PARENTS of young children are invited to join a new free bush playgroup program that promises to support development, mental wellbeing and community connection, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
Eco Explorers is launching a weekly Family Nature Club at the Riverside Community Centre in South Morang, thanks to funding from the City of Whittlesea. Designed for children aged 0 to 4 years and their parents or carers, the program is open to local families who have not previously attended an Eco Explorers funded bush playgroup.
Held both indoors and outdoors, the playgroup is facilitated by Ting, a dedicated bush playgroup leader who guides families through a gentle, child-led rhythm that includes storytelling, sensory play, songs, craft, unstructured exploration, and bushwalks.
“Our playgroups are about more than just play. They’re a chance for parents to step away from the busyness of everyday life, unplug from technology, and reconnect with their children in a meaningful way – in nature,” Ting said.
Each session is structured to support early childhood development through hands-on nature-based learning and physical activities such as climbing, balancing and movement. Children learn about their local environment while building gross motor skills, independence and social confidence.
The program also fosters connections between families in the local community, creating a welcoming, supportive space for like-minded parents to come together.
The Family Nature Club is an all-weather outdoor program and will only be cancelled in the case of extreme weather conditions, such as fire danger, storms, or high winds. Families are encouraged to dress appropriately for all conditions.
Participants must live in the City of Whittlesea, have a child aged 0–4 years, have not previously attended an Eco Explorers funded family nature club and must be able to commit to attending the full-term weekly program
To book or find out more, visit the Eco Explorers website or contact the Riverside Community Centre.
