NATURE PLAY GROUPS

Why is nature play important?

In a technology-rich world, nature play for children has become more important than ever. Nature play gets children outside, active and thinking about the real world, while simultaneously building a meaningful connection and appreciation of natural environments. This can in turn inspire a love of nature for life!

Being outside and exploring nature has shown to significantly benefit a child’s development, including their physical, social, cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Open-ended play encourages children to use their imagination and creativity. Outdoor play stimulates questions and enquiries leading to wonderful learning opportunities about science, nature and conservation. Research shows that being in natural environments can help significantly improve a child’s ability in relation to problem solving, concentration, resilience, communication, independence and self-confidence. Lastly, there are obvious health benefits to playing outdoors, including increased physical activity, improved respiratory health, maintaining good vision, and advanced gross and fine motor skills.

In summary, nature play provides immeasurable positive outcomes for happier, healthier and brighter kids!

What does our nature playgroup entail?

Our playgroup program is tailored for children aged between 2 and 5 years old. Each playgroup lesson will be created around a unifying theme using nature as our basis, such as frogs, sustainability, or baby birds, for example.

A typical playgroup session might include:

Storytelling time in the form of a song, book, puppets or felt board,
A supervised nature walk during which they can collect nature treasures, spot wildlife and observe changes in the environment,
A series of age-appropriate art, craft and sensory activities, and
Self-guided, unstructured play in the discovery zone and specially-designed early learning room, boasting books, puzzles, soft toys, costumes and games.

Sessions will run for approximately 90 minutes to optimise your little one’s energy levels.

What does my child need to bring or wear?

Please dress for mess! Because we will be exploring the wetlands and potentially using paints and other such art materials, we encourage children to wear clothes that can afford to get dirty, however we can also provide aprons to help manage spills and stains. Please also bring your child’s water bottle, a hat and some covered shoes or gumboots.

Prices and other need-to-know information

FEES

Casual rates: $20 per session. Please see Events page for tickets.

$150 Term pass available for an overall 15% discount (to attend one session per week), adjusted down over time, and subject to availability.

SUPERVISION

As the centre is in a natural environment and presents water safety hazards, please note that a parent or carer MUST be present at all times during the session. Supervision is key to providing your child with a safe and fun learning environment, and is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time!

FOOD & DRINK

You are very welcome to pack a morning tea and enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawns before, during or after playgroup. Our on-site coffee window, Twitchers, is open from 9.00am to 12.00pm for coffee, babyccinos and light snacks.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Please stay home if you or your child are feeling unwell.

Be mindful of allergies when packing your child's lunchbox.

If you have any additional questions about playgroup, please contact Leigh at leigh@wagouldleague.com.au.

Nature Play Groups: Events List