National Frog Jumping Day (May 13)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

National Frog Jumping Day is celebrated each year on May 13 and is inspired by a quirky American pastime that leapt straight from the pages of Mark Twain’s first published story.

With frog-jumping contests, whimsical crafts, and frog-themed recipes, this holiday honors both creativity and literary history.

It’s one of the many weird holidays in May that brings unexpected joy and fun to springtime.

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When is the Holiday?

National Frog Jumping Day takes place every year on May 13.

Who Invented It?

No single person or organization created this holiday.

It emerged from the popularity of frog-jumping contests inspired by Mark Twain’s 1865 short story, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County. Communities adopted the theme, and the tradition spread.

The History of the Holiday

The holiday stems from Mark Twain’s humorous tale about a frog-jumping contest in a California mining town.

The story’s popularity led to real-life events like the Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee.

First held in 1928, the fair celebrates this whimsical tradition and Twain’s impact on American literature.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. Twain’s Breakout Hit – Twain’s short story was his literary debut and helped launch his career.
  2. The Fair is Still Hopping – The Calaveras Frog Jubilee draws thousands of attendees annually.
  3. Record-Setting Jumps – The current frog jump record is over 21 feet, held by “Rosie the Ribeter.”
  4. Frogs Must Be Cared For – Contest rules protect frog welfare, including time limits and temperature guidelines.
  5. It’s a Big Deal in Angel’s Camp – The whole town decorates for the event, from frog statues to themed storefronts.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a Backyard Jumping Contest – Use small toy frogs or safe, humane alternatives for the jumping fun.
  • Read Twain’s Story – Share the short tale that started it all; great for a quick classroom or bedtime read.
  • Craft a Frog – Try this Frog Paper Cup Craft or Recycled Egg Frog project with kids.
  • Make Frog-Themed Jokes & Games – Print a list of frog jokes or create a frog trivia game.
  • Learn About Amphibians – Use free frog coloring pages and fun facts to explore frog biology and ecosystems.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

  • Frog Pond Cookie Cups – These chocolate cookie cups are filled with blue pudding to mimic water, then topped with gummy frogs and candy reeds made from tootsie rolls. A fun, hands-on dessert for kids celebrating Frog Jumping Day.
  • Frog in the Pond – A nostalgic Australian party treat featuring green jelly (gelatin) topped with a chocolate frog sitting in the middle. It’s easy to make, visually fun, and always a hit with young kids.
  • Air Fryer Frog Legs – For those looking to embrace the theme literally, this crispy frog legs recipe uses an air fryer for a lighter twist on a Southern classic. Ideal for adventurous eaters or anyone curious about this delicacy.
  • Frog on a Log in a Bog – A clever, hands-on breakfast that kids can help make. French toast sticks act as the “log,” topped with a green apple frog complete with candy eyes, frozen yogurt “legs,” and a pink paper tongue. Set in a syrup “bog” and surrounded by grape lily pads and a raisin “fruit fly,” it’s a creative and educational food craft perfect for frog-themed lessons or fun morning surprises.
Image Source: Calaveras Visitors Bureau

Links to Resources

  • Life Cycle of a Frog Worksheet – These printable worksheets walk kids through the fascinating stages of a frog’s life—from egg to tadpole to adult frog. Perfect for reinforcing science concepts at home or in the classroom.
  • Parts of a Frog Worksheet – A kid-friendly diagram labeling activity that helps children learn the anatomy of a frog, including external features like eyes, legs, and webbed feet. Ideal for early elementary students.
  • Frog Toilet Paper Craft – Turn a cardboard tube into a cute frog with this fun craft that’s great for preschoolers and early learners. Easy instructions and minimal supplies make it a mess-free win for any frog-themed day.
  • How to Draw a Frog Step-by-Step – A step-by-step visual guide perfect for kids of all ages. This tutorial helps build drawing confidence and creativity, whether they’re working independently or as part of a frog unit.
  • The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County – Read Mark Twain’s original short story that inspired this quirky holiday. Available free via Project Gutenberg, it’s a fun introduction to American literature and Twain’s sharp humor.

Related Holidays

Other lighthearted literary-inspired holidays include:

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