NATURE PLAY DOWNLOADS

 

As a parent, changing up your family’s routine and adapting to COVID-19 will, and is, a big challenge – but we are here to help!

 

When it comes to time spent engaging in the natural world – be it backyard, local park or somewhere a little more off the beaten track – what we know is that nature supports our mental health and wellbeing.

 

To help you make the most of time spent outdoors, we’ve developed a range of lists and information sheets with practical, creative and simple ideas for you to try with your children. Please make sure you are up to date with Government guidelines on social distancing and self-isolation.

 

Take care and enjoy your time together as a family.

Backyard Nature

 

Our yards provide important habitat for many animals. With just a few native plants, some logs, rocks, and water we can create a nature refuge right outside our door.

 

20 Ways for families to connect with nature at home

 

From outdoor picnics, to natural paint pigments and flower pressing there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the wonders of nature together at home.

 

25 Things to do in Winter

 

From waterfalls to wildflowers, to campfires and whale watching there’s no shortage of ways to rug up and enjoy the wonders of nature together this winter.

 

25 Things to do in Autumn

 

Falling leaves, rain play, marshmallows by the fire… embrace the arrival of cooler seasons and get outdoors with our list of ’25 Things to do in Autumn.

 

25 Things to do in Summer

 

Rockpool discoveries, summer fruit harvests, early morning bushwalks, balmy evenings by the water… get set for a summer of outdoor play with our list of ‘25 Things to do in Summer’!

 

25 Things to do in Spring

 

From flower crowns and nature potions to wildlife spotting and veggie gardening, discover ways to embrace the outdoors this season. Download our free list of nature play ideas, proudly supported by Stratco

 

20 things to notice in national parks, botanic gardens & other natural spaces

 

National parks, botanic gardens and other natural spaces are ideal places for our curiosity and imagination to run wild. See how many things you can notice in nature – you never know what you may find!

 

35 Things to do as a family during COVID-19

 

Spending time in nature, taking nature walks, cooking with friends or family and even taking time to observe the birds can have positive impacts for your mental health. With these in mind we have developed a resource with some reminders of the little nature-inspired things you, your friends and family can do to nurture your mind, body and spirit. Look after yourself today and everyday.

 

Mental health and the calming refrains of nature

 

Spending time in nature, taking nature walks, cooking with friends or family and even taking time to observe the birds can have positive impacts for your mental health. With these in mind we have developed a resource with some reminders of the little nature-inspired things you, your friends and family can do to nurture your mind, body and spirit. Look after yourself today and everyday.

 

25 things to notice in marine parks and along the SA coastline

 

From sandy shorelines and rolling dunes to cliff tops and rock pools there are so many things to notice along the SA coastline and marine parks. See how many of these you can find – you never know what else you may encounter!

 

20 things to notice in national parks, botanic gardens & other natural spaces

 

National parks, botanic gardens and other natural spaces are ideal places for our curiosity and imagination to run wild. See how many things you can notice in nature – you never know what you may find!

 

51 Things to do before you’re 12

 

Snorkelling at the beach, cooking damper over a campfire, playing in a creek, digging for worms… inspire your children to venture into the outdoors with our ’51 Things to do before you’re 12’!

 

49 Things to do before you’re 5

 

Searching for tadpoles, imitating birds, sprouting seeds, catching bugs… encourage your children outside into the sensory world of play with our ‘49 Things to do before you’re 5’!

 

25 Things to do with children in nature before they turn 1

 

Lying beneath the shade of a tree, feeling the texture of bark, listening to waves… share some quality time in nature during the first year of your baby’s life with our ‘25 Things to do with children in nature before they turn 1’

 

How to be a Gumnut Baby – classic adventures for modern childhood

 

Searching for Wattle, Pea Flower and Gumnut Babies, treading softly around Mushroom Babies… Discover the magic of the Australian bush with your family with our ‘How to be a Gumnut Baby – classic adventures for modern childhood’

Inspired by the work of Australian artist and author, May Gibbs.

