Come and join us in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges for a morning playing, creating and exploring the stunning Alfred Nicholas Gardens in spring!  Located in Sherbrooke, these gardens are home to magnificent shrubs, flowering plants, and majestic Mountain Ash trees.

This workshop incorporates a a range of nature play activities such as a mindfulness activity, nature play and craft activities and a bush walk.  There is a steep hill at the entrance so may not be suitable for everyone.

The bush play workshop is run by Anne, a bush playgroup facilitator and early childhood educator who has been running programs in the Dandenong Ranges for over 3 years and has extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna.

Our program is based on the leading research from world-renowned and leading Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Angela Hanscom, author of Balanced and Barefoot 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 learning and life skills, both physically and emotionally. As Angela illustrates, “too many of today’s children miss out on the full sensory richness offered beyond the walls of the classroom or home.”

Eco Explorers Melbourne 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 program will only be cancelled in the event of an extreme weather warning; fire, storm, high temperatures and strong wind.

Ages: 4 – 10 years

*Parents must stay and supervise their children at all times.

Image via Explore the Dandenongs website.