Nature Play SA

It's SALE TIME! ✨INCLUDING WATERPROOF ONESIES✨

In celebration of International Mud Day this month, we're offering 10% off in our online shop!

International Mud Day encourages people to build a connection to nature through messy, sensory, muddy, outdoor play.

We want to see adults and kids getting grubby, exploring nature, and experiencing the joy of mud. All without the stress of mess!

So ahead of International Mud Day on Saturday, June 29th, you can grab waterproof onesies at a reduced price. And while you're shopping, enjoy a discount on all other products.

Take a look here: https://bit.ly/3RuSeP7

And enter the code WELOVEMUD at checkout.

As a not-for-profit, all proceeds go toward the work we do to support nature connection, outdoor learning, play and wellbeing!

__
Terms and conditions: discount applies storewide. No further discount applies to bulk waterproof onesie orders (10+). Discount cannot be applied retrospectively to orders placed before the sale start date/time or to orders placed without using the sale code. Sale starts Monday 17 June, 2024. Sale ends Sunday 23 June, 2024.

Are you interested in the role of play in mental health and education? Now's the time to secure your seat for our upcoming, full-day professional development event—PLAY TO THRIVE.

Monday, 24 June, at the National Wine Centre of Australia.

Designed for teachers, educators and paediatric health professionals, you'll hear from keynote Matthew McCurry, Principal of Hospital School SA, and a diversity of other speakers.

We'll explore topics like:

🌱 mental health literacy
🌱 neurodivergence and play
🌱 play and its effects on mental health and wellbeing
🌱 community wellbeing in education settings
🌱 challenges of outdoor play from early to primary years
🌱 nature spaces as the third teacher

And our signature hands-on workshops will round out the day.

Tickets are strictly limited. Reserve your place now: https://bit.ly/4bCU5t5

Happy first ever International Day of Play 🫶

We are ✨very✨ here for this day. Why? Play is the language of children. It's how they learn and make sense of their world.

But we know unstructured outdoor play has been declining for decades. And research tells us that children need more opportunities for free play outside in nature. (It's why we do what we do!)

Outdoor play supports:

☀️ creativity and imagination
☀️ teamwork and leadership
☀️ resilience and problem solving
☀️ academic, social and emotional development
☀️ physical and mental health and wellbeing

We hope that this United Nations shines a light on the advocacy, education, research and community engagement we, and so many others, are working to support and deliver.

For our kids. And their kids. And the generations to come 💛



📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

It was a PINCH ME moment for Jason, our CEO, on Saturday. A day spent with Dr Jane Goodall. One of the world's foremost environmentalists. A trailblazer. A leader. An icon.

As part of her 'Reasons for Hope' speaking tour, Dr Goodall visited Cleland Wildlife Park to inspire young people to care for and connect with nature.

'Young people are our reason for hope', she said.

And we agree.

It was an emotionally moving event. Especially in the lead-up to World Environment Day, with this year's theme being .

Our team and organisation are dedicated to helping children connect with nature through outdoor play and learning. And supporting them on their path to action and advocacy for our environment.

In Jason's words, 'We cannot ask our children to heal nature's wounds if we don't give them the time and space to build a connection to it.'

So, what actions will you commit to this World Environment Day to give nature a helping hand? You could:

🌱 start a worm farm to compost kitchen waste at home
🌱 plant local species to support pollinators in your garden
🌱 volunteer with your local Friends group to learn about restoring and conserving the land

And, as always, we suggest spending quality time in nature 💚🌏

Jane Goodall Institute Australia, Koala Life, Environment SA News, Green Adelaide

Image description: Dr Jane Goodall and Jason Tyndall are smiling to camera. Dr Goodall is holding a copy of our book, Where Birds Sing and Wildflowers Dance.

We were thrilled to work with Greenwith Kindergarten last week, supporting them in outdoor learning beyond their gate.

Amy, our Wellbeing Impact Lead, and Jade, our Outdoor Learning Coordinator, joined their lovely educators and young learners in beautiful Antsey Hill Recreation Park 🌳🌾

Their team are currently exploring bush kindy options, and we're excited to see how their program evolves (and how we can continue to support them on their journey). Wonderful to hear our professional development program helped them on their way!

The intention for Christie Downs Primary School’s
Outdoor Classroom Day was to 'just be'. And what did they observe?

"I observed pure curiosity from our students and an eagerness to question and find out at every turn.

"Students were thoughtful and generous with each other. Even those who had previously had difficulty interacting together in other settings. All staff noticed the effortless enthusiasm students had being in that outdoor space together.

