Outdoor play sessions for 3-5 year olds

Newcastle Nature Play Sessions acknowledges that it 's business takes place on Awabakal land and we pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging.

Our Philosophy

"It takes a village to raise a child"

-African Proverb.

We aim to provide play sessions that are a lot more holistic. We are not simply looking at the child alone, but their entire context. We are often told that 'It takes a village', but where is our village? In today's world it is not uncommon to be living interstate or overseas from family, or to have grandparents that are still working and can't offer support. That is why we are creating these play sessions in the hopes of connecting families with similarly aged children, whilst providing an opportunity for the children to learn social skills in preparation for school.

What We Do

Each week we gather at a different pre-​determined spot in Newcastle. As a group, we ​will explore the area and engage in nature-​based activities, which may include, but is not ​limited to: kite flying, painting, sports, fire ​building, bushwalking. Activities will be ​geared towards any specific interests that ​arise from the children.

The adults will be able to socialise and build ​bonds as the children play. You will have the ​flexibility to directly assist and support your ​child with activities, or to take a step back and ​build bonds with the other adults.

What Is Included In A 2 Hour Play Session?

Qualified early childhood educator running each session.

All equipment for each activity, as well as any pre-planning involved in the activity- just turn up and join in!

A light snack for children and parents/caregivers.

Access to our travelling children’s book library.

Pricing

As an introductory offer, 2 hour sessions (including food, ​equipment and access to the travelling children’s library) ​will only be $30 per session (usually $40). This will be paid ​upfront for a 10 week term (Afterpay and Paypal pay in 4 ​available).

This equates to $330 per 10 week term once GST is added.

Who Can Attend?

If you have preschool aged children, you are able to attend! Newcastle is a diverse place, full of diverse people and diverse families. It is part of what makes it beautiful! We are all doing the best we can to give our children a wonderful upbringing. This looks different in every family and that is okay! Newcastle Nature Play Sessions is a safe space for everyone to feel welcomed, heard, included and represented. If there is some way that we can assist you in feeling welcomed and accommodated for within our community, please feel free to let us know.

Bookings

Sessions currently run on Fridays, but ​more days will be available in the ​future.

Previously mentioned morning and ​afternoon sessions will be available at ​a later date, once interest is higher.

11am til 1pm Session

Information on term dates available in ​the booking link.

Educational Coordinator

Katie Bone

“Teaching through nature is powerful”

Katie has been working with children for over six years and has a strong passion in this area. Her passion lies in teaching children through play and reconnecting them to the natural world. During her time as an early childhood educator, she noticed that a lot of families were lacking the ‘village’ that is necessary to support and nurture the family unit. Newcastle Nature Play Sessions was born from this realisation, with Katie wanting a space for parents to connect and children to learn.