BACK5 Fun Activities for Mud Season
March 22, 2022
For some the words “Mud Season” may not mean much, but we Mainers know a thing or two about mud and all the fun that can come with it. While it may be messy, mud season is a sign of what’s to come—springtime, warm days, flowers, and birdsong… we just need to get through the melting snow first. While it may be tempting to hunker down and wait it out, mud season offers a variety of activities that are unique to this fleeting time of year and educational for parents and children alike. If you’re ready to have some fun, read on!
Take part in Maine Maple Sunday
Where does maple syrup come from? Why does it taste so sweet? How many gallons of sap does it take to make a quart of syrup? If your kids have ever wondered how maple syrup is made or you’ve wanted to see the process close up, this is your chance! On March 27th, Maine maple producers will be hosting their 39th annual Maine Maple Sunday across the state, with activities and open houses taking place statewide on both the 26th and 27th. Head to this link for a description of each sugarhouse taking part in the weekend and tap on each one to see what they’ll be offering.
Take a hawk hike
Mud season is the perfect time of year to take to the trails and try your luck at spotting some of Maine’s most majestic creatures: hawks and other birds of prey. As the snow melts, trails become more accessible to foot traffic (although you may still want to pack shoe grips or microspikes) and the bare trees offer prime visibility for wildlife. Grab a pair of binoculars and hike a local mountain, hill, or park. Bradbury Mountain in Pownal is an excellent spot to spy birds of prey, and has an ongoing hawk watch project—follow this link to read more about it. Or visit the Maine Audubon for more information on community science activities.
Do a mud season scavenger hunt!
Grab that rain jacket and your rubber boots and get ready to get a little muddy (the best thing about mud? It rinses off!). A mud season scavenger hunt is the perfect way to spend an afternoon outdoors on an early spring day, and we’ve done all the work for you! Follow this link to print off a free downloadable scavenger hunt sheet (be sure to print one out for each family member), then head outdoors and check off each item as you find it. This activity is great for big and little kids alike, and parents, too!
Take a bike ride or a family walk
After months of snow-covered sidewalks and parking lots, and early sunsets, the coast is nearly clear for every kid’s favorite pastime: bike riding. Check out local paths and trails for kid-safe riding conditions and get out for a family bike ride or walk. Encourage your child to observe the changing season: are there buds on the trees? Ducks on a pond or river? Shoots of fresh grass poking up in a field? Riding a bike or taking a walk regularly is a great way to exercise as a family while watching as the seasons shift (those ducks may have ducklings not long from now!).
Set up camp
Of course, mud season can be especially messy and bring with it unpredictable weather, too. If you find yourself indoors, make the most of it and help your kids set up (indoor) camp! You can have a camping adventure without leaving the comfort of your own space. Pitch a tent, set up sleeping bags, or build a blanket fort where you feel comfortable and start pulling together some activities and items needed to make it feel like a real camping adventure. Here are a few things to get you started:
- Make indoor s’mores using marshmallow fluff, chocolate, and graham crackers.
- Stream a campfire video on your T.V., phone, or tablet. Or put on your favorite camping-themed movie, like The Parent Trap.
- Stick some glow-in-the-dark stars to the ceiling to camp under the stars, or take out a book from the library to learn about the constellations.
