Photo credit: Michael Waterhouse Photography
Ghost Mushrooms in the Adelaide Hills
You don’t have to go all the way to Mount Gambier to see these amazing bioluminescent fungi.
Head to the Mark Oliphant Conservation Park trails in Heathfield in the Adelaide Hills to view the incredible Omphalotus Nidiformis, also known as ‘Ghost Mushrooms’. Photographer Michael Waterhouse found these […]
[ May 15, 2020; ]
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden re-opens Friday 15 May 2020
With just over two weeks of May remaining we still have enough time to visit the stunning Mount Lofty Botanic Garden to take in the beautiful late autumn colours.
After seven weeks of closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are delighted to hear that Mount Lofty Botanic […]
South Australia’s National Parks are reopening for camping on Monday 11 May 2020
National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia are reopening National Parks for camping, plus parks accommodation and camping on Crown Lands will also reopen.
Park facilities now open include:
Campgrounds (from Monday 11 May 2020)
Group facilities such as barbecues, firepits, showers, indoor camp kitchens (from […]
[ May 7, 2020 to May 31, 2020. ]
Junior Rangers – Autumn Diaries
The SA National Parks & Wildlife Service have created a weekly nature journalling activity for Junior Rangers (aimed at kids aged 8-14 years, but anyone can join in). The aim is to capture nature this autumn.
Nature journalling is easy, flexible and good for the soul. It has been practised throughout history […]
Tips for gardening with kids at home
There’s nothing better than picking your own fruit and veg and watching your flowers and plants spring up and become a haven for bees, birds and other creatures.
Gardening is great fun and good exercise and it’s fantastic when kids get out into the garden and watch with excitement […]
Family, nature and COVID-19 – A free online guide to support families by Nature Play SA
In an Australian first, South Australian, not for profit organisation, Nature Play SA has launched a free, online guide to support families across the country and the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This beautifully presented 85-page e-book offers credible information, strategies, and […]
5 Nature Activities To Do At Home during the Holidays
Here’s how your kids can still get a good dose of nature around the house these school holidays.
If your family is in self-isolation or implementing social distancing measures these school holidays, it will no doubt be a hard task to come up with new ideas to […]
Activities Kids Can Do at Home – Fun, Affordable Easy Ideas & Inspiration
Help the kids have fun at home with these easy indoor and outdoor activities using simple household items, pantry staples, recycled materials and a little bit of imagination!
As families stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19, with the cancellation of countless upcoming events […]
25 Things to do in Adelaide during Autumn by Nature Play SA
The fabulous team at Nature Play SA have put together a list of 25 family friendly ideas and activities to do throughout Autumn. March, April and May usually have warm days and cool nights, so it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the […]
What’s In Your Backyard?
Costa is asking kids across Australia to grab a camera and snap photos of the flora and fauna in their backyard.
Joining forces with Junior Landcare, the popular TV star and Landcare champion has launched the ‘What’s In Your Backyard?’ campaign to encourage the next generation to get outside and document what’s in their […]
Just Jonnies – Apple Picking at Harrisville Orchards
Just Jonnies is a new apple picking event at Harrisville Orchards in Lenswood.
Their first apple picking event “Just Jonnies” will be on Saturday 14 March 12pm until 4pm and again on Sunday 15 March from 12pm until 4pm. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for future pick […]
Nature Play SA Forest Festival 2020
Grab your picnic blankets and beanies, Nature Play SA are bringing you an unforgettable family festival in the majestic Kuitpo Forest.
IMPORTANT UPDATE Sunday 15 March 2020:
Following the Federal Government announcement banning public gatherings of 500 people or more in an effort to slow the spreading of COVID-19, this event has […]
The South Australian Tourism Commission has launched a recovery campaign for the regions devastated by the recent bushfires in South Australia.
The campaign, “Help them out, #BookThemOut”, will focus on encouraging people to visit the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island to boost bookings and help reinvigorate the local economies.
Now more than ever, our beautiful Adelaide […]
Exploring Family Friendly Kangaroo Island
South Australia’s Kangaroo Island is a true natural paradise, perfect for families wanting a getaway with that real holiday spirit – a world class bucket list destination.
There is so much to see and do on Australia’s third largest island from action adventures to peaceful walks through untouched bushland. Think pristine beaches, […]
Image: Carl Charter
Environment SA’s 10 Top Spots to Snorkel in South Australia
South Australia’s marine parks are full to the brim with great spots to snorkel. Here are 10 places to try.