"Jade and Mike from Nature Play SA brought so much value to our day. They kicked us off through instilling calm, offered thought provoking wonderings and information and had great skill in working with our young people.

"What an amazing classroom we had today."

Enormous thank you to Patrick from Christie Downs PS for having us along to support their Outdoor Classroom Day today. It was a joy to work with your learners.

Outdoor Classroom Day Australia

📷 Mike Hemus, Nature Play SA

Teachers, educators, paediatric health professionals, this is for you—a professional development day you won't want to miss.

PLAY TO THRIVE is a full-day session exploring the intersection between mental health, education and play.

One incredible keynote. Six incredible breakout sessions. Three incredible practical workshops. Covering topics like:

🌱 mental health literacy
🌱 neurodivergence and play
🌱 play and its effects on mental health and wellbeing
🌱 community wellbeing in education settings
🌱 challenges of outdoor play from early to primary years

Monday, 24 June, at the National Wine Centre of Australia.

Tickets available now: https://bit.ly/4bCU5t5

Play to Thrive: Exploring the intersection between mental health, education and play Play to Thrive: Exploring the intersection between mental health, education and play This full-day professional development opportunity explores the intersection between mental health, education, and play. It is designed for those working with children and young people across early years, education....

We were thrilled to collaborate with Beyond Blindness to deliver an accessible, safe and inclusive nature experience in Happy Valley Reservoir.

Weaving stories of Country and connection with Isaac Hannam, proud Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri man, we all got to experience the abundant natural environment in different ways.

Thank you to SA Water for supporting this initiative under the 2023-2024 Reservoirs Partnership Program.

Looking for SA's BEST family-friendly forests for weekend nature play adventures? We've got tips for you!

North and South of Adelaide, Forestry SA has so many unique campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails to explore.

[Forest Festival's Rocky Creek Hut is only one of MANY!]

South of Adelaide, our TOP PICK has to be Kuitpo Forest. Chookarloo Campground and Picnic Area, Rocky Creek Hut, Tinjella Trail and Onkeeka Trail are standout locations.

North of Adelaide, you'll want to VISIT Mount Crawford Forest. It offers everything from peaceful walks to challenging hikes and bush camping. Take a look at Chalks Campground and Picnic Area, Rocky Paddock Campground, Jenkins Nature Trail, and Warren Trail Hike.

Autumn and winter are great times to visit, with flowing creeks, seasonal fungi, lichen, and moss, as well as plenty of places to spot wildlife, walk, ride or picnic. Better yet, camp! [If that's your thing.]

So pack a picnic, walking shoes and binoculars if you have them. Maybe spare clothes, too! [Remember, we mentioned creeks 💦] It's a great time to find yourself in a forest 🌲🍄

More info on our TOP LOCATIONS here: https://bit.ly/4dmyAhU

WOW. We are so incredibly GRATEFUL. We felt the love at Forest Festival and are still feeling it now!

Over 3,000 people joined us at Kuitpo Wirra inparri.

They travelled from as far as Kangaroo Island, the Yorke Peninsula, and the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands to join us.

For some, it was their fifth, six, SEVENTH Forest Festival!

We've learned that our Festival has nicknames, like 'Baby WOMAD'. That it has become an annual tradition.

As a small not-for-profit it fills our cup to have such a positive impact on the South Australian community. To see people slow down, connect, engage with Aboriginal culture and immerse themselves in nature. And kids run freely outdoors, follow their curiosity, take risks, try new things, and play!

This year's Forest Festival wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of Forestry SA and ElectraNet. We can't thank them enough for their contribution.

We'd also like to thank:

🍁 Kauwana Tamaru (Deadly Mob) for his Welcome to Country and cultural knowledge sharing.
🍁 Mount Barker District Council and Green Adelaide for their ongoing support.
🍁 Our friends at Raising Literacy Australia, Nippy's and TreeClimb for donating to our giveaways.
🍁 David Booth, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, Joy - Musician and Goin' Back for their performances.
🍁 Our contractors, equipment suppliers and food vendors.
🍁 And YOU! Our supporters! Those who attend our events, subscribe to our newsletters, connect on social media, shop with us and share your experience with others.

From all of us at Nature Play SA, THANK YOU! 🎉



--
TaCHs Stroopwafels Taste of Paradise SA Kombi Crew Atomic Food Deja Brew Specialty Coffee Tent Events Generation Yogi Evelyn Roth's Nylon Zoo Phantasmagoria Total Healthcare Solutions Alexandrina Council Words Grow Minds Climbing Tree Australian Green Clean Bianca Joanna Photography Sookii La La Street Food

PUPPET MAKING AT FOREST FESTIVAL // We had so much FUN making threatened species puppets at WOMADelaide that we've decided to do it all again at Forest Fest!

