Nature Playgroup @ CERES Joe's Market Garden - Fridays Term 4 2026

Nature Playgroup @ Joe's Market Garden!

Designed for children 2-5 years old accompanied by a guardian. 

Step into the magic of Nature Play at Joe’s Market Garden in Coburg, where seeds sprout, veggies grow and tiny hands get messy in the soil. Children will become little farmers as they wander the garden beds, plant seeds, and watch food grow.

Each week they’ll meet the “Veggie of the Week,” learn about what’s in season and discover the world of compost. Along the way, they’ll create art from nature objects, investigate insects that help the farm thrive, climb trees, and build a hands-on connection to food, farming, and the natural world around them.

No two weeks are the same — the farm changes with the seasons, and so do the adventures. Each visit brings more confidence, creativity, resilience, and wonder for the land we share.

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

Dates

Fridays, 10:00am - 12:00pm

16 October - 4 December

Cost

$290 (8-week program)

Concession: $280

Additional sibling (aged 2+): $75

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

What you'll learn

Nature-play and curiosity are at the heart of this program. Our thoughtfully designed learning experience will connect your children with nature, allow them to explore independently, discover the wonders of our natural world and participate in caring for our environment and people.

What to bring

Children should bring a hat, water bottle, and a snack. Consider bringing along a change of clothes as things may get messy!

What to wear

Outdoor clothing that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes and a hat; dress for all weather conditions.

Location

Please meet Madison at the Joe's Market Garden entrance.

Testimonials

"Really fantastic - the kids are still raving about it! They learned so much in the happy, relaxed and fun atmosphere - created by their amazing teacher."

"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."

"We had a wonderful term, a great mix of unstructured and structured play!" 

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