What better way to spend your summer, than by a refreshing creek, dipping your feet into the cool and pure pristine spring water that flows in its natural state through Kallista. This spectacular forest holds many treasures for our families to discover . . . lush fern gullies, mosses, lichen, fungi, aromatic Sassafras trees, towering Mountain Ash and delicate ground covers.

We’ll have a range of sensory nature art activities on offer such as our paint lab (mixing and crushing to make paint!), charcoal drawing, herbs and items from our loose parts baskets, perhaps even some mandala inspiration. Of course, our mud kitchen play is always popular with the little ones who enjoy cooking up a storm of mud pies, mud cakes and perhaps even some delicious mud ice-cream. Yum!

Eco Explorers bush playgroups are facilitated by qualified and experienced nature play educators (read more about our team here) that are highly skilled and knowledgeable in the area that they work in. Our facilitator, Kate, is a qualified and experienced Primary School Teacher, professional artist and Outdoor Education Teacher. She has lead outdoor experiences such as hikes and is passionate about creativity and connecting families to nature.

Our program has been developed to give your child optimum opportunity to build their gross motor and physical skills through movement 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 understand the benefits of . The sessions are relaxed and completely child led and parents are encouraged to follow their child’s lead.

Bush playgroup is an all weather outdoor playgroup so you need to make sure you bring appropriate weather protection and clothing. Children and adults must wear closed footwear when walking in the bush, sun hats, sunscreen, wet weather gear, plenty of snacks and water and even a change of clothes for those muddy play days! Our playgroup will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Ages: 1 – 6  years (siblings under 12 months are welcome to attend for free).

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.