This time of the year, whether we have snow on the ground or experiencing more balmy temperatures, behind the scenes, maple trees are doing their magic. It’s maple sugaring season in our area and it is a fascinating process that you and your family can see firsthand at many of the area’s environmental centers.
A few years ago, my kids and I attended a local event which included a short hike through the woods to see the trees that were being tapped and then a brief demonstration of how sap is turned to syrup as well as a tasting. The waffles topped with fresh syrup were probably their favorite part, but it truly is a fascinating process. Maple sap is actually a clear and watery substance with barely a trace of sweetness when it exits a maple tree. The sap gets boiled to make syrup and on average it takes over 40 gallons of sap to produce one gallon of finished maple syrup.
Learn more about the interesting maple sugar process and view live demonstrations at nearby environmental centers. Be sure to check each destination for registration requirements and safety protocols before you go and enjoy this fun and educational activity.
Maple Trees and Treats at Ryerss Museum and Library, Philadelphia PA
February 7, 2025 2pm
Join Pennypack Environmental Center on the journey of maple syrup from a maple tree at Ryerss to all the maplely goodness that can be made simply from sap. Event at 2pm. All ages free. Registration required.
Maple Sugar Day at Peace Valley Nature Center, Doylestown, PA
February 22, 2025, 11am – 2 pm
All ages can visit Peace Valley Nature Center for a hands-on adventure in maple sugaring! This program begins as a guided walk to the sugar bush, where you’ll collect sap from sugar maples and learn about the tree’s unique role in nature. Discover how sap has been used by humans throughout history, and watch as the sap is cooked into delicious maple syrup over an open fire. Free admission, donations accepted. No unaccompanied minors.
Lancaster County Central Park, Lancaster, PA
February 22, 2025 10am – 2pm, February 23 & March 2, 2025 1pm – 4pm, Maple Sugaring
It’s the sweetest time of the year – maple sugar time! Visit the sugar bush at pavilion 11 in Central Park for interactive demonstrations of the maple syrup making process. Drop-in any time during this free event as Park Naturalists teach you about the history of production, tapping the trees, boiling sap over a fire in the sugar shack, finishing the syrup and making candy. Participants are encouraged to complete this one-of-a-kind experience with a taste of freshly made maple sugar candy. Patterson Farms will be onsite selling syrup and many other maple products. No registration needed. Free event.
Wissahickon Trails, Ambler, PA
February 23, 2025 11am-3pm – Maple Sugaring Festival at Green Ribbon Trail & Four Mills Nature Reserve
See science come alive and learn how maple syrup and sugar are made! Guides will lead groups through the woods to see tapped maple trees and then follow the sap’s journey as it is boiled and converted into the products we know and love to eat. Tours are approximately 45 minutes and will end with hot chocolate and pancakes! Tours begin at regular intervals from 11:00am to 3:00pm. $10 per person (2 years+). Advance Registration Required.
Pennypack Environmental Center, Philadelphia PA
March 1, 2025 12pm-4pm – Maple Sugar Day at Fox Chase Farm
Join us for our annual Maple Sugar Day. Learn the process of maple sugaring, watch the making of maple candy, and sample pancakes with pure maple syrup. There will also be farm animals, crafts, games, and more! $5 cash per person (2 years+). 12pm – 4pm. No registration required. Stop by to join the fun.
Peter Wentz Farmstead, Lansdale, PA
Maple Sugar Day, March 1, 2025 – 10:00 – 3:30 Join the farmers as they create maple sugar from trees right at the Farmstead! Watch as they tap the trees, collect the sap, and create the syrup. Learn about the origins of maple sugaring and how the process has continued through to today. All Belgium’s food truck will be on site where you can enjoy one of their delicious Belgian waffles! NOTE: This program is weather dependent, if the temperature isn’t just right the sap may not flow! All ages and free, no registration needed.
More Info
Churchville Nature Center, Churchville, PA
March 2, 2025 11am-1pm – Maple Sugar Day and Pancake Breakfast
Visitors to Churchville’s Maple Sugar Day can expect a fun day learning and seeing all of the steps that are taken to create maple syrup. You can register for the Maple Sugar Program ($6) from 1pm-3pm or the Pancake Breakfast ($13) from 11am – 1pm.
Springton Manor Farm, Glenmoore, PA
March 9, 2025 11am – 4pm, Maple Sugaring at Springton Manor Farm
Maple tree sap begins to flow as the weather warms. For early residents of Chester County, this was the only local source of sugar. Learn how a maple tree is tapped and how the sap is boiled to make real maple syrup. Free admission.
Updated February 2025