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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

MudFest – Social Narrative

Map with details for Mudfest, click on map for accessibility

Arriving

This event is rain or shine. When you arrive, you will see “MudFest” signs and large blowup animals guiding you to the parking area. 

A sign standing in the grass that says MudFest Mud This Way.

Parking

Parking for MudFest can be found on-site at the park. Follow the event signs upon arrival. Dedicated accessible parking spaces will be available along with our ADA shuttle cart to help transport individuals from the accessible parking area to the main vent area. 

A person driving a ADA shuttle cart.
A person driving the ADA Shuttle Cart behind families playing the mud.

Park Surfaces

At the park there are mostly uneven surfaces. Some muddy paths may have steep slopes. 

A white arch decorated with mud painting above a gravel walking path.
A crowd of people watching individuals slide down a muddy hill.

Bathrooms

Portable restrooms will be available at the event and will include standard and fully accessible units. 

Mud-iquette (MudFest Etiquette)

  • This is a family event, so be kind to others.
  • Keep all wounds covered.
  • Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash and out of the mud.
  • Take bathroom breaks out of the mud and in the portable restroom facilities on-site.
  • We will have hose off areas and changing tents as well as garbage bags for muddy clothing.
  • Wearing closed-toed shoes is recommended.
  • Be aware of small natural debris as you step through the mud.
  • HAVE FUN!
A "MudFest Mu Etiquette" sign with people playing in the mud in the background.

Park Etiquette

Please do your part to keep our parks clean and welcoming. Trash bins and recycling bins are on-site. Designated eating areas are provided. 

A crowd playing at MudFest and a green trash bin.
A family sitting at a picnic table under a canopy tent.

Food and Water

You are welcome to bring your own food. Food will also be available for purchase by The Hotdog Hideout and The Icecream Yard. Water stations to refill your water bottle will be available around the event.

A variety of milkshakes in branded cups that say "The Icecream Yard".
Two hotdogs with buns and relish toppings.

MudFest Merch

Event T-shirts and other items will be available to purchase to commemorate your experience.

MudFest display of t-shirts and sizes.
White shirts with the label "MudFest"

Activities

There are several activities to do. Nature on Wheels is an interactive exhibit featuring hands-on activities for all ages.  

A variety of mud activities for the whole family. Mud slides, mud pools, a mud kitchen, and mud hills are available to play and get dirty. 

People playing in a muddy field and sliding down two mudslides using pool floats.
Children sliding down a big muddy hill using pool floats.
Children playing on top of a mud hill.
Families playing in an area marked "mud kitchen".

Sensory Retreat Tent

The Sensory Retreat Tent is a space to get away from the noise or a safe place to reset. The Sensory Retreat Tent offers fidgets, noise cancelling headphones, sensory friendly seating, and other items to borrow to regulate, recharge, and relax. 

A green canopy tent with sides and an opening for a door labeled " Sensory Retreat Tent".
A green canopy tent with a banner that read "Program Access". Inside the tent are sensory seating and fidgets on top of a table.

What to Bring

We recommend guests wear clothes that can get dirty and closed-toed shoes. Come prepared for the warm-weather conditions by wearing sunscreen, a hat or head covering, and bringing water. Sleds, water toys, and goggles are encouraged. We will have hose off areas and changing tents as well as garbage bags for muddy clothing.

Green pop-up changing tents.
People using hoses to wash off the mud.

Program Access Contact Information

If you or a member of your party would like to request accessibility accommodations, please get in touch with our Program Access team at programaccess@montgomeryparks.org or (301) 495-2581.