Our Philosophy
We at Play on Earth envision a world where play is valued by all and children are allowed to freely play in nature. We believe that all children should be given trust, be respected and their voices should be heard. Through play, we aim to create connections in our community and provide children with a place to discover who they are. We believe children thrive in nature and should be provided with plentiful opportunities to play outdoors.
During our programs, children can climb, play, jump, explore, and get dirty in a natural setting. We provide children and families of all ages enriched sensory experiences and outdoor bush activities. We develop our programs to spark imagination, curiosity, and creativity through hands-on activities.
In nature, there is such a wealth of open-ended resources for exploration and play. Our programs allow children the time and space to explore their environment and play in their own unique ways. At Play on Earth we value community and provide a space for families to create connections with new like minded friends.
Core Values:
- Trust – We trust in children. We trust in the natural learning ability and intrinsic motivation of a child.
- Respect – We respect and treat children as equals. We ensure their voices are heard.
- Play – We value child-led free play for it is the foundation to all learning.
- Connection – We value connection to self, others, and nature. Connection is the key to all relationships.
- Risk – We value the supported risk-taking of children as an important factor to building resilience and confidence.
- Sustainability – We value the Earth and all it has to offer. We aim to reuse, recycle and reduce in all facets of the business.
Meet Jess – Founder & Director
Hi there!
I’m Jess, the founder and director of Play on Earth. With a background in teaching and a passion for nature, I am on a mission to revolutionize how we perceive and prioritize play in childhood. As a devoted mother and experienced educator, I understand the vital role of nature in children’s development and well-being.
I believe in creating a nurturing environment where children can freely explore, learn, and grow. My vision for Play on Earth is to provide a space that encourages young minds to engage with nature, fostering their curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
Through my expertise in curriculum development and education, I design nature play programs that inspire children to connect with the natural world. I am truly excited to be a part of this incredible movement and to witness the positive impact nature play has on the lives of children.
Meet Rachel – Wednesday Playgroup Guide
Hi, I’m Rachel — local artist, maker, and mum of three 
With a background in the arts and a love for child-led creativity, I’m excited to bring open-ended, hands-on experiences that invite children to imagine, explore and create.
I’m so happy to be part of this beautiful community and can’t wait to connect with our Wednesday families 
Meet Michelle – Friday Playgroup Guide
Hello, I’m Michelle 
I’m a mum to two energetic boys — River (20 months) and Archie (4 in May). I’ve always had a passion for the outdoors, and since having my boys, I’ve seen just how much children thrive in the simplicity of nature play (and how important it is for our wellbeing too).
I want childhood to be filled with unstructured outdoor time — digging in the dirt, collecting treasures, puddle jumping and getting wonderfully messy. I truly believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes 
With a background in nursing and recent studies in environmental science, I’m so excited to spend time outdoors with your little ones. I can’t wait to meet some lovely families and play together
Our location
You will find us at the Kariong Eco-Garden which is at the top of the Kariong hill off Dandaloo St. We have access to the gardens and a beautiful bush area to explore and play within.