Bush Kinder Explained
Bush Kinder gives children the chance to learn by exploring the outdoors. It’s an approach to early learning that takes lessons out of the classroom and into nature.
For us at Coombs Early Learning, Bush Kinder sessions take place in local areas such as nearby parks and the National Arboretum Canberra. Children climb, collect, and create as they explore the world around them. Each session is guided by educators but led by the children’s curiosity and imagination
You can read more about our Bush Kinder program and how outdoor learning fits into our philosophy.
Why Bush Kinder Matters
Bush Kinder helps children build skills and confidence that go far beyond what they learn indoors.
Here’s why it’s so valuable:
Confidence and independence – Children make their own choices, take safe risks, and learn to trust their abilities.
Resilience – Nature is unpredictable, which teaches children to adapt and problem-solve.
Physical wellbeing – Outdoor play strengthens muscles, balance, and coordination.
Social and emotional growth – Working together outdoors helps children develop patience, teamwork, and empathy.
Connection to nature – Spending time outside builds awareness and respect for the environment.
Parents often notice that after Bush Kinder, children come home calmer, happier, and full of stories about what they discovered that day.
What Children Do at Bush Kinder
Every session looks different because nature changes daily. There’s no fixed structure, only open-ended opportunities for exploration.
Common bush kinder activities include:
- Building cubbies or shelters with sticks and leaves
- Searching for bugs, plants, or animal tracks
- Making art with natural materials
- Listening to stories under a tree
- Learning about native plants and animals
- Collecting natural objects for counting or comparing
These simple, hands-on experiences encourage imagination, curiosity, and problem-solving.
How It’s Different from Classroom Learning
Bush Kinder doesn’t replace the classroom; it complements it.
Inside, children learn through structure and routine. Outside, they learn through discovery. Both are important. In nature, children follow their interests, lead their own play, and learn to make sense of the world in real time.
This balance between guided and self-directed learning helps children develop confidence and curiosity that support them across all areas of life.
Bush Kinder at Coombs
Bush Kinder is part of our weekly curriculum at Coombs, planned with the same care and intention as any classroom experience, so children can learn through real-world exploration.
Children might explore local bushland, observe wildlife, collect natural materials, or simply enjoy being outside. Every day brings new questions and discoveries.
For more about how our outdoor program works, visit our Bush Kinder page or read our feature on the Best Bush Kinder Program in Canberra.
The Value of Learning in Nature
Nature is one of the best teachers a child can have. Time outdoors gives children space to think, explore, and grow at their own pace. It builds a quiet kind of confidence that stays with them as they move through school and life.
Bush Kinder helps children connect with the world in a way that can’t be replicated indoors. They learn to care for the environment, work together, and appreciate the small wonders around them.
At Coombs, we believe every child deserves those moments of freedom and discovery. If you’d like your child to experience Bush Kinder as part of their early learning journey, enquire about enrolling at Coombs Early Learning today.
