New Free Bush Playgroup Program Supports Child Development and Wellbeing

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 Center 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. Ting 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 habitat while building gross motor skills, independence, and