Welcome to Wildflower Kids Nature Immersion Playgroups, encouraging child-led play and the promotion of our wellbeing through nature connection.

We are registered with Playgroups Victoria with $20 million Public Liability Insurance and are coordinated by Born Wild Community Inc.

Our playgroups are facilitated by volunteers, while children are supervised by their families. We have some basic first aid supplies, mozzie repellent and sunscreen, however we rely on parents to provide first aid and protection for their children.

We always begin with a Welcome Circle and Acknowledgement of Country. There is a theme and activity each week and children are encouraged to engage with this or choose their own free play. This self-directed play is actively encouraged! We finish every session with a story and sometimes a snack.

Our activities make use of natural materials to encourage exploration and to minimise waste. We try to use real tools and as few manufactured toys as possible. We endeavour to incorporate life skills, bush craft, fine and gross motor experiences, stories, imaginative play, and observations of the world around us.

Some areas have restrictions on what we can take from the space, what we can bring in, and what areas we can access. Please be respectful of this so that our playgroups can continue.

We are inclusive playgroups, and all families are welcome. Being outdoors in nature, let’s accept all children’s needs and behaviours. Nature is an amazing self-regulation resource for us all.

There is an increasing body of evidence highlighting the value of child-led play, particularly in the outdoors. Benefits include:
 Improved immune systems
 Physical activity
 Resistance to stress
 Improved sense of wellbeing
 Greater emotional intelligence
 An understanding of risk
 Growth in imagination and creativity

Research also supports the benefit of nature-based playgroups for new parents, specifically their sense of wellbeing.

Our playgroup sessions are generally targeted at children aged 0-5 years with a focus on child-led play and families interacting with each other outdoors. Children over 5 are most welcome to attend as well.

When purchasing your ticket - select the family term or casual ticket and the main playgroup location you plan on attending (you are most welcome at additional sessions as well). If you select casual, please purchase a ticket through Humanitix each week you plan to attend so we can manage our resources appropriately.

Look out for an email with our Wildflower Kids Bank Details / Pay ID to make your financial contribution. If cost is a barrier to you for our Playgroups, please get in touch.

TIME:

Ocean Grove: every Monday 9:30-11:00am (including Labour Day)

Drysdale: every Wednesday 9:30-11:00am

Portarlington: every Friday 9:30-11:00am

TERM DATES:

3/02/2025 - 04/04/2025 (9 week term)

CONTRIBUTION (supports resources, supplies, and guest experts):

Family: $40 per term, $25 per half term/fortnight, $7 per casual session