A little reason to celebrate
National Frog Jumping Day
Animal · Fun · May 13
A day about frogs and their remarkable jumps, from the long legs that power them to watching frogs leap in ponds and wetlands.
National Frog Jumping Day falls on Thursday, May 13, 2027. That is 198 days away.
Frogs jump the way most of us walk. Long, folded back legs store up force and release it in one push, sending a small body forward many times its own length. Then the frog lands, often with its front legs braced, and sits as if nothing happened.
The jump is mostly about getting away. A frog resting at the edge of a pond can vanish into the water with a single spring, which is why so many people know frogs mainly by the splash. Some frogs are better leapers than others. Many toads prefer short hops, while slender pond frogs can cover real distance.
The best way to see this is outside, quietly. Ponds, creeks and wet meadows are good places to look and listen, especially around dusk in warm months, when frogs call to each other. Walk slowly near the water's edge and you may catch one launching off a bank. Watching from a few steps back lets the frog stay where it wants to be.
Frogs have thin, sensitive skin that takes in moisture, so they are happiest left untouched. Lotions, sunscreen or soap on human hands can bother them, and a frog that is picked up is usually a frog that wants to leave. A photo works better than a grip.
For anyone who cannot get to a pond, a children's book about frogs or a video of one jumping in slow motion shows the whole motion, legs unfolding like a spring.
Ways to celebrate
- Visit a pond or creek at dusk and listen for frog calls.
- Watch a frog jump from a respectful distance and leave it be.
- Look up slow motion video of a frog leaping.
- Read a picture book about frogs with a child.
- Try a standing broad jump and compare it to your body length.
Dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, May 13 |
| 2027 | Thursday, May 13 |
| 2028 | Saturday, May 13 |
| 2029 | Sunday, May 13 |
| 2030 | Monday, May 13 |
Also on May 13
Categories: Animal daysFun days