 

Front cover image of the Family, Nature and COVID-19 Guide

Family, Nature and COVID-19

 

Despite the challenges, Nature Play SA remains committed to making a difference. We are delighted to offer our free online guide Family, Nature & COVID-19 to support families during the pandemic and beyond.

Family, Nature and COVID-19 has a strong focus on nurturing the mental health and wellbeing of families, including providing accessible, nature-based methods that can be practiced at home, your neighbourhood and nearby nature.

 

We hope you find a level of comfort, relief, and hope is you flick through the pages and put the guide into practice.

 

National Parks Resources

 

In conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA we have developed a suite of resources with strong themes of physical activity, connection to green spaces, environmental stewardship, learning associated with biodiversity, and Aboriginal culture.

 

10 Ingredients to collect for mud play

 

Try these ingredients to make mud pies, stews, magic potions and other mud creations!

 

Magnificent Mud: An essential ingredient to childhood

 

Gritty, cold, wet, sloppy, icky, sticky, joyous mud – the secret weapon in your sensory-rich outdoor toolkit. It may be messy, it may even be inconvenient, but it brings with it the makings of pure happiness.

 

Dirt + Water = Childhood

 

Mud is a natural part of childhood and: is invaluable for children’s sensory development; provides a source of creativity; and research suggests it’s beneficial to children’s overall wellbeing. Get some practical ideas to explore mud play from our ‘Dirt + Water = Childhood’ info sheet.

 

Loose Parts = Creativity + Discovery + Imagination

 

Having loose parts in your child’s play setting can stimulate creativity and imagination. Discover the potential of loose parts play; what it is and why it is so important to children’s development; and practical ideas for collecting and introducing natural loose parts to your home or education setting with our ‘Loose Parts = Creativity + Discovery + Imagination’ info sheet.

 

Natural Playspaces for Families: Creating Your Own Backyard Natural Playspace

 

Homemade mud pits, water stations, secret places, gardens to tend… bring nature play into your backyard with our ‘Natural Playspaces for Families’ info sheet.

 

Even babies need the outdoors

 

Smelling flowers, feeling the sensation of mud between tiny toes, exploring through the senses… Learn about the importance of the outdoors for your baby and where you can venture with them with our ‘Even babies need the outdoors’ info sheet.

 

Nature Scavenger Hunt

 

Scavenger hunts are ideal activities to incorporate in family adventures and as an activity at your child’s birthday celebrations or other special events. They are a great way to encourage exploration, discovery and excitement. For birthday celebrations they are more intriguing and creative than a simple search for hidden sweets.

 

Blue-green blue-banded Bee Life Cycle Poster

 

Learn more about this species by downloading and printing this life cycle poster.

 

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

 

As one of Australia’s largest cockatoos these birds depend on ancient tree hollows to nest and raise their young. Many old trees that once stood throughout the landscape have been cleared – leaving very few hollows for those who
need them. Learm more about this species by downloading and printing this wildlife poster.

 

Illustrated Natural Treasures to Discover within Encounter Marine Park

 

A park that covers ocean waters, reefs, islands, cliffs, estuaries and jetties. Elusive leafy seadragons hide whilst colourful fish are aplenty. Download our free “Natural Treasures to Discover” resource and see how many treasures you can find!

 

Illustrated Coastal Treasures to Discover from Glenelg to Seacliff Beach

 

Discover and explore a stretch of coastline that once teemed with wildlife amongst 40 metre high dunes. Download our free “Coastal Treasures to Discover” resource and see how many treasures you can find!

 

Coastal Treasures to Discover within Lincoln National Park

 

Discover a park so wild that sea eagles nest on islands and goannas roam free. Download our free “Coastal Treasures to Discover” resource and see how many treasures you can find!

 

A Glimpse into the Plants and Animals of Myponga Reservior Reserve

 

Discover some of the plants and animals that call Myponga Reservoir Reserve home.

 

Nature Play SA acknowledges Traditional owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and Elders past, present and emerging.