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Nature Play in Centennial Park

As one of Sydney’s greatest park, Centennial Park is the perfect place to connect urban children back to nature. 

Nature play at Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a perfect spot for urban children to reconnect with nature. Our outdoor classrooms and The Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden let kids explore, discover, and learn at their own pace, fostering a strong connection to their surroundings. All our programs are based on the philosophy of nature connection and nature play.

Bush School

 

Bush School, inspired by international practices like Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens, is uniquely Australian and rooted in our local landscape. The program encourages kids to move, create, and think in an engaging outdoor setting.

Each session includes:

  • Storytelling: Tales that connect children to the natural world.
  • Nature-Based Activities: Hands-on experiences like bushcraft.
  • Free Play: Opportunities for climbing, digging, and imaginative play.
  • Art Making: Creative projects inspired by nature.
  • Nature Games: Educational games that encourage exploration.

Bush School activities change every five weeks, ensuring fresh experiences. Our expert Education Rangers lead these sessions, helping kids and parents reconnect with nature.

We offer Bush School excursions for primary schools, pre-schools, and child care centres. These can be tailored for different age groups and scheduled to fit your needs.

Nature play programs for everyone

Our nature programs can be tailored for all age groups, including adults.

Whether it's a day of adventure for kids during the school holidays, a school group, or a team-building exercise for adults, we offer enriching outdoor experiences that suit different interests and skill levels.

Cubby building

Orientation activities

Dipnetting in the pond

Learning about bugs

Winter campfire fun

Track, trails and treasure hunts

Summer water play activties

Discovering who lives in the park

Creating art and crafts in nature

Our programs focus on essential survival skills like:

  • Shelter building: Constructing shelters using natural materials.
  • Water sourcing and purification: Finding and purifying water.
  • Fire making: Safe methods for starting and managing fires.
  • Food foraging and preparation: Identifying and preparing edible plants.

These fun and educational activities help to build practical skills, confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to nature.

The benefits of nature connection

After a few sessions, children will benefit in many ways:

  • Creativity: Fosters imagination and creative thinking.
  • Confidence: Builds self-assurance and resilience.
  • Focus: Improves concentration and attention spans.
  • Responsibility: Instills respect for nature.
  • Physical fitness: Promotes health through movement in fresh air.
  • Social skills: Encourages teamwork and communication.
  • Emotional wellbeing: Reduces stress and boosts mood.

Parent Feedback

Read what Samantha says about her daughter’s Bush School experience.

She has made so many amazing gains in language, social skills, perseverance, and motor skills… Your program is a beautiful place in nature to learn respect and appreciation for each other and the earth.

Join us at Centennial Park and discover the joy and benefits of connecting with nature through our expertly crafted programs!

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