KIDS & FAMILIES GUIDE TO ADELAIDE NATURE FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 25 – OCTOBER 4
We all want to get our kiddos out there experiencing the sounds and sights of nature, and interacting with it in new and different ways, and now is the perfect time to do it, with the launch of a new Festival in South Australia; Nature Festival.
Nature Festival kicks off just as our kids hang up their school hats for the term, as we’re looking for ways to keep them engaged with the big wide world around them. With free, self guided or ticketed events on offer, you choose what suits you and your family best.
With over 80 events for all ages, there’s a lot to choose from, so to save you some time, we’ve hand picked a selection of the best Nature Festival events for kids and families.
Ochre Play
Interactive art session for all ages with a focus on primary-school students, young children and their parents.
This art class is a unique insight into traditional Aboriginal art and the use of traditional paints. Using ochre, students, children and families are asked to complete an art piece based on traditional symbols.
Children and parents crush the ochre and blend this powder with water forming a paste. The ochre paint is then used to create their final art piece. Participants are encouraged to develop their own story using these symbols painting a picture based on their personal experiences.
This process develops motor and practical skills in young children. It gives an insight into traditional art and a greater understanding for the use of ochre in Aboriginal culture.
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre and Warriparinga Wetlands, Warriparinga Drive, Bedford Park
For more information or to purchase tickets:
Introduction to Nature Journaling
Connect with your kids and share a unique experience in nature.
Bring the kids for an outdoors introduction to nature journaling at the wonderful wide-open spaces of the Warriparinga Wetlands.
All participants (adults and children) will learn drawing and story-telling skills to start a journal about nature from the smallest backyard insects to the most meandering rivers and widest of skies.
All materials are supplied, participants need to wear clothing to suit the weather and sturdy shoes for walking.
Stay on after the workshop for a picnic, to explore further or do some more journaling. All ages welcome, but this workshop is particularly suited to mid-primary age children.
Living Kaurna Cultural Centre and Warriparinga Wetlands, Warriparinga Drive, Bedford Park
For more information or to purchase tickets:
Beach Detectives
Thursday, October 1
10:00 am to 11:30 am
A beach ramble discovering the creatures, plants and other treasures that wash up on the shoreline and live on the reef. The beach is an awesome place to explore.
Join the Green Adelaide Education team and come and learn about the animals, plants and other sea life that call our amazing coastline home and how to protect them.
To register for this FREE event:
naturefestival.org.au/event/beach-detectives
The Compost Play
Monday, September 28
10:00 am to 10:45 am
How does an apple core turn into a carrot? Find out the answer to this question and many more at this fun play that brings the wonder and magic of compost to life!
The Compost Play – an interactive and engaging look at the wonder and magic of compost for 5 – 10 year olds.
Written and designed by Jacqui Hunter and Naomi Crosby and presented by the Food Embassy this play engages children and adults in the magic of compost.
Come and discover the fun of compost and make a seed packet and fill it with seeds.
For more information or to purchase tickets:
naturefestival.org.au/event/the-compost-play
South Parklands Nature by Night
Monday, September 28
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Discover the creatures of the night in this fun and interactive ramble, suitable for all ages!
Did you know that we have entire ecosystems and plenty of amazing native wildlife right in the heart of our city?
Join Green Adelaide Education officers for a guided night walk around the south parklands and use your investigation skills to discover an array of birds, mammals, insects, frogs and other creatures that call the park home!
To register for this FREE event:
naturefestival.org.au/event/south-parklands-nature-by-night
Once Upon A Story Trail – A walk in the bush @ The Pines Reserve
Self-guided: this event can be done at any time
Follow the Story Trail signs to discover the wonders of nature and read A Walk in The Bush!
‘A Walk in the Bush’, written and illustrated by Gywn Perkins will be on display at the Pines Reserve. Awarded the 2018 Picture Book of the Year by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, this story will help you discover the wonders of nature, the funny side of life and spending time with the ones you love.
The Pines Conservation Reserve, Kapunda
To register for this FREE event:
naturefestival.org.au/event/once-upon-a-story-trail-the-pines-reserve
Once Upon A Story Trail – We’re going on a bear hunt @ Freeling Wetlands
Self-guided: this event can be done at any time
The 30th Anniversary Edition of the classic story ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ – retold by Michael Rosen and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, will fill you with excitement as you swish through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear!
The Freeling Wetlands, Coulls St, Freeling
To register for this FREE event:
naturefestival.org.au/event/once-upon-a-story-trail-freeling-wetlands
Free Bike Hire on the Fleurieu Coast
Self-guided: this event can be done at any time
Cycling on one of the three styles of bikes available, retro bikes, adult mountain bikes and 24” kids mountain bikes is a great way to discover the Fleurieu Coast, with Yankalilla, Normanville, Carrickalinga and Myponga all being relatively flat and within close distance.
Fleurieu Coast free bike hire is available at the Fleurieu Coast Visitor Centre, Smiling Samoyed & The Jetty Caravan Park.
To register for this FREE event:
naturefestival.org.au/event/free-bike-hire-on-the-fleurieu-coast
Under the Sea at the Marine Discovery Centre
The Marine Discovery Centre in Henley Beach is opening its doors to the public for an afternoon of aquatic delights and fun education. A range of interactive experiences will engage visitors with the wonders of marine life and the importance of looking after our environment.
A guided and self discovery opportunity to explore the many features of the centre, including:
- Aquariums featuring local South Australian marine creatures such as the Port Jackson Shark, Shaw’s Cowfish, Pot Bellied Seahorses, Southern Fiddler Ray, Porcupine Fish, Murray River Turtle and more
- Kaurna education Room (The Wodli) is an interactive room which highlights the relationship that Kaurna people have with the Adelaide Plains and the coast.
- Interactive models featuring oceanography, climate change, marine debris, marine habitats, touchscreens, sustainable fishing, stormwater, beachcombing, and get hands on with our microscopes.
The tour will conclude with a Marine Trail with our Marine Scientists on Henley Beach from 4.30pm
For more information or to purchase tickets:
Byards Road Wetland Nature by Night
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Grab your torch and join us for a fun, guided night walk to discover the bats, frogs and other awesome creatures that come out after dark.
Don’t forget to bring a torch. No pets allowed as they frighten away the critters!
This is a family event and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Bookings essential.
Byards Road Wetland, Byards Road, Happy Valley
To register for this FREE event:
For more information or to view the whole Nature Festival program:
