Join us for a junk PLAY adventure at the Wollongong Botanic Gardens

PLAY SESSION

Our loose parts "junkyard" is an ever-changing and unique collection of repurposed 2nd hand items and natural materials, topped off with a set of the "big blue blocks". Our giant pile of "junk" is carefully curated to create as many opportunities for play as possible! Maximum junk. Maximum fun.

Plus we love to incorporate the environment in which we PLAY. Swing in the tree, collect seeds for the mud kitchen, roll down the hill or harness the wind. This is a place for kids to just be kids and to PLAY. outside the box, get creative, follow their curiosity, experiment, explore, make a mess, laugh, and have so much fun! At Junkyard Rascals we say, it's play the old skool way.

THE GOAL

We support PLAY in our sessions using a Playwork approach, with minimal intervention. Child-directed PLAY is our goal.
There is no set activities at the junk playground, just PLAY glorious PLAY. How it unfolds is up to the kids. The only limit is their imagination.
We encourage adults to step-back and let the PLAY unfold as naturally as possible.

FAQs

- Our giant loose parts "junkyard" pop-up PLAY sessions suit all ages and abilities, but is probably best suited to 0-12 years.

- Children under 12 months are free (with a ticket holding sibling), but if you wish to bring a baby without a sibling you will need a ticket.

- This program will run in the Sustainable Garden adjacent to the Education Centre of the Wollongong Botanic Gardens. This space has shaded trees, open grass, gardens and plenty of room for all. Drinking Water & Toilets are available nearby. The closest entrance is via Madoline St and free parking is available onsite (subject to availability).

- Our program runs in 'ALL WEATHER', so please plan accordingly. There is no refunds for rain. That's just extra mud and water to PLAY with! Things tend to get messy, even in dry weather, so please wear PLAY clothes you don't really care about.

- If you're running late or need to leave early that's totally ok. There is no set activities, make it work for you.

- There are no onsite cafes at Wollongong Botanic Gardens. BYO snacks/coffee etc. Or perhaps support other local small businesses and swing by a local coffee shop on your way.

Loose parts mud kitchen

Playing with loose parts, mud, water and light in the dappled shadows of the trees.