It'll be just one of many (MANY!) nature-based activities included in your ticket price on the day.

This activity is suitable for kids of all ages. It's mindful and creative, and supports open-ended play.

We can't wait to see your creations hop, fly and scurry through the forest!

Have you got your tickets yet? Hop to it: https://bit.ly/4ajdPla

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

--
This year's Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of Forestry SA, ElectraNet, Green Adelaide, Adelaide National Park City and the Mount Barker District Council.

What a weekend we had at WOMADelaide 🎉

Our brief for the KidZone? Make puppets using low-waste and upcycled materials that showcase the three endangered species featured in the daily parade.

Phew. Yep. Can do!

Our incredible team came together, bringing their expertise in play therapy, ecology, visual art and education. And the outcome?

A puppet-making activity designed to support open-ended play, fine motor development, creativity and nature connection that saw every child leave our tent with a wildlife friend tapped from their imagination.

Thank you to everyone who dropped in to see us, learn about endangered species, or make a puppet. And to Green Adelaide who provided resources to help people take action at home to support local wildlife.

We'd also like to acknowledge the collaboration between Slingsby, Ukanda, Handspring Puppet Company, Burka, Senior Man, Karl Winda Telfer, and the students from Adelaide Botanic High School that made the evening celebration parade the success that it was!

Seeing children participate in the parade with the puppets they created with us in hand was truly magic!

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

SALE TIME 🐰🧺🌿

Looking for some nature play goodies? Now's the time with 15% OFF our online shop!

We're stocked with back-to-basics products, like books, tools and games to help you and your family connect to nature.

And from now until Sunday, 24 March you can save 15% with the code:

EASTER15

Browse here: https://bit.ly/43rviFw

Shipping or pick-up available from Nature Play SA headquarters. Exclusions and Ts&Cs apply.

And remember, as a not-for-profit, every dollar spent with us goes back into our organisation to support our work with the community 💚

📷 Nature Play SA

Glenthorne National Park - Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is an ideal outdoor classroom ☀️🌳

Threaded with Kaurna carvings, language, and storytelling and home to unique flora and fauna, the park offers incredible outdoor play, learning and education opportunities.

Since the park's proclamation, we've been quietly working behind the scenes to support its restoration, learning about its cultural, historical, and environmental landscape.

And recently had the privilege of sharing our knowledge.

We delivered our second professional development workshop for teachers and educators. Hands-on. In the park.

Thank you to our co-presenters, Green Adelaide and Friends of Glenthorne. And, of course, everyone who attended.

We're thrilled by the feedback:

"By having Nature Play SA guide me through the Glenthorne National Park learning space I feel more confident and empowered as a teacher to tell my students stories that relate to the flora and fauna, the history of the land and its significance to the Kaurna people."

We look forward to sharing details about upcoming professional development opportunities soon! 💚🌿



📷 Nature Play SA

FOREST FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Join us in Kuitpo Wirra inparri these school holidays to celebrate children, nature, Aboriginal culture, the changing seasons, and community.

Our main stage will once again be a hub of entertainment. There'll be shopping, stalls and giveaways. Food and drinks on site. And, of course, nature play activities for all ages. Like:

🌲Aboriginal message stone painting
🌲Puppet making
🌲Nature crowns and masks
🌲Kids yoga
🌲Nature potions
🌲Cubby building
🌲Rock climbing
🌲Evelyn Roth's Nylon Zoo
🌲Guided nature walks

Wednesday, 17 and Thursday, 18 April.

Grab your tickets now: https://bit.ly/4ajdPla



📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

--
This year's Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of Forestry SA, ElectraNet, Green Adelaide, Adelaide National Park City and the Mount Barker District Council.

Forest Festival 2024 - Nature Play SA Forest Festival 17 + 18 April Forest Festival is a thoughtfully curated celebration of children, nature, Aboriginal culture, the changing seasons and community. It's an opportunity to slow down. Adjust your rhythm. Wander with friends. Breathe the crisp forest air. And follow your child's lead as th...

It's the news you've been waiting for! FOREST FESTIVAL is on again this April 🍂🌲🍄

Time to save the date. And sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear when tickets go on sale!

We. Are. EXCITED.



📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

Congratulations to McAuley Community School on such an incredibly successful day of immersive play and learning in nature.

Our team joined Green Adelaide for McAuley's whole school excursion at Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.

