Encourage Families to Spend Time in Nature With a Talk N Walk Event

Nature Play WA’s Talk N Walk event is a simple, flexible and inclusive community activation that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get outside to move, talk and connect in, and with, nature. 

Whether you’re a local government, school, community group or organisation, hosting a Talk N Walk event is an easy way to active a space and promote physical activity, mental wellbeing and social connection in your community. 

What is a Talk N Walk Event?

A Talk N Walk event is a self-guided or lightly facilitated outdoor experience where participants explore a walk trail (or series of adjacent trails) at their own pace while engaging in conversation and nature-connection activities, facilitated by prompts displayed on temporary signage.

Events can be tailored to suit any setting – from parks and bushland, to riverside trails, school grounds or urban neighbourhoods – and are designed to be: 

• Inclusive for all ages and abilities,
• Flexible and self-paced,
• Focused on conversation and connection, and
• Grounded in natural spaces.

Walking and talking in nature has been shown to support mental wellbeing, reduce stress, and improve social connection – especially when experienced in a relaxed, pressure-free environment. 

Why Host a Talk N Walk?

Hosting a Talk N Walk event helps communities: 

• Encourage active recreation 
• Support children, teens and families to spend more time outdoors  
• Strengthen social connection and belonging  
• Improve mental wellbeing through movement and nature connection  
• Activate local parks and natural spaces in meaningful ways  

Walking together also creates a natural environment for conversation to flow more easily, helping people connect in ways that often don’t happen in structured settings. 

Ongoing Benefits Beyond the Event

To extend the benefits beyond the event itself, participants are introduced to the free Talk N Walk app. During or after the event, details of the app will be shared so participants can continue the positive experience of taking a Talk N Walk anywhere, anytime – using guided conversation prompts and nature connection activities built into the app, which was co-designed with more than 100 WA kids!

What’s Included at a Talk N Walk Event?

We’ll work with you to select suitable trails, plan the placement of nature connection activities and conversation prompts, and support event marketing and promotion through Nature Play WA’s established communication channels. We can also attend on the day to welcome participants and explain the experience. 

Your Talk N Walk Event includes;

• Event planning 
• Marketing and promotion – including promotional flyer and social media tiles  
• Conversation and nature connection prompt signage to place along your trail/s 
• Printed Talk N Walk card decks (optional) 
• Event handout for participants, including details of the free Talk N Walk app for future use by participants – anywhere, anytime
• Facilitation by Nature Play WA staff on the day of the event 

Additional Event Features (Optional)

Drawing on successful events such as a recent Talk N Walk at Kings Park, the following optional features can be added to boost engagement: 

• Short and longer walking routes to suit all abilities  
• Sensory-friendly and accessible pathways  
• Chalk drawing 
• Picnic and rest areas  
• Photo competition 
• Light rewards such as refreshments or small nature-based giveaways 

Where Can You Host a Talk N Walk?

Talk N Walk events can be hosted almost anywhere, including:

• Local parks and playgrounds  
• Bushland and nature reserves  
• Coastal paths and riverside trails  
• School grounds or shared community spaces  
• Urban walking loops through neighbourhoods 

Who Can Host a Talk N Walk Event?

Talk N Walk is designed for:

• Local governments  
• Community organisations  
• Health and wellbeing programs  
• Youth and family services  
• Family focused corporate or workplace wellbeing initiatives 
• Schools – also see our Talk N Walk Toolkit for Schools and our Talk N Walk to School webpage