It's on again! The free
Summertime Playscape at Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens is back for the summer holidays, promising children adventures in the great outdoors with Mother Nature taking the leading role. Children will discover secret gardens of colour, while creating life-long memories amidst the whispering trees and special artworks.
The Maroochy Regional Bushland is a safe and spacious setting - away from traffic and crowds - where children can explore their own natural curiosity.
Explore a village of tiny mud houses - Image: author
inhabit a village of tiny mud houses
go on a search for pages of a super-sized picture book
build a mandala from nature's treasures
enter a giant turtle sandpit
Giant sandpit - Image: author
become a birdwing butterfly
find hidden koalas on the painted poles
Look for pages of a super-sized picture book - Image: author
Short challenge for 5 years plus - find six markers
Full challenge for 9 years plus - find all seventeen markers
The Great Botanic Race has a new map (maps available at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens) and a new puzzle to solve these summer holidays. How fast can you find all the letters?
Grab a friend and go exploring the beautiful
Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens, in this easy to medium orienteering challenge for children and their caregivers. The Great Botanic Race weaves through forest, lawn and sculpture gardens, making a visit to these well-loved gardens, a fun family adventure.
An all-new mission awaits for young nature agents - Image: Sunshine Coast Council FB
An all-new mission for young nature agents to unlock Mother Nature's secrets using the free Agents of Discovery app on their smart devices. Challenges are hidden throughout the playscape to be unlocked, via GPS, as children are out and about, exploring. Follow the map and koala clues to solve the mission.
Download the FREE App before you leave home with
Google Play here or via the
Apple App Store here.
Child-friendly bushland walks - Image: author
There are limited opportunities on offer for children to contribute to the actual creation of the playscape in December. These activities come at a low cost and due to their popularity usually sell out very quickly.
1. Collaborative Ephemeral Art with Laura Vecmane on Friday 11 December | $15
Children are invited to join artist, Laura Vecmane to create a large ephemeral artwork, 'Web of Life' at the Botanic Gardens.
The Web of Life is to be created, using natural treasures, including bark, stone, leaves and seed pods, to create patterns which celebrate connections and relationships.
This workshop has unfortunately SOLD OUT, but visitors are still able to explore and enjoy the art installations throughout the Summertime Playscape opening period.
Children will love adding their very own splash of colour to the Pop Up Poles - Image: www.eventbrite.com.au
2.
Painting Pop Up Poles with Damien Kamholtz and Rachel Price on Saturday 12 December | $15
Tickets are still available here for Painting Pop Up Poles
Family groups are encouraged to book under a single registration but will get to enjoy creating the artwork together. Groups will be safely spaced within the installation for a Covid-safe workshop experience.
More mini mud houses to explore - Image: author
Children and their families are invited to add their splash of colour to a special collection of painted poles at Summertime Playscape.
Play on Play creative pair Damien Kamholtz and Rachel Price are the facilitators behind this decorated vertical art installation, painted by children for children! The poles will explore patterns found in nature and expressed playfully through colour and shape. Made from recycled materials, the collection of Pop Up Poles will encourage visitors to reflect on use of resources and the impact on our environment. A vulnerable creature will be hidden on each pole as a challenge for visitors to find within the layered painting.
The gorgeously colourful Pop Up Poles can be enjoyed and viewed by visitors to the Botanic Gardens throughout the holidays.
A family nature play date is worthy of a bookmark - Image: author
Take family time out to explore, create and connect at Summer Playscape at the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens throughout the summer holidays. With picnic shelters, tree-shaded lawns, public toilets and easy parking, a nature play date in Tanawha is worthy of a bookmark.
Please Note - dogs are not permitted at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens as they pose a danger to the resident koalas
