Play event to get kids back to nature

Mud-kitchen making, cubby-house building, nature-based art and craft and story time will feature in a Bunbury event encouraging children to get outdoors this weekend.

City of Bunbury has teamed up with Greater Bunbury Early Years Network and Nature Play WA for the family-friendly event at Queens Gardens on Saturday.

Nature Play in the Park aligns with Bunbury City Council’s draft Bunbury-Geographe Early Years Strategy and aims to promote health and wellbeing and encourage new ways of learning, all in a nature-based setting.

The strategy, which is due to be endorsed by the council and Dardanup and Capel shires this month, will cover four key areas of health and wellbeing, learning, family capacity and collaboration.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said it was important for children to get outside and play.

“Unstructured outdoor play or nature play has been proven to have many health benefits for children and I encourage parents and carers to take part in this inaugural event,” Mr Brennan said.

“We are excited to be teaming up with the Greater Bunbury Early Years Network and Nature Play WA to bring this event to the Bunbury community.”

There will also be a chance for families to link with early years services and programs on the day.

Nature play has flow on benefits in health, cognitive, social and emotional development and in the building of resilience and creativity, according to Nature Play WA.

The nature play event will run from 9am to 12noon.