2026 Nature Play

We know that some families like to plan ahead and organise work schedules around Nature Play dates.

Tuesdays - northern group (within 20min drive from Berry)

Wednesdays - southern group (within 20min drive from South Nowra)

Bush Play - 9.30-11.30am: a stay and play group for young ones (0-6yrs) and their adult

Bush Tribe - 9.30am - 2.00pm: a drop-off nature play and environmental education program for wild ones (4-14yrs)

Save a place for your child in our 2026 programs.

• Today: join the waiting list today

• Mid-December: we'll email you in mid-December to let you know bookings are open

• until 11 January: we'll hold a space for your child to give you time to register

• 12 January: the waiting list will finish and bookings opened to the general public

Our group sizes are intentionally small to facilitate high quality social interactions and to enable risky, adventurous play.

What happens at Bush Play?

Bush Play is an immersive outdoor experience tailored for young children (0-6yrs) and their adult where the wonders of nature come alive through play, exploration, and imagination. Led by qualified and experienced educators, our program is designed to foster a deep connection with the natural world while providing ample opportunities for growth, creativity, and social interaction.

Child-led play is at the heart of our philosophy. Children are encouraged to follow their interests, explore their surroundings, and engage in self-directed activities that spark creativity and problem-solving skills. Our morning program follows a gentle rhythm, allowing children to balance active play with moments of rest and reflection. With small group sizes, children have the opportunity to form meaningful connections with their peers and mentors, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Nestled within the beauty of bushland, Bush Play offers a rich tapestry of activities that engage children's senses and ignite their curiosity. Guided nature walks lead our young adventurers underneath the gumtrees, where they uncover the secrets of native flora and fauna, observe insects, and delight in the magic of the outdoors.

Music and movement are integral to the Bush Play experience, as children sing songs and dance throughout the rhythm of the day. These activities not only encourage physical activity but also promote a sense of connection and belonging within the group. In the spirit of bushcraft, children learn valuable skills such as building shelters and crafting using natural materials. These hands-on activities not only teach practical skills but also instil a sense of resourcefulness and respect for the environment.

At our bushcamp, children find a sanctuary where they can unwind, engage in quiet activities, or unleash their creativity in our craft space filled with wooden toys and natural materials. With plenty of open play areas, children have the freedom to run, jump, and explore to their heart's content.

At Bush Play, we believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the magic of nature, and we invite you to join us on a journey of exploration, discovery, and adventure in the great outdoors. Our morning session is perfect for families with young children or older kids who enjoy having a familiar adult nearby. There is a range of developmentally appropriate activities on offer.

What happens at Bush Tribe?

Our drop off program is for kids who are eager to explore and push their limits (within reason). There are no walls here for these kids to bounce off.

While we arrive each day with a flexible plan, we will be learning on the hop and flowing with the interest and energy of the children on the day. There’s acres of wilderness to explore, rocks to scramble, bushcraft skills to learn and practice, and animals to track.

Outdoor recreational activities might include:

• nature-inspired art and craft 

• sculpture with clay and salt dough

• camp cooking (on gas or campfire as site and weather appropriate)

• weaving

• learning knots 

• stories or songs

• building shelters or rope swings

• whittling wood

• playing trail games

• archery

• slackline balancing

• identifying birds, plants and animals.

Bush Tribe will feel like a big fun family for your child. We lay the foundation of respect and kindness for self, each other and a reverence for Mother Nature from the very beginning of our day. Our soft skills practices will include deep listening to ourselves and to each other. We learn to be brave to speak our truth, offer knowledge when we feel called, and ask for help when we need it.

Our mentors are experienced outdoor educators who supports bushcraft skills, collaborative play and inquiry into the natural world through an emergent experience following our group's interests.

SEASONAL CYCLES

We engage with Traditional D'harawal knowledge of this landscape's seasons and operate in seasonal rhythms. By exploring wild spaces together over 5wk cycles, we form a community that supports and nurtures each other. By committing to this time, you are offering your child the chance to develop deep relationship with children, adults and Country. Our 5wk cycle enables us to build on inquiry, lean into collaboration and notice changes over time. 

If you like, book a 'come + see' session before joining the learning community!

BUNDLING DISCOUNT

We offer significant discounts when you book for a whole 5wk season.

We offer a discount for siblings attending the same program on the same day. A BUNDLE discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

CO-FUNDED SPACES DISCOUNT

We offer co-funded spaces (50% reduction in fees) as an expression of our commitment to equity, belonging and social justice.

Families who are eligible for co-funded spaces include those identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, holding low-income health care or disability pension cards, have refugee status, or are offering statutory out-of-home care to participating children. Evidence of eligibility may be requested to confirm the co-funded position after registration. Spaces are claimed quickly... see if one is still available when registering.