Join us for Kids in Nature @ CERES this Spring!

This school holidays, we're inviting families to discover what happens when the bush comes alive in spring!

At CERES Environment Park in Brunswick East, children will explore bushland and wetlands, discover hidden wildlife, build shelters, investigate waterways, create nature-inspired artworks and connect with the season through hands-on outdoor adventures. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to get curious, try new things, build confidence and deepen their connection with the natural world through creativity, play and discovery.

To support different age groups, we're offering morning sessions for ages 2–5 and afternoon sessions for ages 6–12. A parent or caregiver must attend with their child.

Morning Sessions | 10:00am–12:00pm: Ages 2–5

Afternoon Sessions | 1:00pm–3:00pm: Ages 6–12

Monday 28th Sep | Wildlife Wakes Up: Habitats & Hideaways

2–5 years
A playful introduction to the wildlife waking up around us. Search for tiny creatures, listen for birds, explore animal homes and build cosy hideaways using sticks, leaves and other natural materials.

6–12 years
Become spring wildlife detectives as we investigate who is living, nesting, buzzing and hiding around CERES. Search for signs of wildlife, explore habitat needs and create shelters or mini habitat spaces to support local creatures.

Tuesday 29th Sep | Nature Journalling: Patterns, Colour & Creation

2–5 years
Spring is bursting with colour, texture and patterns! Explore the shapes and patterns found in nature — from spirals and stripes to petals, leaves and curious creatures. Create a simple nature journal and use drawing, mark-making and natural materials to capture the things we notice.

6–12 years
Slow down and look closely at the incredible patterns found all around us — spirals, branching patterns, symmetry, repetition and the explosive shapes of flowers and seed heads. Use nature journalling to observe, draw and record your discoveries, then turn inspiration from the natural world into creative artworks using natural and reclaimed materials.

Wednesday 30th Sep | Bush Skills: Springtime Forest Adventures

2–5 years
Climb, balance, build and explore! Enjoy springtime adventures in the forest through cubby building, rope play, natural obstacle courses and imaginative games. Build confidence, coordination and teamwork while having plenty of opportunities for child-led outdoor play.

6–12 years
Put your bush skills to the test! Work together to build shelters, tackle rope activities, explore practical bush skills and try your hand at whittling. Along the way, develop confidence, resilience and teamwork while learning to navigate challenges, use tools safely and connect with the natural world.

Thursday 1st Oct | Wetland Discoveries: Spring Waterways & Netting

2–5 years
What lives beneath the water? Head to the wetlands for a hands-on exploration of spring creek life. Use nets and observation tools to discover tiny water creatures, investigate plants and enjoy plenty of sensory splashing, scooping and searching.

6–12 years
Explore the wetlands as they burst into life in spring. Use nets, trays and observation tools to investigate aquatic creatures and plants, compare different water habitats and look for signs of seasonal change. A hands-on adventure in wetland ecology, curiosity and discovery.

Please note: We have a Friday the 2nd Spring on the Farm program at Joe's Market Garden Coburg. Please buy tickets here.

Location

Please meet at the Visitor Centre.

Cost:
$30 per child, per session

Dog Policy

To ensure our group remains a safe space for all our little ones, we have a no dogs policy at our sessions. This ensures that everyone, including those with allergies or nerves around animals, feels safe in Nature Play. Thank you for your understanding.

For further questions please call (03) 9389 0144 or email studentprograms@ceres.org.au.

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