Over 400 students undertook a range of experiences, including learning about local wildlife, sustainability and water quality. And they relished healthy risk-taking on the new adventure playground.

To everyone involved, well done 👏

Working with you over the past few years we have seen you go from strength to strength engaging your learners outdoors!

STAY TUNED // We have more free family nature walks coming soon.

Having so many join us for our wetland walk at Woorabinda Bushland Reserve was a joy.

We shared stories of Kaurna culture with Uncle Tamaru from Deadly Mob. Learned about unique local wildlife. And explored the beautiful, calm surroundings.

Walking. Talking. Connecting. Learning.

Add our page to Favourites to make sure you see our announcements. Or sign up for our newsletter 💚

Link in comments.

📷 Jane Crosby, Nature Play SA

--
The Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Family Nature Walk was supported by the Adelaide Hills Council 2023-2024 Community Development Grant Program and funding from the Green Adelaide board.

Have you heard the news?

We're offering a new program for kids and families at Nature Play SA headquarters in the beautiful Wittunga Botanic Gardens.

Nature Art Club offers a flexible and creative environment that supports kids in connecting to nature while freely exploring artistic expression.

Together, we'll learn about South Australia's unique plants and animals and nurture new skills to produce a portfolio of art pieces.

Our delightful and experienced art teacher, Emily, will lead the sessions.

Details here: https://bit.ly/3UvFqdQ

We can't wait to meet your nature artists 🌿🎨

After School Program - Nature Play SA Join us for our new after school art program. Set within the natural surrounds of the Wittunga Botanic Gardens, the Nature Art Club provides a calm transition from school, into evening home life. Under the guidance of our experienced art teacher, Emily Johns, your child will be supported to connect....

✨NEW✨ AFTER SCHOOL ART PROGRAM for nature and art-loving kids!

Art and nature are a perfect pair. And it's just one of the reasons why we're so very, (very!) excited to announce our new program for families.

Our Nature Art Club will be set amongst the calm surroundings of the Wittunga Botanic Gardens and led by our experienced (and delightful!) art teacher, Emily.

Your nature artist will have the chance to learn about our unique plants and animals while freely exploring their interests, expressing their ideas and connecting to nature.

We'll encourage mindfulness, nurture new skills, and engage in free play.

All of this has been carefully designed with wellbeing in mind to help your child gently transition into their evening routine, with a dose of creative expression and nature play to support them on their way.

For details, visit: https://bit.ly/3UvFqdQ

We can't wait to meet your nature artists! 🌿🎨

We can't ask our children to heal nature's wounds if we don't give them time and space to connect to it.

So, on World Wetlands Day (today), we'd like to talk about... Wetlands.

And invite you to join us for a free guided family nature walk around the wetlands and bushland of Woorabinda Bushland Reserve in the Adelaide Hills.

We love (and need) wetlands for so many reasons. They:

💚 provide food, homes, shelter and pathways for plants and animals to thrive
💚 are culturally significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
💚 act as natural filters to improve water quality
💚 offer unique opportunities to connect with nature (think birdwatching, kayaking, hiking)

So, if we want our kids to grow up to protect our wetlands, let's help them build a connection.

Not only will it benefit our natural environment, but the health and wellbeing of our kids, too 🌱

Join us on Sunday, 11 February.

The weather is looking perfect for a morning spent playing and learning outdoors ☀️

More info here: https://bit.ly/48UNCsk



--
This family nature walk is supported by the Adelaide Hills Council 2023-2024 Community Development Grant Program and funding from the Green Adelaide board.

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

Do your kids play with mud? Or does the mess put you off? Let us convince you that mud play is a good (no, EXCELLENT) idea.

Playing with mud:

🌼 Allows kids to explore their imagination and creativity

🌼 Offers sensory stimulation for healthy sensory development

🌼 Develops fine and gross motor skills (think scooping, squeezing, shaping, pinching and placing)

🌼 Encourages effective problem-solving

🌼 Promotes wellbeing, helping kids to regulate their emotions and find a sense of calm

🌼 Connects children with nature, nurturing their relationship with the natural world.

There’s even research to suggest it can support healthy immune system development.

If you need inspiration, we LOVE the book ‘The Muddy Chef’ by Penny Whitehouse and Emma Bear.

It’s FULL of recipes like those in this post. Wonderful for home and education site book collections 💚🌿

Shop it here: https://bit.ly/49gxnFE

[Very impressive] mud cakes and waffles by a little nature player.

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

Do you know a young South Aussie passionate about creating positive environmental change?

Applications are NOW OPEN for Green Adelaide's Youth Environment Council.

