Mother May I, Mule Forward?

How to play the game:

• One child/ parent will act as “Mother” while the other kids, ask Mother if they may move forward.

• Whomever is Mother, will ask that person a question about the canal, such as “When was the Canal built?” if the child answers correctly, they may move forward.

• To add a twist, the child moving forward must crawl on their hands and knees as a mule would walk along the canal.

 

A group of students on their hands and knees in a push-up position, a sign reads "Lizard Lift: how many push-ups can you do in a minute?"

NPS Photo / Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

• If the kid gets the question wrong, they will not move forward and must do, 5 push-ups, 5 sit-ups or 5 jumping jacks of their choice-this is where the games gets fun and active!

 

*This game can be played in the park, at your house or anywhere outdoors and it can be modified for someone with disabilities.

 

Below are some sample questions to help guide the game, however if you would like to learn more about the park and create your own questions, visit Learn about the Park.

Sample Questions:

1. How long was the C&O Canal operational?
2. How many miles is the C&O Canal?
3. A mule’s parents are a male_______ and a Female______.
4. In your best words, describe how a canal lock works (The process of locking through) [*Hint: There are 4 steps].
5. What are 3 ways to keep the park clean?