Nature Play at the Arboretum
Description
🌿 A stick is never just a stick. A leaf can be treasure, currency or nature's confetti. A tree can be a meeting place, a pirate ship, a castle or a gateway to a new adventure. Join our educators for child-led exploration of the forests in Nature Play. These sessions have been designed to engage children and their carers in the magic of every season. Younger siblings are most welcome to join in.
🍂 Nature play offers a unique and immersive approach to childhood development, fostering a deep connection between children and the natural world. Our aim is to nurture a sense of wonder, guide without imposing, create space for possibilities, and facilitate safe exploration and learning in the natural world.
🌱 At the National Arboretum’s nature play, we believe in sowing the seeds of a deep and lasting connection with the natural environment. Nature play is designed to be an explorative journey, providing a foundation for children to become confident, caring, and environmentally conscious individuals. Join us in this delightful adventure, and let your child discover the magic of the outdoors through play.
🌲Studies show that when children interact with natural materials and outdoor environments, they become calmer, more focused, and develop a keen sensory awareness. Nature play is a highly regarded way of learning through hands-on experiences, nurturing physical activity, enhancing motor skills, and fostering social and emotional development. Children can develop skills at their own pace, build physical and emotional confidence, and unleash their creativity through imaginative play. Whether it's experimenting with earth and water, creating with sticks and stones, or engaging in role-play, children gain valuable life skills that go beyond four walls.
HOW TO BOOK
Purchase a ticket for Child 1: 18 months – 5 years $15
Then add secondary child/ren tickets (up to two additional children) $5 each
Under 18 months: Free with a main ticket - no need to book.
Carers: Free and required to stay for this facilitated program
Carers with children under 18 months can still book and attend but must have at least one main ticket.
Please note: The equipment and activities are specifically designed for children aged 5 and under.
🌳We look forward to seeing you in the Forest!
🌳Facilitated by the National Arboretum's outdoor educators and proudly supported by the Friends of the Arboretum.
FAQs
- Where do we meet?
Park at the Cork Oak carpark and follow the signs to the Cork Oak forest - we will meet you there!
Access to the forest requires a 500m walk along a dirt track from the Cork Oak carpark - suitable for most outdoor prams.
- What to bring?
A change of clothes for messy play.
Weather-appropriate clothing e.g. jumpers, raincoats, hats.
Water for yourself and all accompanying children.
Light refreshments/snacks.
A picnic blanket (optional – we will also provide some).
- Important to note
Ensure you have a ticket before arriving.
This is an outdoor event. In the event of dangerous conditions (heavy rain, electrical storms or extremely windy weather) the event will be cancelled. All ticket holders will receive an email with the option to either transfer their ticket(s) to the next event or request a refund.
There are no public toilets in the Cork Oak forest. The closest public toilets are at the Himalayan Cedar Forest or the National Arboretum Village Centre – please come prepared.
- How do I book?
Purchase a ticket for Child 1: 18 months – 5 years $15
Then add secondary child/ren tickets (up to two additional children) $5
Under 18 months: Free with a main ticket - no need to book.
Carers: Free and required to stay for this facilitated program
Carers with children under 18 months can still book and attend but must have at least one main ticket.
- Are there public toilets?
No. There are no public toilets in the Cork Oak forest. The closest public toilets are in the Village Centre or the Himalayan cedar forest.
- Is this event accessible?
The Cork Oak forest is accessed via uneven, gravel, forest paths. To discuss how this program can be adapted to suit your needs, please get in touch at arboretum@act.gov.au
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