It’s time to sweeten up your winter-time fun during maple sugaring season, which typically runs late January through February and March. Maple sugaring is a great family activity where you immerse yourself in nature and actually collect sap directly from trees! And the best part is, you can go maple sugaring on Staten Island and nearby, too! At these maple sugaring events in Staten Island, New Jersey and Long Island, you’ll learn all about the process of making maple syrup, and in some cases, even sample the sweet stuff. Since maple sugaring takes place outdoors, it’s a good idea to call or check the website before heading to an event, just to make sure it hasn’t been canceled due to inclement weather.
And speaking of maple syrup, check out these yummy grab-and-go breakfast ideas your kids will love!
Maple Sugaring on Staten Island
Maple TapFest
WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve • 2351 Veterans Rd. W.
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 21; 10am-3pm
Learn how to tap maple trees at this fun event. For ages 6 and older.
WANT TO GO? Free. Call 718-605-3970 ext 201.
Maple Syrup Saturdays
WHERE: Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve • 2351 Veterans Rd. W.
WHEN: Saturdays, Jan. 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 and 25; 1-3pm
Learn the process of making delicious maple syrup. Participants will hike up to one mile to reach the maple trees to demonstrate tapping and collect sap. All ages.
WANT TO GO? Free. Call 718-605-3970 ext 201 for more information.
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Maple Sugaring in New Jersey
Maple Sugaring
WHERE: Van Vleck House & Gardens • 21 Van Vleck St., Montclair
WHEN: Saturday, March 4; tour times: 10-11am; 11am-12pm; 12:30-1:30pm; 1:30-2:30pm. Rain date March 11
Learn how to identify a sugar maple tree, the steps for turning sap to syrup and see a tapped sugar maple tree in the Van Vleck Gardens.
WANT TO GO? $25-35; Call 973-744-4752 for more information.
Maple Sugaring Demos
WHERE: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center • 247 Southern Blvd, Chatham Township
WHEN: Select dates, Jan. 21-March 12; 1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm. Check the calendar online.
Identify and tap maple trees, collect sap and make real maple syrup. Enjoy a fun taste test; syrup available for purchase.
WANT TO GO? $6; registration required. More information at 973-635-6629.
Tap that Tree!
WHERE: Reeves-Reed Arboretum • 165 Hobart Ave., Summit
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 3; 4-5pm
Participants will tap maple trees in preparation for the season’s sap flow. Families will learn all about tapping trees and get experience doing the actual tapping. For families with kids ages 5 and older.
WANT TO GO? $20; Registration required. More information at 908-273-8787.
Maple Sugaring
WHERE: The Watershed Institute • 31 Titus Mill Rd., Pennington
WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 25; 10am
Enjoy maple sugaring in New Jersey and learn about the history, folklore and science of the process. Visit maple trees, find out how they are tapped and sample maple sugar. Ages 5 and older.
WANT TO GO? $10. Register online.
Maple Sugaring
WHERE: Tenafly Nature Center • 313 Hudson Ave., Tenafly
WHEN: Select dates and times this season. Check the website for the schedule.
Discover all things maple syrup. Learn the history of syrup making and how technology has changed the way sap has been collected over time. You’ll boil down sap to make fresh, warm maple syrup to taste. All ages.
WANT TO GO? $12. Register online. Call 201-568-6093 for more information.
Maple Sugaring in Long Island
Maple Public Day
WHERE: Benners Farm • 56 Gnarled Hollow Rd., East Setauket
WHEN: Saturday, March 4; 11am-3pm
Learn all about maple sugaring.
WANT TO GO? Call 631-689-8172 or check the website for more information.
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