Nature Play SA

Safe, creative and nature-rich experiences can have a powerful impact on wellbeing, confidence and connection 🌿 Over five weeks, Nature Play SA partnered with @createfnd to deliver Birds in Focus - an art and wellbeing program for children and young people in care, alongside their carers. Using stories of birds, creativity and connection to nature, the program nurtured curiosity, resilience, self-expression and confidence. Importantly, this program was never about the final artwork - it was about creating, connecting and recognising each young person’s voice and story 💚 The impact was clear: 🌿 All carers observed positive changes in wellbeing, confidence, emotional regulation and creative skills 🌿 Carers also reported feeling calmer and more connected with their young person 🌿 All participating children and young people shared they felt calmer, more confident and more capable 🌿 100% said they would participate again Participants shared: 🌿 “A sense of calm and a great way to express yourself” 🌿 “A great opportunity to build skills and confidence” 🌿 “It was easy to engage with for all ages and promotes independent creativity” We’re so grateful to CREATE Foundation for their partnership and look forward to continuing this important work 🌿 This initiative was made possible thanks to support from @greenadelaidesa #NaturePlaySA #ConnectionThroughNature #CreativeWellbeing #OutdoorLearning #BirdsInFocus

We were delighted to welcome the Reception students from St Peter’s Girls’ School to Wittunga House today for our Early Learners Go Wild excursion 🌿 Guided by our education team at Nature Play SA, the group explored a range of sensory, play-based experiences — from mixing nature potions to constructing with loose parts and building cubbies using sticklets, ropes, poles and tarps — all set within the beautiful surrounds of Wittunga Botanic Gardens. Designed for ELC, Kindy and early years students, this 90-minute nature immersion encourages creative expression, discovery, and meaningful connections with nature. Sessions run year-round, with bookings available for school groups 🌱 Thanks for playing Saints Girls! 👋 #NaturePlaySA #NaturePlay #ResilientKids #OutdoorPlay #SchoolPrograms

And just like that… FOREST FESTIVAL 2026 is a wrap 🌿✨ Two days of magic, music, and moments we’ll never forget. Thank you to everyone who came, slowed down, and soaked up the beauty of the forest with us. From shared smiles to quiet connections under the trees (and a few special appearances from the Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos ), it was something truly special. Forest Festival couldn’t have been possible without the support of @Forestrysa , Electranet, @greenadelaide and @Healthpartners . Until next time… 🌲💫 #NaturePlaySA #ForestFestival #AdelaideKids #AdelaideFamilies #SouthAustralia

And that’s a wrap on Day 1 of FOREST FESTIVAL! ✨🌲 What an incredible day of nature play, connection, sunshine, song and dance, and delicious food in the forest. We can’t wait to do it all again for our FINAL DAY tomorrow! 🎟️ Last minute tickets available - LINK IN BIO 👉 This year’s Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of @forestrysa , ElectraNet and @greenadelaidesa #ForestFestival #NaturePlay #OutdoorKids #SouthAustralia #SchoolHolidaysAdelaide

🌿✨ FOREST FESTIVAL IS THIS WEEK! ✨🌿 The countdown is on and we are SO excited to welcome you and your family into the forest! With beautiful weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors, explore, play, and connect with nature 🌞🌳 Here’s just a taste of the magic waiting for you: 🌱 Bushwalking adventures
🌸 Nature crowns & masks
🪵 Loose parts play + forest weaving
🧪 Nature potions & tinkering
🪶 Aboriginal message stones
🎶 Bush stick xylophones
🧘 Forest yoga
🧭 Geocaching trails
📖 Storytime & family reading
🪁 Kite flying + giant lawn games
🏕️ Wild cubby building
🦁 Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo …and so much more! Follow the @healthpartners_au Wellness Trail, discover hidden creatures, explore hands-on activities, and don’t miss the live performances on the Electranet Stage — including a special Acknowledgement of Country, live music, and high-energy drumming from @theamazingdrummingmonkeys 🥁 🗺️ Check out the festival map and let the forest guide your adventure! 🎟️ TICKETS are STILL AVAILABLE! Grab yours via the link in bio and join us for an unforgettable day of nature play, creativity, and family fun. This year’s Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of @forestrysa , ElectraNet and @greenadelaidesa #ForestFestival #NaturePlay #OutdoorKids #SouthAustralia #SchoolHolidaysAdelaide