From leafy sea dragons to giant Australian cuttlefish, about 85 per cent of the marine life in South Australia’s marine parks is found nowhere else […]
New ‘Sounds from the Ground’ Nature Playspace opened in Balaklava
The town of Balaklava is now home to the new ‘Sounds from the Ground’ Nature Playspace, officially opened on 25 October 2019.
The playspace is the perfect addition to Apex Park precinct which is home to a swimming pool, skate park, community garden and bowling club. The […]
Flinders Uni’s ‘SpringFest’, plus walking trails – Review, October 2019
The southern suburbs uni recently opened its doors for a family-friendly event. But, as we discovered, the campus has even more to offer, including scenic walking trails.
by Carla Caruso
It’s been a while since I’ve been a uni student (scarily, almost two decades), so I haven’t had […]
[ November 9, 2019 to November 11, 2019. ]
Sophie’s Patch Spring Open Garden
There will be a fabulous program of speakers, nurseries, refreshments and surprises providing entertainment and inspiration for the thousands of visitors from across Australia who visit this dry lands garden.
Kids Activities
On Saturday Kate Hubmayer will be running nature craft with kids making nature crowns.
Kristen Messenger from Bugs ‘n’ Slugs will also be there […]
[ October 26, 2019 to October 27, 2019. ]
Glenthorne National Park Open Days
Go along to one of the Glenthorne National Park Open Days and be amongst the first to see what’s planned for Adelaide’s newest national park.
Take a ranger-guided walk and see artist’s impressions from the draft master plan, and join in activities hosted by Nature Play SA including geocaching and cultural activities by the […]
50 Great Walks and Hikes for Kids & Families in South Australia
Walking and hiking with kids is a great way for families to spend quality time together outdoors. There are some really easy, short walks in South Australia which are great for little legs, while older kids will enjoy the challenge of more adventurous hikes.
Walking […]
Fossil Hunters Playground | Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park
A nature based playground and South Australia’s only World Heritage listed site, get together for a great day of fun and digging into the treasures of our past.
by Natalie Thoo
As you walk up to the Naracoorte Caves Visitor Centre you can’t miss a newly curated playground just off […]
Mitcham Memorial Library & Brownhill Creek in Hawthorn
If you thought libraries were just for bookworms or cranky types who like to ‘shh’ your kids, think again. Libraries aren’t what they used to be – particularly Hawthorn’s Mitcham Memorial Library.
by Carla Caruso
Following a $6.5 million rebuild, the new-look Mitcham Library flung open its doors in January […]
[ October 13, 2019; ]
Salisbury Plays at St Kilda
Salisbury Plays will arrive at St Kilda Adventure Playground for some games, sports, fun and food.
In partnership with Nature Play SA, this exciting event is filled with a range of nature play activities for children and families of all ages, from bush craft and kite making to walks exploring the biodiversity […]
[ September 29, 2019; ]
Explore, Discover + Play – A Family Day Out at Felixstow Reserve – Nature Play SA
Join Nature Play SA and the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters as they host a FREE family day out at the award winning Felixstow Reserve.
The fun-filled day will have the whole family exploring wetlands teeming with life, discovering […]
[ October 12, 2019; ]
Forest Adventure Day on Hindmarsh Island
Join Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures for a fun and adventurous family experience exploring the magical forest at their private campsite on Hindmarsh Island.
The Forest Adventure Day is part of the Nature Play SA Festival, an annual festival for children and their families which celebrates and encourages play outdoors in nature.
Gates […]
[ September 28, 2019 to October 20, 2019. ]
Nature Play SA 2019 Festival
The Nature Play SA Festival is an annual festival for children and their families which celebrates and encourages play outdoors in nature!
The Festival is coordinated by Nature Play SA in collaboration with more than 30 wonderful event host organisations including local and state government, not-for-profits, playgroups, education sites, nature clubs, Friends Groups, libraries and more! The 2018 Nature Play Festival is […]
[ September 22, 2019; ]
Tennyson Dunes Open Day
Coastal beauty spot, Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve, will be a-buzz with activity at its popular annual Open Day.
