Wild Child
Cranbourne & South-East Melbourne

Outdoor play that helps little ones thrive

Child-led nature playgroups for ages 12 months to 6 years. Muddy hands, big smiles, and confident, curious explorers - one session at a time.

Book a session See the programs
Simple. Slow. Connected. Parent & child together Rain, hail or sunshine
1.4k Growing
local families

Led by the child

No rigid timetable. We follow curiosity - digging, climbing, wondering - so children build real confidence.

Educator guided

Steph is a qualified educator who gently shapes each session so play stays safe, calm and full of discovery.

Rooted in nature

Bush, garden, creek and beach. Time outdoors that grows a lifelong love of the natural world.

Meet Steph

A gentler kind of play, in the places kids remember

I started Wild Child because I watched how children change when you hand them back the outdoors. Slower mornings. Muddy knees. The quiet pride of climbing that log all by themselves.

Every session is child-led and unhurried. There is space to explore a puddle, plant a seed, build a fairy house or simply lie back and watch the leaves. As a qualified educator, I am there to keep it safe and gently guide the wonder - never to rush it.

Families tell me their little ones have come out of their shell, made friends, and learned to love being outside in every season. That is the whole point.

- Steph, founder & educator

What we offer

Find the right adventure

Weekly term playgroups, casual visits and school holiday fun. Come every week or drop in when it suits.

Wednesdays · Term

Cranbourne Bush Playgroup

10:00 - 11:30am · Ages 12mo - 6yrs

Explore the bush, follow the trails and discover what lives there. Loose parts, mud kitchen and plenty of room to roam.

$150/ term · or $22 casual
Book this
Fridays · Term

Little Gardeners Playgroup

10:00 - 11:30am · Ages 12mo - 6yrs

Digging, planting, watering and harvesting. Sensory garden play that teaches little hands where food and flowers come from.

$150/ term · or $22 casual
Book this
School Holidays

Bush & Creek Holiday Sessions

Morning & afternoon · Ages 12mo - 6yrs

Keep the magic going through the break with creek play, nature craft and wide-open outdoor adventures.

$20/ child · $15 sibling
Book this
By request

Birthdays, Incursions & Excursions

Your place or ours · Custom groups

Nature-play birthday parties and bookings for kinders, schools and community groups. Tell me what you have in mind.

Let's chattailored to you
Enquire
A day in the wild

The good, muddy stuff

🌱 Digging & planting seeds 💧 Watering & harvesting 🥦 Mud kitchen 🌈 Nature crafts 👀 Sensory exploration 🦉 Bug & bird spotting 🌳 Climbing & balancing 😊 Making new friends
What we stand for

Six little roots

🌿 Nature connection

An early, genuine bond with the outdoors that lasts a lifetime.

🦏 Child-led discovery

Children choose, explore and lead. We follow their curiosity.

🤝 Community

Local families connecting, week after week, in the fresh air.

🌎 Environmental care

Small hands learning to notice, respect and care for the land.

🟢 Warmth & safety

A calm, supervised space where every child feels held.

✨ Curiosity & wonder

Room to ask, imagine and be amazed by the everyday.

Kind words

Loved by local families

“
★★★★★

Thanks so much Steph for creating such a fun and thought-out nature play. My little girl loves attending and has really come out of her shell since starting in 2023. I would highly recommend your program to anyone with curious little explorers!

- A Wild Child parent
“
★★★★★

What a great program. It is great to see so many children enjoying being outdoors. Thank you for running these sessions - it really encourages outdoor play.

- A local family
Bookings now open

Ready to get those little hands muddy?

Grab a spot for this term or drop in for a casual session. New families are always welcome - come and see what child-led nature play is all about.

Book a session Message us on Facebook
Get in touch

We would love to meet you

Have a question about ages, locations or what to bring? Send a message and Steph will get back to you.

Cranbourne East
Good to know

Questions parents ask

What age is it for?

Our playgroups are designed for children aged 12 months to 6 years, together with their parent or carer. Younger siblings are always welcome.

Where are the sessions held?

Sessions run at beautiful outdoor spots across Cranbourne and South-East Melbourne - bush reserves, gardens, creek and beach. The exact meeting point is sent to you when you book.

How much does it cost?

A full term is $150 per child and $70 per sibling. Prefer to drop in? Casual sessions are $22 per child and $13 per sibling. School holiday sessions are $20 per child and $15 per sibling.

What happens if it rains?

We play in most weather - fresh air and puddles are half the fun. We only cancel for genuinely unsafe conditions like storms or extreme heat, and you will always be told in advance.

Do I stay with my child?

Yes. Wild Child is a parent-and-child playgroup, so you stay and play alongside your little one. It is a lovely way to slow down together too.

What should we bring?

Dress for the weather and for mud, and bring a hat, water, sunscreen and a snack. We supply the wonder, the mud kitchen and all the nature-craft materials.