Top 6 Outdoor Activities & Nature Play Ideas

Published 2:50pm 1 May 2019

What do you remember from your childhood? Was it the time you spent waiting for the dial up internet to connect or the time you spent exploring the great outdoors? Get back to basics, take the screens away and take a step out into the fresh air with these six outdoor activities and nature play ideas in the Moreton Bay Region for the whole family.

#1. Climb like a monkey at Cotton Tree Forest

The unique Cotton Tree Forest located inside the fenced Pirate Park at Scarborough Beach is a tree climbing paradise. Small and big kids alike will love climbing and swinging like a monkey through the gnarled old trees. Provides endless hours of fun, Cotton Tree Forest takes outdoor play back to the basics, with the added safety of rubber matting and chip bark base. Please note that children are to be supervised at all times.

#2. Insane dirt bike tracks near Samford

Samford Conservation Forest is home to many a-great outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. But did you know there is also a mountain-bike track and jumps for those wanting to test out their skills and learn new tricks? Pedal the circuit at the Lomandra mountain-bike warm-up area, gain your confidence and become that daring adventurer you’ve always wanted to be.

#3. Spot koalas & kangaroos in the wild

You may be surprised to know that koalas and kangaroos can be spotted in many local parks and reserves in the Moreton Bay Region. Your best chance of seeing a koala is at Mungarra Reserve in Petrie. Whilst Toorbul, near Bribie Island has a local kangaroo population that can be spotted along the Pumicestone Passage waterfront at dawn and dusk. Please remember that these animals are wild, admire from a distance and do not feed.

#4. Hop, skim and splash at local creeks

A patchwork of waterways, the Moreton Bay Region is home to great creek beds ready to be explored. They will love rock hopping at Cedar Creek, skimming rocks at Edward Alison Park and building rock stacks at beautiful Rocksberg. If the weather is warm, head to Stony Creek for a splash in the rock pools and main swimming hole. There’s no doubt that ‘rock’ collectors will love this day out with the family!

#5. Build a nature cubby on the beach

One of the most immersive nature play ideas to get you and your kids out of the house, building a natural cubby will keep you entertained for hours as you try to piece together all the wayward branches in your vicinity. Build one tall hut that the family can take shelter under for a picnic or make it a challenge and see who can stack one the fastest.

#6. Explore the wild places

Trek through the wilds with bushwalking tracks the whole family can enjoy. From the easy Maiala walking tracks at Mount Glorious to the more serious Somerset Trail at Mount Mee. Make the exploration fun by playing games such as; noughts and crosses, I spy, follow the leader and endless singing of “This is the Song that Never Ends”. Don’t forget to pack water and some ‘treats’ to snack on along the walk.

Let little minds and imaginations run wild when you take them out of the house for the day to reconnect with nature and spend some time playing outdoor activities.