With just ONE WEEK until Forest Festival, we’re giving one lucky family the ultimate school holiday adventure 🎉 🎟️ WIN a FAMILY PASS to Forest Festival (Wed 15 or Thurs 16 April, Kuitpo Forest) 🌳 PLUS a $100 @treeclimb.au Gift Card for even more holiday fun WHAT’S WAITING FOR YOU: 🎶 Live stage shows featuring @theamazingdrummingmonkeys 🌿 20+ hands-on nature play & creative experiences 🍂 Wellness Trail adventures & forest discoveries 🧘‍♀️ A calming Wellbeing Hub to recharge 🥙 Food and drinks from a range of incredible local vendors: @tasteofparadisesa @sookiilala_adl @tachsstroopwafels @hokeypokeystirling @dejabrewspecialtycoffee and Atomic Food Van. PLUS potion making, cubby building, guided walks, and magical installations like Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo. It’s the kind of day your kids won’t want to leave… and you’ll enjoy too 💛 TO ENTER: 1. Follow @NaturePlaySA 2. Like this post 3. Tag a friend who would love to come👇 (each tag = extra entry) 4. BONUS ENTRY: Share to your story & tag us Competition now closed. Already bought your tickets? No problem! Enter the giveaway, and if you’re the lucky winner, we’ll refund the cost of your tickets. Tag your crew + lock in your school holiday plans! #NaturePlaySA #ForestFestival #AdelaideKids #AdelaideFamilies #SouthAustralia

Early Bird tickets end TONIGHT! 🌿 Forest Festival 2026 is back this April, and this is your last chance to secure Early Bird tickets before they end at midnight tonight ⏰ Join us in the magical Kuitpo Forest for a day of nature play, creativity, and unforgettable family fun. Think 5 hours of immersive experiences, live entertainment, and space to truly reconnect with the outdoors. 🎶 Live stage shows with the @theamazingdrummingmonkeys 
🌿 Hands-on nature play & creative workshops
🍂 Wellness Trail adventures & forest discoveries
🧘‍♀️ A peaceful @healthpartners_au wellbeing hub to recharge From potion making and cubby building to guided walks and interactive installations like Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo - there’s something for every curious explorer. 📅 Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 April ⏳ Don’t wait - Early Bird tickets disappear at midnight tonight! 🎟 Secure your tickets NOW - Link in bio Tag your festival crew, plan your day, and meet us in the forest 🌿 This year’s Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of @forestrysa , ElectraNet and @greenadelaidesa #ForestFestival #NaturePlay #OutdoorKids #SouthAustralia #SchoolHolidaysAdelaide

The forest is calling… can you hear it? 🌲 This school holidays, step into the magic of Kuitpo Forest for Nature Play SA’s Forest Festival - where curious minds roam free, little hands create, and families reconnect. 📅 Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 April 📍Kuitpo Forest Enjoy 5 hours of interactive nature experiences, live stage shows featuring @theamazingdrummingmonkeys , food trucks, and enchanting paths with hidden discoveries along the way. There will be wonder waiting at every turn ✨ Come slow down, explore and truly belong… in nature. 🎟️ BOOK YOUR TICKETS via the link in bio This year’s Forest Festival is proudly supported by @forestrysa , ElectraNet and @greenadelaidesa #NaturePlaySA #ForestFestival #ForestFestival2026 #SchoolHolidays #AdelaideFamilies

