Blog

Tree climbing – who’s up for the challenge?

August 15, 2023

On a recent family holiday my kids found it bemusing that I was paying so much attention to trees. We were in one of the most densely populated cities of the world. The local government had undertaken a streetscaping project more than ten years earlier and watching the trees and plants grow and thrive has […]

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Healthy Trail Mix Recipe

August 9, 2023

We love a good snack when we’re out and about on our nature play adventures, so we asked our good friend and nutritionist Liz Mendelawitz for some tips on something healthy to take with us!  Here’s what she had to say: Thinking about snacks for a family hike in our Great Outdoors, or even a […]

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Dr Maren Østvold Lindheim’s Visit to WA: Harnessing Nature for Healing

July 20, 2023

Nature Play WA recently welcomed esteemed clinical psychologist, Dr Maren Østvold Lindheim, from Oslo University Hospital, Norway, to Perth. Dr Lindheim’s visit marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to explore the benefits of incorporating nature into medical treatment for WA children. Her visit brought together leading pediatric healthcare providers and supporting organisations, and provided […]

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Nature and The Arts – A Wonderful Combination

June 21, 2023

Using nature elements in children’s art and craft projects is super cool and has loads of benefits! First off, it really gets those creative juices flowing. When kids incorporate leaves, flowers, rocks, and shells into their artwork, their imagination goes wild, and they come up with all sorts of amazing ideas! Not only that, working […]

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The value of childhood extends to all kids – especially those in hospital

June 14, 2023

A question that I have been considering for a while now is, Are we (adults and decision makers) ready to commit to a better childhood for kids? I suppose the simpler question is, Do we understand the value of childhood? It feels like we are getting close. The more attention I pay to this, the […]

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Kent Street Weir Park Pergola

Sharing my voice for reconciliation week and beyond

June 1, 2023

It’s National Reconciliation Week (27 May-3 June) and during this week we are encouraged to take the opportunity to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine says this year’s theme, Be a Voice for Generations, calls on […]

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Outdoor Nature Play and the Curriculum

May 16, 2023

What I Found in Nature – Paper Bag Scavenger Hunt Fitting the curriculum in to outdoor play can be as easy as a scavenger hunt.  Scavenger hunts are awesome fun for children of all ages, but this nature scavenger hunt has been designed specifically with younger kids in mind.  You simply create a book from […]

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Outdoor Play is the beginning of a reconnection to the simpler things in life

April 20, 2023

Hello! I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Learning and Engagement Manager at Nature Play WA, specialising in education. I’m excited to join such a passionate and dedicated team, and to have the opportunity to help shape the future of nature-based education in Western Australia and beyond.  In this role, I’ll be responsible for […]

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Helping others helps kids

April 18, 2023

I recently had the pleasure of attending my first Telethon Giving Ceremony. Having grown up in Perth, I have always felt a connection to Telethon, Fat Cat, Rick and Susannah, and the kids’ hospital (PMH back then). I knew that WA was special because of Telethon and every year I felt a rush of happiness […]

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The Real Risk Is In Not Letting Kids Take Risks

March 15, 2023

Recent research out of the Royal Children’s Hospital delivered some good news – most parents (94%) recognise the benefits of play for a child’s physical, wellbeing and brain development. Good news for those of us in the business of raising happy, healthy humans.   We know that a child’s physical, wellbeing and brain development continues well […]

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We Acknowledge
Nature Play WA acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation, as the custodians of the land where our team lives and works. We also acknowledge the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and recognise the continuing connection of Indigenous people to their land, waters, sky, culture and community. We pay our respect to all Indigenous people of this land; ancestors, elders and young ones.