Whether it’s making a boat out of natural materials and watching it sail downstream at Latrobe River Picnic and Camping Area, or lying on the grass among the old-growth pine trees at Walmer State Forest Recreation Area playing the cloud shape game – the options are never-ending!
Connecting with nature has profound health and wellbeing benefits for people of all ages. This is especially true when it comes to our youngest Victorians.
Nature play is linked to positive physical and mental development in children, with natural environments providing the backdrop to immersive, creative play and opportunities for physical movement.
Where to inspire nature play in kids
The Stevensons Falls Walk beside the Gellibrand River in the Otways is a great choice for kids. Encourage them to build a cubbyhouse among the towering Californian redwood trees en route to the spectacular waterfalls. The 500-metre boardwalk to the base of the waterfall is now accessible for everyone, making it one of the longest fully accessible walkways to a waterfall in the country.
Dandos Campground is the perfect backdrop to spark kids’ imaginations, located on the Gellibrand River in Otway Forest Park, about 20 minutes from Forrest. Bring a magnifying glass to see how many insects you can count or test the kids’ balancing skills by hopping on the rocks by the river’s edge.
Another option is Waterfall Picnic Area in the Pyrenees State Forest west of Avoca. Immerse yourself in this scenic valley, while the kids challenge themselves to a scramble over the granite boulders. Or take a short walk from the picnic area to the peaceful Avoca Falls.
Toolangi Sculpture Trail is a great choice for letting kids’ imaginations run free among the creative environmental artwork. Pack a picnic and lie on the spacious grassy area. Encourage the kids to tell you what they can hear, see and feel – a wonderful way to calm little minds. You could also develop an obstacle course using natural markers like logs, rocks, picnic tables or weaving around the artwork itself.
Why not head out to Snobs Banyarmbite Falls, a 300m return walk in the Rubicon State Forest, 20km southwest of Alexandra. Take in the impressive, tiered waterfall tumbling over large boulders from two viewing platforms and see who can spot the most birds.
Poplars Reserve in the Loch Valley 15 minutes north of Noojee is a family-friendly reserve surrounded by beautiful European Poplar trees. Collect the tree’s heart-shaped leaves, along with loose stones, seeds, bark and feathers to create a nature mandala – a geometric artwork.
Find out more
Hours of fun await your little adventurers! Download our More to Explore app to plan your next family visit to our state forests.
Page last updated: 23/10/24