This year, Tennyson Dunes have a huge new project that you can be directly involved in. Join Sophie Thomson, of Gardening Australia fame, and help them build their very own Native Bee Hotel and […]
[ September 22, 2019; ]
Bushcare’s Big Day Out 2019 – Morialta Conservation Park
Go along to Morialta’s Fourth Creek in the top of the park where the wild things thrive.
Many people love to visit Morialta for its lovely waterfalls, but did you know that in the top of the park is where many threatened species live? Did you also know […]
[ October 19, 2019; ]
Flinders University SpringFest
Explore, play and discover Flinders.
Flinders University is calling all explorers to experience their spring garden of fun, education and entertainment. Held during the October school holidays, they’ve partnered with Nature Play SA to cultivate a packed program of free activities and experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
Be amazed by the weird, wacky […]
[ September 21, 2019 to September 22, 2019. September 28, 2019 to September 29, 2019. ]
Stella Creek Cherry Blossom Festival
Each year for two weeks in Spring, the Stella Creek Orchards come alive with cherry blossom. To walk under the canopy of over 2 million white blossoms is a truly magical experience and one that they would like to share with everyone.
For the first time in September 2019, Stella Creek will […]
We’ve recently stumbled across an old gem – Pine Reserve Playground in Aberfoyle Park
by Brooke Hendry
Have you ever lived in an area for years and not realised that you had an absolute treasure of a playground literally around the corner?
This is what has happened to us. How did we not know about Pine Reserve Playground […]
[ August 17, 2019 to August 18, 2019. ]
Festival of the Magpie at Cleland Wildlife Park
Known for their sweet song and sometimes vicious aerial assaults, the magpie is a highly intelligent bird, and one that is often misunderstood.
To help gain a better understanding of magpies and their habits, Cleland Wildlife Park is holding a two day ‘Festival of the Magpie’ event on the […]
[ August 11, 2019; ]
Granite Island Planting Day
Go along and help Friends of Granite Island plant seedlings to restore the Little Penguin habitat.
On Sunday 11 August the local ranger will be on hand and you can learn about the Little Penguin from the volunteers, who are working hard to look after the island, by joining a penguin tour.
If you […]
[ July 26, 2019; July 28, 2019; ]
National Tree Day 2019
National Tree Day started has grown into Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event. It’s a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community.
Proudly sponsored by Toyota Australia, Tree Day is an opportunity to do something positive for your local environment and […]
Heywood Park Mini Ninja Playspace Under Construction
Editor’s Note: the playspace is now open from 26 September 2019
READ OUR REVIEW HERE
Cutting-edge technology and a new playground will be installed at Heywood Park thanks to more than $400,000 of Federal and State Government funding.
The City of Unley was successful in receiving $150,000 from the State Government’s Fund […]
[ July 8, 2019 to July 13, 2019. ]
Pop-up Adventure Playspace at Eighty Eight O’Connell during the July School Holidays
The Pop-up Adventure Playspace at Eighty Eight O’Connell will be filled with an epic variety of FREE activities for children of all ages.
This event will take place during the first week of SA school holidays. Please check the details below for dates and […]
[ June 29, 2019; ]
International Mud Day 2019
This year, International Mud Day is being held on Saturday 29 June 2019. It aims to connect children across the entire world through the earth, by playing in the mud.
It gives children and early childhood professionals all over the globe the opportunity to celebrate nature, outdoors and mess by getting really muddy […]
[ June 28, 2019; 9:30 am to 11:30 am. ]
Mud Fest and Outdoor Play
International Mud Day is a day for children all over the world to celebrate nature and the joy of mud, with the oficial day this year Saturday 29 June 2019 (read more about it here).
The Holdfast Bay Community Centre will be hosting a morning full of muddy fun on Friday 28 […]
[ July 17, 2019; ]
Cubby Town 2019
Cubby Town is back for the 2019 winter school holidays!
Nature Play SA is excited to be teaming up with National Parks South Australia again for their 5th Cubby Town event for ONE DAY only on 17 July at Belair National Park.
Tickets are now on sale and numbers will be capped to ensure the enjoyment of […]
[ June 23, 2019; 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. ]
Swampfest 2019 Community Planting Day at Stipiturus Conservation Park
Help save the Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren
Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges invite you and your family to this year’s Swampfest, an annual community event to help re-establish habitat around one of the Fleurieu’s largest swamps. During the day they will be planting seedlings of […]
