Why Centennial Parklands Is Our Best Outdoor Classroom These Spring School Holidays

There is a whole body of research as to the importance of outdoor play for children. Yet, living in this cramped city of ours with technology literally at our fingertips, it often isn't a regular reality for many kids. 

Why Is Outdoor Play So Important?

Through play, kids can experiment, solve problems, think creatively, and communicate and cooperate with others. But through outdoor play they are receiving even more benefits and crucial life skills that simply can't be replicated inside. Think about the outdoors: it's an open and constantly changing environment, where it is possible to experience freedom, movement, and hands-on contact with natural elements. There's also the health benefits of sunlight and fresh air, which contributes to bones development and stronger immune systems. And, of course, the increased physical activity that the outdoors encourages, which fights childhood obesity. A simple trip to your local park can do wonders for your child's brain development, imagination and wellbeing. 

Why Centennial Parklands Is Our Best Outdoor Classroom

These Spring school holidays, Centennial Parklands has a range of new and exciting programs that will get kids outdoors, having fun and learning. These are just some of the highlights:

Theatre for Kids - What a Bat Life?: This fun-filled interactive theatre production features one of the parkland's most prominent inhabitant - the flying foxes. Kids can get a bat’s eye view as they are lead through the Lachlan Swamp to gain interesting insights into the world of micobats and flying foxes. 
Where:   The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, off Dickens Drive, Centennial Park
When:    8 Oct 2018; 10.30-11.30am
Cost:      $16

WILD PLAY Kids vs Wild - Tracks, Trails, and Treasure Hunts: Challenging play experiences are an important part of how your child learns and develops because they help your child understand risks, make decisions, cope with challenges and gain self-confidence. In this natural treasure hunt, kids can join the team of Education Rangers for a morning of shelter building and survival games, animal tracking and trail making.
Where:   The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, off Dickens Drive, Centennial Park
When:    11 Oct 2018; 1-3pm
Cost:      $30

Exploring Science: Science doesn't have to be inside a lab, get your science-loving kids outdoors to find out all about light, sound, movement, energy changes, air pressure and more using hands-on science toys and child-friendly experiments.
Where:   The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, off Dickens Drive, Centennial Park
When:    9 Oct 2018; 9am-12pm
Cost:      $45

Spotlight Prowl: Dusk is a great time to get outdoors and spotting wildlife, especially microbats. Centennial Parklands is home to a variety of nocturnal creatures, from Brush-tailed Possums to one of Sydney’s largest colonies of Grey-headed Flying-fox. Join the team for a fascinating and surprising spotlight walk to see how the Park transforms when the sun goes down.
Where:   The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, off Dickens Drive, Centennial Park
When:    5 Oct 2018; 5.30-7pm
Cost:      $20

Lego Robotics 1: This one is for the true tinkers, who want to put their maker skills to good use - and then get outside to test their creations! In this workshops kids can learn how to teach a robot to do what you wish using motors, sensors and more. 
Where:   The WILD PLAY Discovery Centre, off Dickens Drive, Centennial Park
When:    12 Oct 2018; 9am-12pm
Cost:      $45