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Nature Play

Building cubby houses, climbing trees, following animal tracks, and baking mud pies – the joys of a childhood spent in nature.

Everyone can connect to themselves, each other, and nature in our programs here at Centennial Park.

What is Nature Play?

Nature Play is unstructured, child-led outdoor play practised worldwide. From Forest Schools in the UK to Bush Schools in Australia, children learn holistically, developing cognitively, socially, and physically through hands-on nature experiences.

Nature Play benefits

  • Encourage creativity and imagination
  • Strengthen social connections
  • Increase environmental awareness
  • Improve well-being
  • Promotes physical activity
 

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Our nature connection programs

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.
 
Our programs allow children to use their minds and bodies, fostering imagination and creativity on their own terms. They connect with nature, face challenges, solve problems, and build self-esteem.

Children and family activities

Since 2012, Centennial Parklands has offered nature play programs like Bush School, school holiday programs, or school excursions. Activities include free play, storytelling, mapping, tracking, survival skills, and bushcraft. Our programs help children connect with nature and bring it back into their lives.

Bush School at Centennial Park will get your kids moving, creating, and thinking in a stimulating outdoor environment every week, giving them a chance to explore, discover and learn at their own pace.

This unique Nature Play program tailored for children aged 2.5 - 5 years is led by our expert Education Rangers, who bring urban children and their parents back to nature in the heart of Centennial Park.

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Our education experts have developed a diverse range of educational and nature play school holiday programs for children aged up to 12 years.

Led by our skilled and knowledgeable Education Rangers, children will be able to explore and discover the marvellous natural environment in the heart of Centennial Park and enjoy unique and accessible outdoor learning experiences.

Most of our programs are full-day drop-off programs (parents do not attend). Parents can drop kids off between 8 am - 9 am and pick them up between 3 pm - 4 pm.

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Dust off your camping gear and bring the whole family along for a unique camping experience under the stars in the wild green heart of Sydney! Camping is a unique way to spend quality time with family and friends – it gets you out of the house, connecting with nature and creating special memories together.
 
Guided by our outdoor experts, try out your skills and receive simple tips to get you started and learn the basics of camping in Centennial Park. Just the practice you need before your next escape in the wilderness and beyond!

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Our Educators have designed an exciting program of experiential learning in Centennial Park for school groups.
 
Centennial Park's landscapes feature the Botany Wetlands, Lachlan Swamp, bush landscape, a fresh aquifer and Banksia scrubland. Our programs cover many links to the Early Year Learning Framework, and the geography and science curriculums.

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At Centennial Park, we offer a variety of nature events throughout the year to help you connect with the park's diverse ecosystem. Whether you're interested in discovering local wildlife or learning about the edible plants in our park, our events provide hands-on experiences for nature lovers of all ages.

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Want to try some nature play activities at home? Explore our videos and activity sheets to guide you through fun nature play learning activities to enjoy with friends and family.
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Adult programs and activities

As adults, we often lose touch with nature, but reconnecting can improve our well-being. Just 10 minutes from the CBD, Centennial Pa offers a green retreat where you can unwind and recharge. We run programs to help you discover wildlife and experience the calming effects of nature through mindfulness.

At Centennial Park, we offer a variety of nature events throughout the year to help you connect with the park's diverse ecosystem. Whether you're keen on discovering local wildlife or learning about the edible plants in our midst, our events provide hands-on experiences for nature lovers of all ages.

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Mindfully connecting with nature benefits our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Join us for one of our unique outdoor well-being programs and experience the healing power of (re)connecting with yourself and the natural world.
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Our facilities
Centennial Parklands features outdoor classrooms and the award-winning Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden. These spaces help create nature advocates. Research by Western Sydney University shows that outdoor play here helps children overcome challenges, engage in physical activity, and connect with the natural world.
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The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre is a modern and flexible venue offering versatile indoor and outdoor spaces and facilities. Located in the heart of the parklands adjacent to the spectacular Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden, the building is surrounded by a spacious covered deck. The venue includes an outdoor kitchenette and BBQ pavilion, with picnic tables for catering your event.

Nature Play Activities

Want to try all those fun activities at home – our education team has prepared some videos and activity sheets that show you how.

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The Ian Potter Children's WILD PLAY Garden

Centennial Park's new Ian Potter Children’s WILD PLAY Garden is a purpose-built nature play area designed to encourage urban children to engage in imaginative, outdoor 'wild play'.

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The power of nature play: building resilient and healthy kids

Nature Play is all about letting kids explore and play outside in natural settings, without set rules or structured activities.

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