Grow your child’s interest in all things natural at the award-winning Hunter Region Botanic Gardens these school holidays.
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The expansive grounds located at Heatherbrae have two major days of adventure, education and exploration planned.
Tuesday, July 4, they will host their Children’s Discovery Day where all primary and pre-school aged kids are invited to participate in environmental activities.
The day runs from 10am to 2pm. Cost is $5 per child and there are four main structured opportunities.
Kids will get the chance to propogate and grow plants.
The “Nuts about Nature” program enables kids to use banksia leaves and sticks to make craft items.
The “Amazing World of Plants” program is hosted by a volunteer from the gardens who will do a talk and facilitate activities based on plants.
And the “Adventure Walk” will involve a walk around the gardens.
On top of these activities, representatives from the police, fire brigade, SES, St Johns Ambulance and regular ambulance, Landcare, Wildlife Rescue, the Children’s University, Hunter Water and Port Stephens Council will be on hand with displays and activities.
“Each child gets a showbag on entrance,” Gardens spokesperson Jenny Mason said.
“There will be a couple of drawing competitions offering prizes, and raffles with prizes donated by local businesses.”
The Lions Club of Raymond Terrace will run a barbecue all day and the Kookaburra Cafe will be in action too.
“It’s a great day and in previous years we’ve had upwards of 500 kids attending, so it should be great for the family,” Jenny said.
The second school holiday activity occurs at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens on Wednesday, July 12 and is called “Nature Is Fun”.
“It’s a day where kids go out in the gardens and collect nature items and make craft,” Jenny said.
“They also learn about different animals in the gardens, and runs from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
“Cost is $5 per child and bookings are essential. Ring 49 8716 55.”
Jenny said both days were great opportunities to get kids out in nature to learn what goes on in the garden.
Hunter Region Botanical Gardens are managed and maintained by volunteers for the enjoyment and education of the people of the Hunter region and visitors from Australia and overseas.
They run a plant store seven days a week, a lovely gift shop and are always on the lookout for new volunteers.
“We have jobs for any age group in a variety of areas,” Jenny says.
