Early Childhood Excursions

Early Childhood Excursions

All our Early Childhood programs support the outcomes from the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework across Identity, Community, Wellbeing, Learning and Communication.

To see all programs, and apply your own filters, head to our Learning Portal here.  

Play-based Programs in Nature

Cranbourne Indigenous Guides Kids 25

Bush Kinder Induction

Cranbourne Gardens

The Bush Kinder Induction program introduces educators and children to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne Bush Kinder site. The group will journey on a guided exploration through the bushland to the Woodland Picnic Area observing the diverse plant and animal habitats on the way. 

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Children's Garden: Design, Play and Care

Melbourne Gardens

Come on a playful, sensory exploration of the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden - a garden designed for and with children. Children can explore, co-design and co-create play spaces using open-ended natural materials, and pot up an Indigenous seedling.

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Science Programs

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Thank You Rain

Cranbourne Gardens

A gentle, play-based introduction to the water cycle and the importance of water to all living things.

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241025 RBGV Childrens Garden 0782

Minibeasts

Melbourne Gardens

What do living things such as invertebrates and plants need to survive? What are some of their interactions with each other? How can we show care for living things and for the environment through actions such as composting? Explore in this hands-on adventure

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Worm Photo

Minibeasts

Cranbourne Gardens

Children will explore how insects and other invertebrates live in the Gardens and help plants to grow. They will engage their senses as they go on a discovery walk, and learn about worm farming.

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Wellbeing and Sustainability Programs

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Wonderful Water

Melbourne Gardens

Explore the connections between water and living things and observe and hear stories of the plants, wetlands and wildlife around the Gardens, as well as how we can care for and connect with animals, plants, lands and waterways.  

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Scents and Senses

Cranbourne Gardens

Explore the natural beauty of the Cranbourne Gardens using all five senses. Immerse yourself in the environment and connect with country, students will have the opportunity to ochre paint the rocks and complete the sensory journey with a taste of lemon myrtle tea.

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241025 RBGV Childrens Garden 0832

Food For Life

Melbourne Gardens

Explore how plants grow and provide food for people and other living things. Children can immerse their senses in hands-on activities such as harvesting in the Kitchen Garden and discuss plant scents, taste, and culinary uses as well as plant their own seed and learn how to care for its growth. 

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Place, Care and Connection

Experience the sights, sounds, smells and textures in the landscape of the Royal Botanic Gardens and observe how being in a natural setting makes us feel. Through sensory-based investigations children can explore how we can connect with nature in our communities and care for plants, people and places. 

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First Peoples Programs

Cranbourne Indigenous Guides Kids 79

You and Me, Murrawee

Cranbourne Gardens

Children will learn how to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of First Peoples to Country by participating in an Acknowledgement of Country and share in the reading of You and Me, Murrawee; a beautifully observed story of what life would have been like 200 years ago, told through the eyes of a young girl camping by the river with her family.

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2 Marrung Mob Day Ochre Painting

On the Edge of Creation

Cranbourne Gardens

Discover the connection of art, music and creative play.

Inspired by the story, On the Edge of Creation by Baluk Arts, students will immerse themselves in a place-based learning of the Boonwurrung country. They will engage in cultural activities, share in the reading of On the Edge of Creation and learn about the dreamtime story of Port Phillip Bay. 

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