How to Let Your Kids Make Mud pies

One of my favorite childhood memories comes from making mud pies in the backyard with my sisters. Kids of all ages, as well as parent, can enjoy this activity by following some easy steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An outdoor area with dirt or sand
• Water
• towels
• Water wand hose attachment (optional)
• Sand box toys (optional)
• A bucket (optional)
• Bubble bath (optional)
• Water hose

1. Prepare yourself. There is no way this experience will be mess free! Realize that these kids will be filthy by the time they are done. You will find sand and/or dirt on them everywhere. It is okay! Relax and enjoy the time together.

2. 
    
   plan on sand/mud getting all over their clothes

   Make sure the kids are dressed in clothing that can get muddy, stained and maybe even torn. (This may sound ridiculous, but I have seen it happen!) For best results the can go without shoes or in shoes that will slip on and off easily like sandals.

3. 
    
   hopefully you will not end up this muddy

   Gather everything you will need for the kids to play with and clean up. This makes it less likely that you will need to run in and out of the house tracking mud everywhere. (Yes, there is a very good chance that you too will end up a little muddy.)

4. 
    
   a hose makes adding water easy

   If you have a water wand, attach it to the hose. This makes the water come out like a rain shower and it is more gentle on the kiddies than the regular blast of the hose.

5. 
    
   a sandbox is the perfect location for mud pies

   Add water to the sand or dirt in the area you have chosen. Start with a little water and add, as you deem necessary. Remember, you can always add more water, but taking it back is impossible.

6. 
    
   a rake makes a great toy for the mud

   Let the kids get in. You can give them all the toys all at once, or you can just give them a few at a time. The latter leaves you some room to make adjustments if complications arise as play continues. For example, if everyone is tired of playing with the shovels, the buckets will completely change what they are doing.

7. 
    

   As the time for mud pies winds down, have the kids place all the toys in one area. This will make it easier to rinse them off. Have the kids line up and rinse them off too. For some kids, this can be just as much fun as playing in the mud. If you have smaller children, you may want to carry them straight to the tub in their towel. Older children can wipe their feet, wrap up and make a run for the bathroom.

8. Let them get in the shower with all their clothes on and give them another rinse. Hopefully some of the dirt that may have been missed outside can be cleaned off in the shower. You can take the clothes, ring them out and place them right into the washing machine (or a plastic bag if you aren’t at home).

9. 
    
   bubble bath

   Even though they are rinsed off, they are not clean. In fact, there is a good chance that you will find sand/dirt that was overlooked before. Using soap, wash the kids well. If you want, let them hang out in a bubble bath.

10. 
     
    sand/mud in the hair can be difficult to get out

    Finally, the kids are clean and ready to be dried off. As you are drying them off don’t panic if you find left over sand in their hair. It happens to the best parents who wash their kids hair well. Relax and know that it will all come out next time.

Tips & Warnings

• Save an activity like this for a day with great weather.
• Rinse out the shower/tub after the kids get out. There may still be sand lingering at the drain.
• Choose and area for mud pies that is free from objects that are hazardous to children.
• Make sure you keep an eye on the kids while they are playing.