Nice (But Muddy) Weather

[DaycareMom]

So it has been pretty cold the last few days, but today is supposed to get up to 55. I want to take the kids out to play, but since snow is melting - my entire yard is mud!

I plan to take them for a walk, but what are some other things we can do outside and avoid the mud???

[My3cents]

So it has been pretty cold the last few days, but today is supposed to get up to 55. I want to take the kids out to play, but since snow is melting - my entire yard is mud!

I plan to take them for a walk, but what are some other things we can do outside and avoid the mud???

you can't avoid the mud. Ask parents for tons of clothing as spares and let them have at it.

Bumping this one because I too would like ideas

[KDC]

same here...

It's supposed to get warm here today, but it's super windy (65 in March is crazy for this area!). With the wind, I'm trying to think about paper airplanes, balloons on strings, something that the wind can carry and they can watch. I think it will be fun to watch a plastic sailboat or leaves get carried by the mini melted snow rivers? Rocks vs. leaves vs. grass... yup, I'm a geek!

I've given warnings that I would go outside and kids should be dressed appropriately, so if they get messy -- I can't say I didn't warn them. Thank goodness for washing machines

[melskids]

"There is no such thing as bad weather...only bad clothing."

My ENTIRE yard is mud as well. We don't let it stop us. We are well equiped with mud boots, water proof pants, coats, snowsuits, gloves, extra play clothes, and whatever it takes to get these kids OUTSIDE!

If its warm enough, we strip right on the porch before heading in. If not, we stand on the tile, and I just mop afterwards. I keep a pile of rags by the door to wipe muddy hands until they get to the sink and wash. (once its warm enough, I just hose 'em off outside!)

Sure, its extra work, but it's my job.

[DaycareMom]

They would be sweating in snow pants and nobody brings mud boots.

Where can I find waterproof pants ... never heard of them

I guess I was just wondering if someone had a mud alternative seeing as it's too warm to suit up and nobody brought proper "gear".

We already took a walk and did chalk in the driveway ... hoping to get some more ideas.

Anyone?

[melskids]

Here, parents must bring mud/rain gear, just like snow gear in the winter, and swimsuits in the summer.

You can get pants like these....

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/45259?qs=3005061_pmd_google

I have seen them cheaper...they were $8 on clearance and The Childrens Place a few weeks ago...all the way down to 12 month size.

I didn't mean to sound snarky in my last post. It wasn't meant to be.

My point was, for my yard, if we don't gear up, we wouldn't be able to go outside at all...there's NO way to avoid the mud. At least until June.

[WImom]

Today my yard was mud too. We just stayed on the concrete and they rode scooters, played with chalk, made a jumping game 1-10 with chalk, did bubbles, etc.

It ****s. I actually have another area that is pea gravel and came up with the idea to put in big stepping stones from out concrete area to the climbing area (pea gravel) so they could do both on muddy days. If it stays warm here for another week I will probably start on that project one of these weekends.

I also just bought a 'boot bucket'. It's a big handled bucket from Target that I take each kids boots off at the door and throw them in it so they don't et all my floors muddy and wet. Works well when there is snow too. Then I just put the boots away.

[SD DaycareMOM]

I am washing and drying coats and mittens as we speak! I used to avoid the mud on days like this too, but as I am working on loosening up for the benefit of the kids, we have had SO MUCH fun playing in the mud the last two days. Yesterday, my 3-5 yo's spent every possible minute creating a huge "village scene" in our wet sand box, complete with lakes, rivers, islands, and houses. It was a beautiful thing! THey planned, they discussed, they predicted, they cooperated....it was wonderful! If the mud won't work for you today, I highly recommend that you start making a point to require extra clothing at all times just for days like these!