Maple Syrup in the Park – Terra Cotta

Experience the Canadian tradition of maple syrup production through interactive demonstrations and kids' activities. Explore the outdoors as you hike to the Sugarbush. End your visit with a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup and a treat from the Park Store. -------- FAMILY ACTIVITIES -------- - Interactive Demonstrations: Learn about both historical and modern methods of maple syrup production through engaging demonstrations. - Sweetwater Discovery: Learn about possible ways that Indigenous Peoples may have made syrup and sugar from maple sap - Settled into Spring: Watch historical demonstrations of how settlers created maple syrup - The Tool Shoppe: Don’t miss this interactive demonstration of both traditional and modern tools used for making maple syrup - The Maple Hills Sugarbush: Explore the sugarbush and watch how sap is collected. - The Sugar Shack: See how we create maple syrup today using modern techniques - Changing Seasons: Understand how climate change impacts maple syrup production - Sacred Fire Chats: Sip on cedar tea and learn about Indigenous culture from Traditional Helpers (Oshkabewis) and a Fire Keeper through storytelling and song - Blacksmith Demonstration: A traditional demonstration of making iron tools by hand - Find all 10 stations in the scavenger hunt and present your completed card at the Park Store for a free prize (while supplies last) - Solve the Maple Mystery Challenge of which of Terra Cotta’s woodland animals has been sipping all the sap in the sugarbush - Go on a maple-themed storybook walk along the Wetland Trail Try warm maple taffy (additional cost) - Fill up at the Pancake House, choose from a selection of pancakes with real maple syrup and other maple-themed items (additional cost) - Follow the Sap Bucket Trail through the forest to the sugarbush to see where sap is collected (approximately 1-kilometre hike from the main event area) - Buy maple syrup and maple products, or merchandise by local artisans at the Park Store (additional cost) - Sugarbush Wagon Rides: Start your visit with a wagon ride to the Sugarbush. Learn about how maple syrup is made with the demonstration of traditional and modern maple syrup-making tools. - Try taffy, maple syrup samples, hot drinks, and make s’mores over a campfire. Children will receive a free wooden tree cookie to remember their day. - Make maple memories at the Photobooth and Selfie Station - Get creative with the Maple Mural Colouring Activity - Face painting for all ages Recommended for families with children aged 12 years and under. Parents or guardians must accompany children. The recommended experience time is 1.5 hours.