Nature Playgroup @ CERES!

Join our experienced Early Years Outdoor Educator at CERES Environment Park (Brunswick East) and explore our rich local ecology through nature play.

Designed for children aged 2–5 (with a parent or guardian), this program responds to the seasons and the living environment of CERES and the Merri Creek. Children will plant seeds, meet and feed the chickens, create art from natural materials, investigate insects and waterways, climb trees, and explore freely.

Each week builds confidence, resilience, creativity, and a deeper connection to the land and community around us.

“Being outdoors in nature offers unplanned, unknown, unpredictable encounters; these are significant provocations for learning.” (Adapted from Waters, 2012)

Dates

Mondays, 10:00am – 12:00pm
12 October – 30 November

Cost

$290 (8-week program)

Concession: $280

Additional sibling (aged 2+): $75

Children under 2 may attend free with a guardian but are not part of the structured group.

What to Expect

Nature play and curiosity are at the heart of this program. Children will be supported to explore independently while engaging in hands-on, seasonal activities that foster connection to nature, community, and care for the environment.

Activities may include:

Building bush cubbies
Nature-based art
Exploring insects, worms, and water bugs
Planting and harvesting
Walking along Merri Creek

What to Bring

Hat
Water bottle
Snack
Spare clothes (things may get messy)

What to Wear

Clothes suitable for outdoor play in all weather, including closed-toe shoes and a hat.

Testimonials

“Really fantastic — the kids are still raving about it! They learned so much in a happy, relaxed atmosphere.”

“We adore our Nature Playgroup mornings at CERES! We are so fortunate to have this beautiful space for city kids to safely explore, learn to consider and care for their environment."

“A wonderful term — a great mix of unstructured and guided play.”

Location

Please meet at the Meditation Garden for your first session. See map here.

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 enquiries:
(03) 9389 0144
studentprograms@ceres.org.au

Contact the host of Nature Playgroup @ CERES Brunswick East - Mondays Term 4 2026