This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

The Parks PlayBook: It’s maple syrup season!

As much as we love beautiful Des Plaines, there are some things you just can’t do here. One those things is maple sugaring, the process of transforming sticky, tasteless tree sap into sweet syrup. Maple sugaring season starts at the end February and runs through March, when climbing temperatures (finally) allow the sap to begin running in the trees. Seeing how the sap is collected, cooked and stored (and tasting the yummy final product) is a great way to spend the day together as a family. So join us on Sunday, March 23, as we travel to Camp Edwards in East Troy, Wisconsin for our first Maple Syrup Family Fun Day Trip. We will see authentic demonstrations of maple syrup production, visit a pioneer sugar camp, and take a hayride. Come hungry because an all-you-can-eat pancake brunch awaits us. We will dine in beautiful Mikelwright Lodge overlooking Lake Beulah, and enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee.

Camp Edwards also has two archery ranges, nature trails to explore, a boardwalk over a wetlands area, tube slides, and sports including gaga, dodgeball, basketball, and tetherball. Most of the activities are outdoors, so wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. (Note: a climbing wall and zip line are available for an additional fee.)

Our trip departs from and returns to the Prairie Lakes Community Center. Registration is required.

Find out what's happening in Des Plaineswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Been cooped up too long? This is a sweet get-away for the day! Sign up today at www.DPParks.org or call 847-391-5700.

See you around the parks!

Find out what's happening in Des Plaineswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?