Nature play

Being outdoors gives children the opportunity to explore, discover and learn at their own pace. It allows them to create a special connection to their surroundings. 

Whether it’s building a cubby house, climbing a tree, following animal tracks or creating a work of art out of leaves and sticks, our nature play programs give children and their caregivers the opportunity to connect to the unique heritage and ecology of the Australian landscape. 

Nature play refers to the unstructured and child-led approach to outdoor play and is practised worldwide. 

Centennial Parklands has been running nature play programs since 2012. Through initiatives like Bush School and Camping 101, school holiday programs like Bushrangers or school excursions, we aim to create a close relationship between children and the natural environment through free play, storytelling, mapping, tracking, survival skills and bushcraft. 

We also offer programs at Callan Park and Western Sydney Parklands and have plans to expand even further.

Bush School is a flagship nature play program at Greater Sydney Parklands that reconnects urban children and their parents with nature. Led by our expert education rangers, the program offers storytelling, bushcraft, free play, art-making, and nature games. These activities help children develop creativity, confidence, focus, and a sense of responsibility while exploring and learning at their own pace.

Bush School has many benefits. It helps children build life skills and a love for the environment. Inspired by international best practices in nature education, such as Forest Schools and Nature Kindergartens, Bush School is rooted in Australian heritage and ecology. This unique program will be available at several Greater Sydney Parklands sites, offering more opportunities for children to immerse themselves in nature and improve their well-being.

Learn about Bush School