Join us for a weekly playgroup (10 sessions) of nature connection, rock pool exploration, nature art & craft, stories, song and discovery at Mushroom Reef Sanctuary.

Mushroom Reef Sanctuary is 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.

Eco Explorers Mushroom Reef Sanctuary beach playgroup is run by Alison, a qualified Primary and Secondary School Teacher. Some of the activities the children may do includes mud kitchen play, nature art and crafts (incorporating marine and sea animal inspiration), earth painting, nature stamping, creating with clay, using tools, sensory exploration and learning about shapes and textures found washed up in the rockpools.

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.

Playgroup allows 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 playgroups bring together a community of like-minded parents who are supportive and welcoming.

Beach playgroup is an all weather outdoor playgroup 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 playgroup will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Ages: 1 – 5 years (siblings under 14 months are welcome to attend for free).

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.

There will be no playgroup on Mon 11 June 2018 as it is a public holiday