The year-long program is a great opportunity for students in years 7-11 to connect with like-minded peers, have a voice, take action and develop their leadership skills.

TEACHERS, can you think of anyone? You can find further information at the link in Green Adelaide's post 👇

🌳 🌿 Know a future environmental champion in years 7-11?
Applications for Youth Environment Council are open now!

Last year, 45 young people were part of the free program and 6 others used their own Youth Environment Council experience to be mentors! They took the lead on their own projects and got guidance on everything from fundraising to leading teams and public speaking.

They connected with each other throughout the year while being part of a sustainability camp, Nature Festival events and a celebration forum showcasing their projects.

Find out more about this fantastic program and how to apply at >> Everything you need to know about the Youth Environment Council in SA | Green Adelaide >> https://bit.ly/3ObOYqk

The YEC is a Green Adelaide program supported by the Department for Education, South Australia.

✨ SPECIAL OFFER ✨

Educators, welcome to the new school year! 🎉

To celebrate, we're offering a DISCOUNT on one of our most popular incursions. Our free play Mini-Festival!

Our Mini-Fest promotes belonging, agency, and relationships through outdoor play. And is ideal for Kindy through to Year 6.

The discount applies to bookings made for February (weeks 3-6)*.

We can't wait to kick off 2024 with you and your learners!

Get in touch with our education team to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/46xuI9y

*Ts&Cs Apply

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

⭐️ ANNOUNCEMENT ⭐️

We are so VERY excited to let you know that we'll be part of the beloved family-friendly KidZone at WOMADelaide this year!

From 9-11 March, you'll find us on Kaurna Country under the shade of the fig trees at Adelaide's Botanic Park/Tainmuntilla.

As always, there's an incredible line-up of activities for the littlest festivalgoers. And we'll be there. Bringing the nature play fun. Sharing our love for local wildlife and sparking curiosity with puppet-making workshops for children to join the daily Celebration Parade.

We can't wait to see you there! 🦁

OUR 10 FAV SNORKELLING SPOTS☀️🐠

We South Aussies are SPOILT for stunning and accessible snorkelling beaches and world-class marine parks.

So with the help of EMS - Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries we've rounded up our ten favourite snorkelling spots so that you can explore our beaches, rockpools, jetties, mangroves and rivers.

It makes for incredible family time.

And it builds kids' sense of adventure, love of marine life and understanding of conservation efforts (not to mention water safety skills!).

So, where should you go? We'd suggest:

🦀 Port Noarlunga Jetty and Reef
🦀 Hallett Cove Beach
🦀 Gawler River Mangroves
🦀 Second Valley Jetty and Reef
🦀 Edithburgh Jetty and Pool

with the full list spanning metro adelaide and the regions available on our blog.

Read it here 👉 https://bit.ly/48WB0AO

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

We're back!

And we've delivered our first Mini-Festival of the year 🥳

Thank you to Anglicare SA, the Onkaparinga Communities for Children HIPPY team and the families who joined us.

It was a wonderful morning spent outdoors, connecting to nature, each other and the world around us.



--
As a not-for-profit organisation, opportunities like this are possible thanks to valuable funding from the Green Adelaide Board.

Supporting kids' creativity doesn't have to involve detailed plans, complicated setups or expensive materials.

These flower pinch pots are an accessible, fun, budget-friendly school holiday activity. [And you'll find most of the materials in our online shop.]

Working with clay:

🌼 encourages creativity and imagination
🌼 develops fine motor skills
🌼 supports hand-eye coordination
🌼 promotes problem-solving
🌼 offers sensory stimulation.

Adding a natural element, like pressed flowers, links kids with nature, its beauty and the opportunities it presents to connect through art.

INSTRUCTIONS are on our blog: https://bit.ly/4782v9e

And remember, every purchase from our online shop helps out not-for-profit continue its work in the community. We appreciate your support 🙏💚🌿

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

Why do we LOVE Mulberry Trees?

They're MAGIC for at home nature play! Think masses of fruit and limbs perfect for swinging and climbing.

They're also:

🍃 low maintenance
🍃 fast-growing
🍃 great for shade in summer
🍃 wonderful for sun in winter

Just beware, the fruit can stain. But in our opinion, TOTALLY worth it.

Trees play such an important role in keeping your home and neighbourhood cool and green. Plus, they support local wildlife.

The folks at Green Adelaide have a super helpful blog: https://www.greenadelaide.sa.gov.au/

Click through if you're interested in the benefits of trees or need help on your gardening journey (including fruit trees and food gardening) 💚🌿

📷 Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA