Close Menu
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Saturday, October 11
  • Advertise With Us
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Giveaways
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
Peninsula Kids
  • Home
  • What’s On
    • Events
    • Add an Event
    • Major Event
    • School Holiday Guide
  • Things To Do
    • Free Activities
      • Coastal Activities
      • Outdoor Activities
      • Picnic Spots
      • Playgrounds
      • Pram Walks
      • Rainy Day Activities
      • Walks and Bike Rides
    • Places to Visit
      • Attractions
      • Day Trips Away From The Peninsula
      • Galleries & Libraries
      • Historical
      • Markets
      • Tourism Centres
    • Places to Eat
      • Cafes
      • Restaurants
      • Wineries
    • Places To Stay
      • Accommodation
    • Shopping
      • Baby Goods – Sale & Hire
      • Child Friendly Shops
      • Made on the Peninsula
      • Online
      • Retail
    • At Home
      • Craft
      • Games
      • Recipes
  • Classes & Groups
    • Creative
      • Art and Craft
    • Playgroups
      • Central and Northern Peninsula
      • Southern Peninsula
      • Western Port
    • Sports
      • Fitness
      • Pre School Sports
      • Sports Classes and Tuition
  • Services
    • Health & Wellbeing
      • Dental
      • Health Care Practitioners
      • Hospitals
      • Support Groups
    • Pregnancy & Baby
      • Prenatal
        • Pre Natal Care/Birth Support
        • Pre Natal Fitness & Wellbeing
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Maternity Products
      • PostNatal
        • Maternal Health Centres
        • Post Natal Support & Wellbeing
    • Special Needs
      • Activities for Special Needs
      • Support for Special Needs
      • Therapists for Special Needs
    • Education & Childcare
      • Daycare
      • Kindergartens
      • Schools
    • Finance
      • Finance
    • Photography
      • Photography
    • Child Safety & Wellbeing
      • Child Safety/First Aid
      • Emergency Numbers
  • Articles
    • Education
    • Finances
    • Health
    • Parenting Articles
    • Places to Eat
    • Pregnancy & Baby
    • Reviews
    • Member Questions
  • Parties
    • Celebrate – Party Ideas
    • Entertainment
    • Suppliers
    • Venues
  • Giveaways
Peninsula Kids
Home»Education»Nature Play
Education

Nature Play

3 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
By Hannah Candy

A tidal wave of evidence highlighting the benefits of nature play for young children, particularly on their well-being, development and learning, has been picking up momentum for some time now. Connecting with nature helps us to understand and care for ourselves, each other and our Earth. Playing in and with nature is a simple yet powerful tool that can provide huge benefits that contribute to happy and healthy children.

Nature play gives young children the opportunity to connect with the natural world. If we want them to know this place first over a digital world we need to allow for outdoor play opportunities; to know what soil in their hands feels like, what summer flowers smell like and what a hollow tree looks like. These natural experiences are a sensory experience that help to build a knowledge and experience of nature.

Can I jump from this log to that one over there? Outdoor play helps children to build trust in their own capabilities. When they don’t make the leap between logs, or the swing between branches, they quickly learn to trust their own limits. They then come to know that we as adults trust them as capable. We are building solid foundations for their further development. Learning to trust their physical capabilities like running, jumping, swinging can give children greater confidence in social, emotional and thinking abilities.

Play is where children get to make their own decisions. Learning to make choices in a child’s life is a big step in their journey to independence. As adults we need to allow this to happen by stepping back to permit unstructured play. When I watch and listen to the children playing in the tree house I don’t feel the need to turn everything into a learning opportunity or activity. Being outside in nature can help adults to sit back and quietly observe how children are making choices for themselves.

While we need to support independent play, children still need an adult to ‘hold space’ in order for them to reach a state of free flow play where they feel safe. Our presence is important to their play and sense of security. When children need us either physically or emotionally we are right there for them again.

When play is taken outdoors I get the sense that this same ‘holding of space’ dynamic happens, this time with Mother Nature being the one who can allow children to feel safe and secure in their play. It is in the fairy tree house, the mud kitchen or the chicken pen that I witness children feeling comfortable enough to let their play ‘go, to’ exactly where it needs to be.

Experiences outdoors are a doorway into connecting with Australian Indigenous perspectives. Through stories, songs and language children can learn about the Indigenous culture relevant to the area they are playing in and the traditional connections to the land. We have the opportunity to foster a deep appreciation, respect and care for the unique Australian land and animals. Naturally, these experiences will help future generations to bridge the gap between Australians and promote reconciliation and harmony.


Hannah runs nature-based play sessions aiming to connect children to nature through a balance of engaging activities and unstructured play. Sessions include nature inspired craft, imaginative play, music and sensory activities. Sessions run weekdays from 9:30 – 2:30 in the Western Port area. As group sizes are very small bookings are essential.

Contact Hannah for more information and to make a booking on 0479 060 355 or check out her Facebook page @Bushkinda

Peninsula Kids – Winter 2022

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

Comments are closed.

Calendar
Today
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
27
28
1
12:00 AM - Petspriation Foundation's National Pet Adoption Month
2
3
4
8:00 AM - Red Hill Community Market
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12:00 AM - Red Hill Show
9:00 AM - Point Nepean Portsea Market
12
13
11:00 AM - Sk8house Labour Day Skate
14
15
16
17
18
9:00 AM - Emu Plains Market
19
9:00 AM - Mornington Racecourse Market
3:00 PM - Sunset Twilight Market Series
20
11:00 AM - Nature Play Pop-Up Playgroup at The Briars Mt Martha
21
22
23
11:00 AM - Babys Day Out Pop-Up Playgroup Hastings Foreshore
24
25
9:00 AM - Little Beauty Market
10:00 AM - Sorrento Community Fete
6:00 PM - RETRO ROLLER DISCO NIGHT at Sk8house!
26
9:00 AM - The Mount Martha Briars Market
27
28
29
30
31
1
8:00 AM - Red Hill Community Market
2
9:00 AM - Pearcedale Primary School Autumn Carnival
Petspriation Foundation's National Pet Adoption Month
01 Mar
March 1, 2023 - March 31, 2023    
All Day
  • Other
Petspiration Foundation’s National Pet Adoption Month will take place in March 2023, with an adoption weekend being held at selected stores across the Mornington Peninsula on Saturday [...]
More Info
Red Hill Community Market
04 Mar
March 4, 2023    
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Red Hill Recreation Reserve
  • Markets
Red Hill is the 'grand dame' of Victoria's craft markets. Located in one of the State's most picturesque settings, Red Hill Community Market started in [...]
More Info
Red Hill Show
11 Mar
March 11, 2023    
All Day
Red Hill Showgrounds
  • Family Activity
  • Festival/Expo
  • Free for kids
The 95th Red Hill Show proudly presented by the Red Hill Agricultural & Horticultural Society will be held on SATURDAY, 11TH MARCH 2023. redhillshow.com.au *Peninsula [...]
More Info
Point Nepean Portsea Market
11 Mar
March 11, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Portsea Quarantine Station Point Nepean National Park
  • Markets
Located in one of the State’s most picturesque settings, this market has so much to offer. Flowers bunched and potted spill out onto the walkway [...]
More Info
Sk8house Labour Day Skate
13 Mar
March 13, 2023    
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
We work hard and now's the time to take a load off at Sk8house this Labour Day public holiday. We're also taking the load off [...]
More Info
Emu Plains Market
18 Mar
March 18, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Emu Plains Reserve
  • Markets
come and get lost in wonder... underneath the ancient glade of a stringybark forest, makers unite to create a craft revolution never before seen on [...]
More Info
Mornington Racecourse Market
Mornington Racecourse Market
March 19, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Mornington Racecourse
  • Markets
Mornington Racecourse Market runs all year round, on the second Sunday of the month. A regular meeting place for locals and visitors this market showcases [...]
More Info
Sunset Twilight Market Series
19 Mar
March 19, 2023    
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Frankston Foreshore
  • Markets
Sunset Twilight Markets are returning to the picturesque Frankston Waterfront for a spring/summer series. Once a month, each market will feature stallholders selling curated product [...]
More Info
Nature Play Pop-Up Playgroup at The Briars Mt Martha
20 Mar
March 20, 2023    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Briars
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
  • Free for kids
Join us for a Nature Play Pop-Up Playgroup at the Briars! 11am - 1pm Monday 20 March 2023 The Briars,450 Nepean Hwy Mt Martha Please [...]
More Info
Babys Day Out Pop-Up Playgroup Hastings Foreshore
23 Mar
March 23, 2023    
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Family Activity
  • Free Activities
  • Free for kids
Join us for a special playgroup just for babies! 11am - 1pm Thursday 23 March, 2023 Fred Smith Reserve, Hastings Foreshore (next to playground) Please [...]
More Info
Little Beauty Market
25 Mar
March 25, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Beauty Park
  • Markets
Little Beauty Market is a stunning event brought to you by the creators of the super popular Emu Plains Market in Balnarring. This highly curated [...]
More Info
Sorrento Community Fete
25 Mar
March 25, 2023    
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Family Activity
  • Festival/Expo
  • Fundraiser
Sorrento Community Fete for 2023 is on Saturday the 25th March 10am - 2pm. Bringing together the community to support Sorrento Primary and St Joseph's [...]
More Info
RETRO ROLLER DISCO NIGHT at Sk8house!
25 Mar
March 25, 2023    
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sk8house
  • Family Activity
Join us on Saturday 25th March, 6pm to 10pm, for all of the biggest and best music from the 70's, 80's & 90's. There will [...]
More Info
The Mount Martha Briars Market
26 Mar
March 26, 2023    
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Briars
  • Markets
The Briars Craft and Produce Market will be a fantastic day out for friends and family to enjoy a quality home made home grown market. [...]
More Info
Red Hill Community Market
01 Apr
April 1, 2023    
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Red Hill Recreation Reserve
  • Markets
Red Hill is the 'grand dame' of Victoria's craft markets. Located in one of the State's most picturesque settings, Red Hill Community Market started in [...]
More Info
Pearcedale Primary School Autumn Carnival
02 Apr
April 2, 2023    
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pearcedale Primary School
  • Family Activity
  • Festival/Expo
  • Fundraiser
Pearcedale Primary School's Autumn Carnival Sunday 2nd April 2023! facebook.com/Pearcedale-Primary-School/ *Peninsula Kids holds no responsibility for changes/cancellations to events on this page. Please confirm event [...]
More Info
Events on March 1, 2023
01 Mar
Petspriation Foundation's National Pet Adoption Month
1 Mar 23
Events on March 4, 2023
04 Mar
Red Hill Community Market
4 Mar 23
Red Hill
Events on March 11, 2023
11 Mar
Red Hill Show
11 Mar 23
Red Hill
11 Mar
Point Nepean Portsea Market
11 Mar 23
Portsea VIC 3944, Australia
Events on March 13, 2023
13 Mar
Sk8house Labour Day Skate
13 Mar 23
Carrum Downs
Events on March 18, 2023
18 Mar
Emu Plains Market
18 Mar 23
Balnarring
Events on March 19, 2023
Mornington Racecourse Market
Mornington Racecourse Market
19 Mar 23
Mornington
19 Mar
Sunset Twilight Market Series
19 Mar 23
Frankston
Events on March 20, 2023
20 Mar
Nature Play Pop-Up Playgroup at The Briars Mt Martha
20 Mar 23
Mount Martha
Events on March 23, 2023
23 Mar
Babys Day Out Pop-Up Playgroup Hastings Foreshore
23 Mar 23
Events on March 25, 2023
25 Mar
Little Beauty Market
25 Mar 23
Frankston
25 Mar
Sorrento Community Fete
25 Mar 23
25 Mar
RETRO ROLLER DISCO NIGHT at Sk8house!
25 Mar 23
Carrum Downs
Events on March 26, 2023
26 Mar
The Mount Martha Briars Market
26 Mar 23
Mount Martha
Events on April 1, 2023
01 Apr
Red Hill Community Market
1 Apr 23
Red Hill
Events on April 2, 2023
02 Apr
Pearcedale Primary School Autumn Carnival
2 Apr 23
Pearcedale
Visit Our Advertisers
ABOUT

Established in 2006, Mornington Peninsula News Group (MPNG) is a locally owned and operated, independent media company.

