do a tapping demo. ask the kids questions to see if they know the answer... like who discovered maple syrup, etc this keeps them interested. save the sample to the end.... sugars them up before they go back to school. if you have a cupola you can close the doors for a second and completely fill the sugarhouse with steam they like that one if you have a hood it won't work. I can't do that one anymore. sap tasting. I always give the kids coloring books and crayons to do on the bus on the way back to school. I have also done girl scout troops too some pay in girlscout cookies which is a fine trade off. I always have hot chocolate availiable too.