🌲 The forest is calling… have you got your tickets yet? Our Forest Festival 2026 Early Bird tickets are now on sale and they’re already being snapped up. If you’re planning to join us in the beautiful Kuitpo Forest these school holidays, now is the time to secure your spot! For two magical days, children and families will step into a world of nature play, creativity and discovery. Expect 5 hours of immersive nature experiences, hands-on activities, and live stage shows from the high-energy @theamazingdrummingmonkeys on the ElectraNet Main Stage. Across the festival you’ll find endless opportunities for children to explore and connect with nature, food, stalls, giveaways and more. 📅 Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 April📍 Kuitpo Forest Early Bird tickets won’t last long — gather your friends and book now. 🎟 Tickets via the link in bio This year’s Forest Festival is proudly supported by @forestrysa , ElectraNet and @greenadelaidesa 🌿 #NaturePlay #NaturePlaySA #KidsInNature #SouthAustralia #ForestFestival

🌿 Forest Festival 2026 – Early Bird Tickets Now On Sale! 🌿 The forest is calling… and we can’t wait to welcome you! Join us in the beautiful Kuitpo Forest for the 9th annual Forest Festival – a magical school holiday experience where children can explore, create, learn and connect with nature. Enjoy 5 hours of interactive nature experiences, plus live stage shows featuring the @theamazingdrummingmonkeys , bringing rhythm, energy and fun to the heart of the forest. The ElectraNet main stage will once again be a hub of entertainment, with food, stalls and giveaways across the festival village - and of course, nature play adventures for all ages. 🍂 Aboriginal message stone painting 🍂 Nature crowns and masks 🍂 Evelyn Roth’s Nylon Zoo 🍂 Kids yoga 🍂 Cubby building 🍂 Guided nature walks 🍂 Nature wands 🍂 Potion making Step away from the buzz and recharge at the Health Partners Wellbeing Hub, a calming forest sanctuary designed for quiet moments, creative loose-parts play and mindful exploration. Or wander along the @healthpartners_au Wellness Trail, an enchanting path through the forest filled with hidden characters and wellness activities waiting to be discovered. 📅 Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 April We don’t expect tickets to last long — secure your Early Bird tickets now! 🎟 Grab yours: Link in bio This year’s Forest Festival has been made possible through the support of @forestrysa ElectraNet and @greenadelaidesa 🌿 #NaturePlay #KidsInNature #OutdoorPlay #AdelaideFamilies #ForestFestival

Less instruction, more PRESENCE🌲🌿 When we follow a child’s lead and let them explore without interrupting, we’re supporting their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Nature play gives them space to learn at their own pace - and it gives us a chance to slow down, breathe, be present, and notice the little wonders around us. Try this > instead of instructing or leading nature play experiences, pause and wait. Give space. Notice and follow their interests. And watch the magic unfold ✨🌿 #NaturePlaySA #NaturePlay #OutdoorPlay #KidsDevelopment #KidsNeedNature

Research shows that resilience is one of the STRONGEST protective factors for children’s mental health, helping them adapt to stress, overcome adversity, and achieve better social, emotional and academic outcomes. 💪🏼✨ Nature play gives children opportunities to build resilience through manageable risks, problem solving, and challenges - whether they’re climbing, balancing, building, or exploring. These experiences help children develop confidence, independence, and the ability to keep trying when things feel difficult. Time outdoors also supports emotional wellbeing, reducing feelings of stress, improving mood, and helping children regulate their feelings. Together, these skills form the foundations of resilience - the ability to adapt, cope with challenges, and thrive. Play in nature today to help children build resilience for life.🌿 #NaturePlaySA #NaturePlay #ResilientKids #OutdoorPlay #KidsDevelopment Fenwick-Smith, A., Dahlberg, E.E. & Thompson, S.C. (2018). Systematic review of resilience-enhancing, universal, primary school-based mental health promotion programs.