Learning through play

Experiences

Play is one of the most powerful ways to learn. Our carefully designed indoor and outdoor activities encourage exploration, independence, and creativity, fostering a space for self-expression and social interaction. Guided by the expertise of researchers from the University of Wollongong, our experiences provide a rich and stimulating environment for young minds to thrive.

Play based learning

Discover the research behind our experiences

Construction Zone

This hands-on play space is where children can become builders, engineers, and architects. By donning safety gear and using real-life tools, children can participate in a variety of construction tasks, such as building walls, laying tiles, and painting. This collaborative play experience encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, while also introducing children to the world of construction and engineering.

The Pod

The Pod is a unique play space that blends digital and physical experiences. It offers an open-ended environment where children can explore, create, and learn through play. By providing access to loose parts and digital content, The Pod encourages children to use their imagination, problem-solving skills, and creativity. This innovative space supports children's development of social, cognitive, and physical abilities, fostering a love of learning and exploration.

Discovery Garden

This magical outdoor space invites children to explore and connect with nature. With a variety of play elements, such as the fallen log, water activities, the bamboo forest, the cargo net or the flowing stream, children can engage in active play, imaginative play, and sensory exploration. The gardens also offer a peaceful picnic area and a café, providing a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The Nursery

Step into a nurturing environment where young children can engage in imaginative play by caring for dolls. From feeding and bathing to changing nappies, this space encourages empathy and responsibility through hands-on activities.

CreARTivity

CreARTivity is a vibrant and inspiring space where children can unleash their inner artist. With a variety of art supplies and materials like paint, playdoh, clay, charcoal and lots more, children can explore different techniques and styles, from painting and drawing to sculpting and writing. This creative space encourages self-expression, imagination, and experimentation. By engaging in art activities, children can develop their fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and social skills.

Emergency! Emergency!

The Emergency Services Experience is a fun and educational play space that introduces children to the world of emergency services. By allowing children to role-play as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and SES volunteers, they can learn about important safety messages and develop confidence in emergency situations. The space features real-life equipment and interactive activities, making learning engaging and memorable.

Antarctic Research Vessel

The Antarctica Research Vessel play space invites children to explore the fascinating world of Antarctica. Through imaginative play, children can become researchers, scientists, or crew members, learning about the unique wildlife and environment of this icy continent. By using real-life equipment and engaging in role-playing, children can develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the natural world.

The Bakery

The Bakery is a playful space designed for our youngest visitors, encouraging imaginative and sensory exploration. With resources accessible at various heights, children can engage in pretend play, such as baking and cooking. This hands-on experience encourages children to explore and imagine, while also developing social skills and early literacy and numeracy concepts.

The Campsite

The Campsite experience immerses children in the wonders of the natural world. By taking on roles such as birdwatchers, researchers, bushwalkers, and campers, children can actively engage with the environment, learn about local wildlife, and develop a sense of responsibility for conservation. This collaborative play experience fosters teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills, while also inspiring a love for nature and a desire to protect it.

Circle Garden

The outdoor play space is a haven for active play and imaginative exploration. With climbing structures, secret gardens, a mud kitchen, a wharf, and sandpits, children can climb, jump, hop, and create to their hearts' content. This outdoor environment encourages physical development, problem-solving, and social interaction and measured risk-taking.

The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is a calming space designed for children of all abilities, including those on the autism spectrum. It offers a variety of sensory experiences, including visual, auditory, and tactile activities. By engaging in sensory play, children can develop their cognitive, social, and motor skills while also calming their senses and improving their focus. The Sanctuary provides a safe and supportive environment for children to explore and learn through play.

Crawler's Beach

Take a trip to the beach and discover a sensory seaside safe haven, particularly designed for children aged birth to two years. Let your little ones free to practise crawling, walking and pulling-up on the jetty and look inside the glass peep holes. This safe and stimulating environment offers a variety of sensory experiences, including soft textures, vibrant colours, and engaging activities.

The Cave

Watch your head as you enter our dark cave filled with different sounds and lots of little nooks and crannies to crawl through. With all the walls, ramps and tunnels, it makes an awesome place for a game of hide and seek. Look closely and make sure to check behind all the walls and secret hidey holes – you might even spot some of the cave’s inhabitants.

Marketplace

The Marketplace is a vibrant play space that encourages children to engage in imaginative play and learn about healthy eating. By taking on the roles of shoppers and shopkeepers, children can practice counting, money handling, and decision-making skills. The space also promotes social interaction and cooperation as children work together to complete shopping lists and prepare meals. It's a fun and educational way for children to explore the world of food and retail.

Critter Cafe

Critter Cafe is a playful kitchen where young chefs can experiment with cooking and baking. By taking on the roles of chefs and customers, children can develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. This hands-on experience allows children to explore different ingredients, experiment with recipes, and serve up delicious meals to their friends and family. It's a fun and engaging way to learn about food, nutrition, and the joy of cooking.

Bricks & Clicks

The LEGO® Play Space is a haven for budding builders and creative minds. With a vast array of LEGO® bricks and open-ended play opportunities, children can construct towering cities, imaginative vehicles, and crazy creatures. This space encourages creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills as children design and build to their hearts' content. When you’re finished building your masterpiece, you can proudly place it on the rocket display shelf for all to see.

Lights, Sound, Action

The performance space is a stage for young performers to shine. With a variety of costumes, props, and lighting equipment, children can create their own shows, develop their creativity, and build confidence in public speaking. This space encourages collaboration, teamwork, and imaginative play, as children work together to bring their performances to life.

Trains

The big red train is a delightful play space that takes children on a journey through the world of railways. By taking on roles such as train drivers, conductors, and passengers, children can learn about transportation, timetables, and the mechanics of trains by shovelling coal or loading the luggage. This interactive play experience encourages creativity, imagination, and social interaction, as children work together to operate the train and explore their imaginations.

Experiences

Play based learning

Play and learn together

On the lands that we study, we walk, and we live, we acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians and cultural knowledge holders of these lands.