Play in nature

Nothing fanciful. It’s not even colourful. No flying fox. No slides and swings. It’s simple creative play nestled in a beautiful garden that stimulates the imagination and calm the senses. Birds chirping. Bees buzzing. The ants are quietly working hard. It’s play therapy at its best.

We love the nature playground at Hort Park! The boys can’t get enough of it. Yes, my 2 lovely boisterous boys enjoyed themselves so much I had a hard time getting them to leave. I think the play had a soothing effect on them and they got along wonderfully well for the rest of the evening.

We had to walk some distance before reaching the nature playground, passing by the swing, a small bamboo forest and the kids' playground.

This is the entrance to the playground. It doesn’t seem like much but there is more to be explored if you venture deeper into the garden.

Tell me why sand is so much fun for my boys.

They had a good time while I relaxed nearby with a can drink. Had to re remind them to check out other parts of the playground.

The rustic feel of the huts seems so inviting. Almost like beckoning one to come and play.

As we go deeper into the forest, we were in for more surprises. A little musical garden that allows the kids to explore sounds and a mini maze that leads to more play.

This reminds me of the nature trail in Tasmania. Except that now the boys can no longer walk through the tunnel without bending their body. :0

Here’s my boys’favoirite spot! The stream where you can turn on the tap and water flows down from the top to the bottom. How cool is that? My boys immediately climbed up and put their dirty feet into the water. They have been running around barefooted. Haha!

There’s more to come. Next to the stream was the kitchen. My boys spent a great deal of time playing there. They prepared all kinds of food, drinks and dessert for me. There were even some tools for them to use from the tool board.

These were not the usual sand pits. My boys love the feel of the sawdust.

While they were playing, I discovered the magnifying glass. I thought this was pretty awesome. The kids could pick up things they found and place them under the magnifying glass for a closer look.

Washing up after play. Zech has always been a responsible boy.

There was also a fruit tree trail and a secret den for the kids to rest away from the sun.

In a garden, we can't miss having a tea party. If the sun wasn't setting fast, we could use some leaves and twigs for a mini afternoon tea.

We headed for dinner after sunset. That was slightly after 7pm. I realised evening play is the best as it was much cooler. We will be back again soon.