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ZooZone for Kids: Celebrate International Mud Day

ZOO ZONE FOR KIDS Celebrate International Mud Day Tuesday, June 29

By Emily Blum, Educator

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Mud Painting Activity

There are countless ways to celebrate International Mud Day on Tuesday, June 29, but all of them have one thing in common: you must get dirty!

International Mud Day aims to connect children around the globe to the natural world around them—by playing in the mud of course. Mud play helps children develop tactile skills with sensory play and can also release serotonin in the brain, which lowers stress levels and regulates mood. Some studies have also found the microscopic bacteria found in mud may help strengthen children’s immune systems. In fact, playing in an environment that is too clean at a young age may increase the likelihood of developing allergies and asthma. So, playing in mud can help make your child happy and healthy. What You'll Need

• Cups or other containers • Dirt • Water • Stirring sticks or spoons • Paintbrushes or fingers • Paper • Optional: food coloring

1

Grab some cups and go on an adventure around your yard or neighborhood and collect dirt. Get a variety of colors and textures to experiment with.

2

Add water to your dirt to create mud and stir with a stick or spoon. Play with the dirt and water ratio to get a consistency you would like to paint with. We recommend a thicker mud for painting. Optional: Add some food coloring to your mud. Usually, 10 or more drops help the color shine through.

3

Paint with either a paintbrush or your fingers. Remember to have fun and do not be afraid to get a little messy.

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