20 Things to Notice in National Parks, Botanic Gardens & Other Natural spaces by Nature Play SA

Nature Play SA has put together a list of 20 things to notice with your kiddo when you're out in nature, because you just never know what you might find if you're looking! 

Things to notice in nature

Looking for some outdoor inspiration to keep your kiddos engaged with the world around them during winter? National parks, botanic gardens and other natural spaces are ideal for little imaginations, testing out curiosity and learning about how the big wide world interacts with the seasons and weather.

things to notice nature

Nature Play SA has put together a list of 20 things to notice with your kiddo when you’re out in nature, because you just never know what you might find if you’re looking!

  1. a tree hollow in a dead tree
  2. a butterfly with orange, blue or black patterns (or a caterpillar)
  3. circular patterns on a tree
  4. grass heads that look like blowflies or a fluffy tail
  5. dead branches in a living tree
  6. moss growing on a tree stump
  7. lichen growing on a fallen stick
  8. a gum nut or other seed pod
  9. a chewed leaf
  10. animal scats/droppings
  11. a yellow or white flower with an insect on it
  12. fungi growing out of the ground or on a tree stump
  13. an ant nest
  14. a kangaroo, koala or other marsupial
  15. tree sap on the trunk of a tree
  16. a colourful parrot (ie Lorikeet or Rosella)
  17. a feather
  18. ants on the leaves of a gum tree
  19. a bird’s nest high in a tree
  20. a sign to read

Print out a downloadable copy of this list and take it with you next time you take your kids on an adventure

natureplaysa.org.au

@natureplaysa

nature play sa logo

Looking for other ideas for getting outdoors with your kiddos?

Top Pram friendly walks in Adelaide metro

10 best waterfall hikes in South Australia

10 top short-drive camping spots in Adelaide

You may also like

Girl holds shopping bags.

10 ways to survive Black Friday 2025 with kids in Adelaide

Black Friday can feel like an Olympic sport for parents — crowds, queues, sales signs everywhere, and kids who would much rather be eating snacks than standing in line. But, with a little planning and a few clever tricks, you can survive (and even enjoy!) Black Friday with little ones in tow!

Read More

Name a rescued tortoise and explore the secret world of wildlife crime

Families visiting Adelaide Zoo this month have a chance to step into a real-life rescue story — and even help name a very special tortoise. Once a victim of the illegal wildlife trade, a rescued African Spurred Tortoise is now the star of Wildlife Crime in Our Backyard, Australia’s first public exhibition dedicated to wildlife and environmental crime.

Read More
Giant Christmas tree sits in the middle of the State Library of South Australia.

The best 2025 Christmas events in Adelaide for kids

NEW EVENTS ADDED. UPDATED NOVEMBER 2025: Ho ho ho! Christmas time is near and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than at the best Christmas events Adelaide has on offer! From Pageants to Carols and Lights to Markets and everything in between.

Read More