Join us for a weekly beach kids program (9 sessions) at Mushroom Reef Sanctuary a beautiful rockpool oasis located in Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula famous for its diversity of marine life, including sheltered rock pools, coves and a shallow reef on the ocean side as well as sandstone rock platforms extending from the shore. Children will get to explore and learn about our marine life and how to care for it.

Our Beach Kindy program for children aged 3 1/2 to 6 years is specifically aimed at developing and learning new skills through nature-based activities, Indigenous/Australian stories, learning about ecosystems, habitats, fossils, and beach walks exploring and learning about the local rockpools, it’s habitats and history. The children will also be introduced to the use of tools in an age-appropriate and safe environment.

Our Mornington beach/bush kids program is led by Alison, a qualified Primary Teacher, Anthropologist and bush playgroup facilitator. Although the focus for term 1 is at the beach, the group will also have an opportunity to meet at other locations such as Arthurs Seat, Balcombe Estuary and The Briars in Mount Martha.

Our program has been developed to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through climbing, balancing, walking and fine motor skills during our craft activities. Research clearly shows that the more time your child spends in nature, the better they are prepared for school, both physically and emotionally.

It’s also a time for parents to disconnect from their busy lives (and technology) and re-connect with their child in nature. This time is as much for you as it is for your child. Our bush kid’s program brings together a community of like-minded parents who are supportive and welcoming.

Our Beach/Bush Kids program is an all weather outdoor program so you need to make sure you bring appropriate weather protection and clothing. Children must have closed footwear when walking in the bush, sun hats, sunscreen, wet weather gear, plenty of snacks and water and a change of clothes. Our sessions will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

**PLEASE NOTE: there is a well-shaded cave that we are near to avoid being out in the direct sun all morning. 

Ages: 3 1/2 – 6 years (kinder & homeschool welcome)

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.