By March in Calgary, our backyard is a familiar mix of melting snowbanks, squishy grass, and boots that never quite dry by the door. Honestly? As a mom, I’ve come to see these slushy in-between months not as something to endure, but as a golden opportunity for outdoor play.
When winter starts to let go but spring hasn’t fully arrived, there’s still so much magic to be found outside if you’re willing to get a little muddy. From puddle jumping in yesterday’s snowmelt to scooping icy treasures in a makeshift mud kitchen, these simple, season-appropriate activities help younger children explore, create, and burn off energy, while reminding us parents that messy play is often the most meaningful kind.
Puddle jumping. This first one might sound obvious, but take a moment to think about how often we’ve said, “Go around the puddle,” or “Careful! You’ll get wet!” I know I have. As much as the extra laundry and muddy boots can make us cringe, puddle play is actually incredibly valuable for little learners. Puddles invite kids to jump, splash, toss rocks, and watch ripples spread… simple actions that spark joy, build confidence, encourage problem-solving, and engage their senses in meaningful ways. So, lean into it. Pull on the rubber boots, splash pants, and rain jacket, and let them explore. Follow their questions and curiosities, and see where the puddles take their play.
Frozen bird feeders. This is one of those activities that keeps paying off long after you’ve made it. My kids and I love putting together bird feeders in the backyard and then watching to see who comes to visit. When the nights are still cold, frozen feeders are especially easy to make. We fill ice cube trays or silicone molds with bird-safe foods like birdseed, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and berries, add a bit of water, tuck in a piece of string, and leave them outside overnight to freeze. The next day, we hang them from the trees and wait. There’s something really special about standing together at the window or in the yard, spotting birds and learning who shares our space. It’s a simple way to build curiosity, patience, and empathy for animals, while enjoying some quiet family moments too.
Mud kitchen. After holding out for years, I finally gave in and bought a mud kitchen for our youngest from a local maker on Marketplace, and honestly, I wish I had done it sooner. A mud kitchen is an outdoor play space stocked with simple tools like pots, pans, utensils, water, and, of course, plenty of mud (or snow during this time of year). Designed to look like a real kitchen, it invites children to mix, scoop, and “cook” their own muddy creations. This type of play is wonderfully sensory, giving kids the chance to explore different textures while using their imagination and creativity as they pretend to prepare and serve their masterpieces. Of course, a mud kitchen isn’t a necessity – you can achieve the same fun by simply setting out scoops, measuring cups, and other kitchen tools and letting your child get creative with mud or slush.
Nature scavenger hunt. As the snow begins to melt, nature starts to reveal hidden treasures that have been tucked away all winter. It’s the perfect time to take a walk, whether through your neighborhood, a nearby wetland, or one of the city’s beautiful provincial parks and start exploring. My kids love collecting uniquely shaped rocks, pinecones, leaves, seed pods, sticks, and more. We enjoy using our finds in the backyard for play in the sandbox or mud kitchen, or turning them into decorative hanging ornaments by tying them to twine and suspending them from a larger branch.
Spray painting. There’s nothing more simple than grabbing some spray bottles at your local dollar store, filling them with water and adding some food coloring to create an instant invitation to get artistic. Whether on snow or slush, these sprays transform the white canvas into a colorful masterpiece. Kids and adults can create patterns, write messages, or even paint snowy landscapes, watching the colors blend and pop against their natural background. It’s a magical way to get creative outdoors, turning a chilly day into a vibrant, hands-on art session. No snow? Take an old, white bedsheet outside, hang it up between two trees and let them get creative on this new blank canvas!
As winter melts into spring, these muddy, slushy weeks invite us to step outside and let our kids lead the way. It’s the puddles, wet mittens, and dirt under tiny fingernails that make outdoor play so rich – building curiosity, resilience, and lasting memories. Let the boots pile up, embrace the mess, and enjoy the magic that a little mud can bring.
Ashley is a mom of three, an Early Childhood Educator, and an Elementary Teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Calgary and is passionate about empowering families, educators, and caregivers to support children’s learning at home and at school. Find more of her ideas on Facebook and Instagram (@teachthemlittle).
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