MPNG publishes two glossy magazines: Peninsula Essence and Peninsula Kids.

MPNG also publishes five weekly community newspapers: the Western Port News, Mornington News, Southern Peninsula News, Frankston Times and Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Instagram
Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre
State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years
Trusted for Over 30 Years
Locally owned and established since 1991
Limited placements remain
Secure your child’s enrolment  today
For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators
Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team

(03) 5978 0808
enrolments@lgh.com.au
1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
•
Follow
Brand-New, Architecturally Designed Childcare Centre State-of-the-art learning for children 6 weeks to school years Trusted for Over 30 Years Locally owned and established since 1991 Limited placements remain Secure your child’s enrolment today For parents who want the very best, this centre brings together generations of experience and the Peninsula’s most dedicated educators Now Open - Book your tour today to meet the team (03) 5978 0808 enrolments@lgh.com.au 1408 Nepean Highway Mount Eliza 3930
17 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!!

Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW!
https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/

@harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
•
Follow
Calling all Harry Potter fans!!! Excited to announce that due to Due to popular demand, Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at the Fever Exhibition and Experience Centre in Brunswick, has been extended until 30 November 2025. Harry Potter: The Exhibition captivates guests through powerful storytelling and cutting-edge interactive technology, inviting them to explore beloved moments from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, as well as the Tony® Award-winning stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Tickets for additional sessions are available NOW! https://melbourne.harrypotterexhibition.com/ @harrypotter_exhibition Harry Potter: The Exhibition
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
50 + 30 then take away 2. 

#mathsbemathing
•
Follow
50 + 30 then take away 2. #mathsbemathing
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Farewell September. 🫡 

Credit: Mums Lounge
mumslounge
•
Follow
Farewell September. 🫡 Credit: Mums Lounge mumslounge
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🔥🔥🔥🤣
•
Follow
🔥🔥🔥🤣
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays 
 
Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. 
The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday.

https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school-
holidays-parc-county-fair/
@parcfrankston
•
Follow
Roll up to the PARC County Fair these school holidays Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and family fun at the PARC County Fair. Enjoy a splashing good time on PARC’s inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island! With slopes, slides and balancing beams, it is the ultimate water adventure. To book or learn more, visit PARC’s website. The PARC County Fair school holiday program will run daily from Monday 22 September – Friday 3 October. Excluding the Grand Final public holiday. https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/events/september-school- holidays-parc-county-fair/ @parcfrankston
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Older Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Older Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for older readers, 8+ years/teens/adults valued at $225. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Younger Reader Pack
Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260.

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Younger Reader Pack Selection of books suitable for younger readers preschool age plus valued at $260. **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER VIA LINK IN BIO
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? 

Nano-Mals
Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids.

Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality.

Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year.

These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores.

RRP: $25.00 each

**PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office.  Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!**

👉ENTER HERE:
https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
•
Follow
Have you seen our spring Things We Love giveaways in the winter edition of Peninsula Kids mag? Nano-Mals Hasbro is excited to introduce Nano-Mals, their brand-new line of interactive, pocket-sized electronic pets that are here to win hearts… literally! The handheld Nano-Mals team the appeal of digital pets with the fun play of fidget toys, creating a sensory experience specifically designed for today’s kids. Measuring just 6.9 cm, Nano-Mals are perfectly pocket-sized with an oversized personality. Nano-Mals are the ultimate gift for kids who love fidget toys, animals, and interactive digital fun. With unlimited ways to care, style, and connect, this new range is set to be the must-have mini pet of the year. These collectibles are available now in major retailers including Big W, Target, and independent toy stores. RRP: $25.00 each **PLEASE NOTE ALL prizes must be collected from Peninsula Kids HASTINGS office. Winners will be notified by email. Please only enter if you can collect and make sure details are entered correctly so you don’t miss out!** 👉ENTER HERE: https://peninsulakids.com.au/spring-2025-things-we-love-giveaway/
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
View on Instagram
Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay In The Know

Sign up to our free newsletter and receive weekly updates on events and things to do with kids on the Mornington Peninsula.

Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.