off. If you're taking children, wrap up warm and plan ahead to make the evening as comfortable as possible.

2. Organise a Family Games Night

If you'd prefer to celebrate at home, a family games night is an easy way to bring everyone together.

Get out your favourite board games, try a quiz or organise a friendly competition with small prizes for the winners. You could even introduce a Bonfire Night theme, with rounds based on fireworks, autumn and seasonal traditions.

3. Get Creative With Autumn Crafts

Looking for Bonfire Night activities to keep younger family members occupied? An afternoon of autumn crafts can be a fun way to get everyone involved.

Try making colourful paper fireworks, creating autumn leaf pictures or designing your own firework-inspired artwork using bright paints and paper. You could also make decorations to display at home before settling down for the evening.

Choose age-appropriate materials and supervise younger children when using scissors or other craft equipment.

4. Enjoy a Cosy Film Night

Sometimes, the best Bonfire Night plans involve staying indoors and getting comfortable.

Choose a family favourite, prepare some snacks and settle down for a film night. You could let everyone take turns choosing a film or create a short list and vote on what to watch.

For an extra touch, make hot chocolate, bring out the blankets and turn the living room into your own home cinema.

5. Head to Hollywood Bowl for a Game of Bowling

If you'd rather get out of the house, why not swap the traditional Bonfire Night routine for some friendly competition? A trip to Hollywood Bowl offers an indoor activity where families and friends can challenge each other to a game of bowling. Whether you're aiming for a strike or hoping to beat your personal best, it's a great way to bring everyone together.

You don't need to be an expert bowler to enjoy it, either. The fun is in taking part, cheering each other on and seeing who comes out on top.

Check your local centre for availability and book your visit in advance.

6. Challenge Each Other in the Arcades

Want to add even more competition to your outing? Spend some time in the arcades and see who can earn the highest score.

From racing games to basketball challenges and other arcade favourites, there's plenty of opportunity to test your skills and challenge your family of friends.

Arcade games also give everyone something different to enjoy between activities, making them a useful addition to a group outing.

7. Try Something Different With Indoor Mini Golf

If you're looking for an alternative to bowling, indoor mini golf can add another challenge to your plans.

Put your skills to the test, see who can finish the course in the fewest shots and enjoy some friendly rivalry along the way. It's an activity that can work well for families and groups of friends, even if nobody has played before.

Mini golf is available at selected Hollywood Bowl centres, so check what's offered at your nearest location before visiting.

8. Bake Some Bonfire Night Treats

Get everyone involved in the kitchen by preparing some seasonal treats.

You could make toffee apples, decorate biscuits with colourful icing or prepare cupcakes inspired by fireworks. If you're planning to watch a display later, homemade treats can also be a nice addition to your evening.

Remember to take care when working with hot sugar, ovens and other kitchen equipment, particularly when children are helping.

9. Plan an Evening With Friends

Bonfire Night doesn't have to be all about fireworks. It can also be a good excuse to catch up with friends and organise something different.

Arrange a meal, host a quiz night or plan an activity everyone can enjoy together. If you'd rather head out, bowling offers a chance to socialise while giving your group something to do beyond sitting around a table.

For larger groups, it's worth agreeing on a time and booking ahead so everyone can enjoy the evening together.

10. Make a Full Evening of It

Why limit yourself to one activity when you can combine a few?

You could start with a game of bowling, spend some time in the arcades and finish with food and drinks, depending on what's available at your chosen venue. Alternatively, enjoy an afternoon activity before heading home for a cosy evening.

Planning ahead makes it easier to fit everything in without rushing between different locations.

Plan Your Bonfire Night at Hollywood Bowl

If you're searching for Bonfire Night ideas that bring everyone together, an indoor activity can be a great alternative to the usual routine.

At Hollywood Bowl, you can enjoy bowling, arcade games and, at selected centres, mini golf. It's an opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends while adding a little friendly competition to your evening.

Whether you're organising a family outing or arranging a get-together with friends, check your nearest centre and book your visit ahead of 5 November.

Ready to make a night of it? Find your nearest Hollywood Bowl and get your Bonfire Night plans sorted.