Maine Maple Sunday is one of our favorite early spring traditions. It’s the perfect mix of fresh air, hands-on learning, and (of course) maple everything. But if you’ve ever shown up without a plan… you already know it can get chaotic fast.
Here’s how to make the most of it with kids—without the stress.
Make your plan in advance
First and foremost, I recommend making a plan in advance.
Take some time to look up which sugarhouses are open in your area, what they offer, and what the parking situation might look like. In my experience, these places fill up fast—which can mean long lines, crowded spaces, and tricky parking. It can be a lot for kids (and honestly, for us too) if you just show up and hope for the best.
If you’re looking for something specific—like smaller crowds or more kid-focused activities—local parenting Facebook groups are a goldmine. There are so many options across Maine, and someone will absolutely have a recommendation.
Also worth noting: some farms are open on Saturday as well, which can be a great way to avoid the biggest crowds.
What to pack/wear
I’m not an over-packer… but I am a prepared parent
The weather this time of year is so unpredictable. We’ve had years where we’re in t-shirts for Maine Maple Sunday and then we have years where the wind and cold are so terrible that it made the whole experience miserable. It’s really a hit or miss.
In addition to the weather, it’s also mud season and in a lot of areas, there’s still some snow as well. So we recommend coming prepared. This is what I typically bring with us:
- Rain or winter boots – it’s super muddy and sometimes even still snowy this time of year. I highly highly recommend boots over sneakers.
- Layers – my girls wear t-shirts and pants and then we layer it with a fleece and then their larger winter coat. We like having the option of adding/removing layers as needed. Worst case scenario, it ends up being nice and warm and the larger layers remain in the car. Hats and gloves are also great to have on hand.
- Spare outfit – this includes extra socks and even a pair of shoes. Again, it’s muddy. If you have young children, especially, there’s always the chance of them slipping in the mud or even just getting dirty from playing. We like having the option to change in the car afterward if needed. I’m also that parent who hates a messy car so we leave boots in the trunk and change into new shoes before they get into their seats.
- Baby wipes and/or hand sanitizer – self explanatory.
- Snacks – the vast majority of sap houses will have food. But for kids who may not like maple flavored food or are prone to being more picky with their eating, I recommend having a couple of extra snacks on hand.
We try not to carry more than we need—most of this stays in the car, and we adjust once we arrive.
Utilize wagons, jogging strollers, and baby wearing
Crowds + tired kids = not the vibe. Wagons and jogging strollers can be super helpful, especially with multiple kids—but keep in mind that terrain can be muddy and uneven. Not all wheels handle that well. For babies and younger toddlers, baby wearing is often the easiest option in crowded spaces.
Bottom line: go with whatever makes it easiest for your family to navigate crowds and rough ground.
Carry cash
Most places we’ve been to accept cards, but not all. These are small, local businesses, and some may be cash-only. If you can’t find that info ahead of time, it’s best to come prepared with both.
Don’t skip the educational tours
This is honestly one of the best parts. Most farms offer tours or demonstrations showing how maple syrup is made, and it’s such a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn something new.
If you want to take it a step further, you can prep kids ahead of time with a quick video or activity page so they have some background before you go. I’ve found that it helps them stay more engaged—and they ask way more questions when we’re there.
My kids really loved these two videos when I first introduced them to Maine Maple Sunday.
Set expectations
I travel solo with my kids often and maybe it’s the former behavior specialist in me, but I always pre-teach and set expectations before we arrive literally anywhere. There will likely be lines, waiting, crowds, etc. so it’s helpful to chat with kids in advance so they know what to expect as well as what types of behaviors you’re expecting from them in these conditions.
For reference, my kids are 5 and 8 and at their ages and abilities, my big expectations include remaining next to me at all times, ask before they step away (to throw something away, go to a playground, pet an animal, etc), be sure to say excuse me when weaving through a crowd, and to be patient and respectful when waiting in a line. For my oldest as well, I remind her about calm bodies when we’re in crowded environments as well.
Have an exit plan
This is a big one. Last year in particular was a tough one for my kids due to cold and windy conditions. If it’s too crowded, too cold, or someone is melting down, it’s totally okay to leave. Having a backup plan (like grabbing lunch nearby or stopping for a treat on the way home) makes it feel less like a “failed outing.”
Support the farms (if you can)
While these events are free to attend, it’s not free for the farms who put on the event. If you can afford it, grab a small item—maple syrup, donuts, candy. Even a little goes a long way in supporting these local businesses.
Maine Maple Sunday is one of those simple, classic Maine traditions that really sticks with kids. It’s messy, a little chaotic, and not always perfectly planned—but that’s kind of the magic of it.
With a little preparation (and a lot of flexibility), it can turn into a really fun day for the whole family. And if all else fails? You still go home with maple syrup… which feels like a win no matter what.
