Late winter and early spring havd been very muddy here in Ontario. Between snow melting, freezing rain and rain, it can be quite difficult to find a nature trail that isn’t somewhat muddy.

So what! That’s what they made rubber boots and washing machines for. Go ahead, get muddy. Dress warm, put your boots and rain gear on and get outside and walk those muddy paths! Walk through some puddles, check out ponds. You’ve probably been hearing tons of Chorus Frogs singing up a storm. Go and check it out. See if you can find one of those little guys in your local wetland or pond. I’ve heard what seems like hundreds of them at the Marthaville Habitat.

Playing in the mud is even better as it starts getting warmer and you don’t care if you get wet and muddy. There are so many great activities to do that include playing with mud, playing in the mud and even playing through mud.

Why should you play in the mud:

  It can actually lift your mood. Dirt contains microscopic bacteria that actually increases the level of seratonin our brains which helps us to relax.

  It will help you and your family connect with nature. Most of my happiest memories were made while doing something in nature.

  It can make you healthier. Yep, all that antibacterial soap and wipes are hurting our immune systems and even making allergies and asthma worse.

  Mud is a great material to make things from. Sure you can make a castle out of sand but check out what you can do with mud. Mud isn’t just for mud pies anymore.

It can help you develop positive dispositions by co-operating, communicating, negotiating and sharing.

Tell me these people, from toddlers to adults,  aren’t enjoying playing in the mud…

Steeplechase obstacle course.

 

Soldiers going through training.

 

Classic mud pie technique.

 

Mud is just as good, if not better than sand.

 

Kids in muddy clothes make for great memories.

 

Water, mud, a ball and your friends. Perfect day.

 

Shoeless soccer game on a muddy field will challenge every athlete.