Your Guide to International Mud Day Fun

Young child sitting in a muddy puddle - Your Guide to International Mud Day Fun

June 29th is International Mud Day – a day all about getting outside, getting muddy, and letting kids enjoy the messy kind of play they love (and we secretly dread!).

It all started back in 2009 when an Australian early childhood teacher and a group from Nepal wanted to create a day that connected children around the world through nature and play. Now, kids everywhere celebrate with muddy puddles, digging, squelching, and making a muddy mess.

How to Celebrate International Mud Day at Home

You don’t need anything fancy to take part. Here are some easy ways to get muddy:

  • Set up a mud kitchen with old bowls, spoons, and a patch of dirt – simply add water!
  • Make Magic Mud or our safe Edible Mud
  • Let the kids dig holes, make mud pies, or splash in puddles
  • Try mud painting on cardboard or outdoor fences using paintbrushes, sponges, or even fingers
  • Host a mud pie “bake-off” with toppings like petals, gravel, or herbs from the garden
  • Create a muddy potion station with flowers, leaves, sticks, and coloured water in jars.

Keep it relaxed – this is about fun, not perfection!

Your Guide to International Mud Day Fun - children having fun, getting muddy and messy

The Benefits of Playing with Mud

Mud play isn’t just fun – it helps kids build confidence, get creative, develop fine motor skills, and even strengthen their immune systems. It’s calming, grounding, and one of the simplest ways to support happy, healthy development.

Read more in our blog: Why Kids Should Play in the Mud

To help keep the mess under control, check out our NZ-made waterproof coveralls and overpants – designed to protect clothes, keep little ones dry, and make clean-up quicker and easier for you.

Are you celebrating International Mud Day this year?
I’d love to see what your little ones get up to! Tag us on social media @mudmates so we can see all the muddy fun.

For more messy play inspiration and kid friendly activities sign up to our newsletter.

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