Nature play is always better with friends.
Since having my first son, I spent countless hours searching the internet for nature playgroups. I wrote to all nature organizations and unfortunately none were happening close to my home. (With nap times this is a necessity) One organization replied encouraging me to start my own ... so I did!
I noticed early on that our experiences in nature were always enhanced when we had friends with us. It was more relaxing for me, the kids were more creative with their surroundings and the joy was always tenfold.
Finding people to connect with was suprisingly easy. I had to reach out from my core network but thanks to the community and Facebook I have found an amazing bunch of like minded friends. We all encourage and share knowledge about nature spaces and they have even encouraged me to go camping this weekend (first time for everything)
The other struggle is finding nature spaces close by. Our criteria is simple - no playgrounds. A big thank you to Natalie at bush kindergarten because she has found some great key nature spots so close to home. The magic that we have found in these spots always seem to amaze me and invigorate me for the next week.
Playgrounds are not bad just boring. They are all the same, colours and equipment. They do not allow for the same imagination and creativity that flourishes in the bush. However, it's great that we are starting to see some creative spaces pop up around Melbourne.
Nature spaces provide key benefits that playgrounds cant offer.
A few key benefits are:
1. Very few age and ability barriers.
I have witnessed mixed age children finding it much easier to engage with each other in nature as they all come to the space on an equal play field. No one fighting to go up and down the slide, how fast to go on the spinners and who is going to drive the toy car.
2. All 7 senses are stimulated naturally. Before you say that I have made a typo, the two extra senses are vestibular and proprioception. And although these two can be worked on at the playground, the natural setting enhances the experiences and gives them a good work out.
3. Going at the pace of nature and reaping all the benefits nature has to offer. Building our microbiome, reducing stress, learning to take risk... the benefits list is so long, it's amazing!
Grab your friends, find a natural space and relish in the goodness you are providing your children and to yourself.
