Yarra Bend Park is the largest area of natural bushland near the heart of Melbourne and is the home of the city’s famous bat colony which you can see from our bush playgroup spot! This is a great opportunity to come along and see what our Eco Explorers bush program is all about.

Our Yarra Bend playgroup is facilitated by Sofia, an artist and workshop facilitator, and the children will enjoy a range of sensory nature play activities including mud kitchen play, story time on the mat, song and craft sessions, climbing, balancing, building and learning about our natural environment.

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. Our playgroups are 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.

Bush 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.

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

*Parents are responsible for their children at all times.