Outdoor learning
10 resources. Free options are listed first.
- FreeAges 5–12
Parks Victoria Junior Rangers
Free ranger-led nature activities for primary-aged children and their families in Victorian parks, held mainly during school holidays. No membership is needed, but each activity must be booked.
Visit parks.vic.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 0–12
Nature Play QLD
A Queensland organisation promoting unstructured outdoor play, with activity ideas, play lists such as 51 Things to Do Before You're 12, and a free Passport to an Amazing Childhood booklet.
Visit natureplayqld.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 0–12
Nature Play WA
A Western Australian not-for-profit with a map of playgrounds, trails and nature play spaces, a national parks resource library for families and free nature play sessions for young children.
Visit natureplaywa.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges All ages
Aussie Bird Count
BirdLife Australia's annual citizen science week each October, in which participants spend 20 minutes counting birds in one spot and submit the results by app or web form.
Visit birdlife.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 6+
FrogID
An Australian Museum citizen science project in which participants record frog calls with a free app; museum experts identify the species and the records feed into research. Includes a schools and education page.
Visit frogid.net.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 8+
iNaturalist Australia
The Australian node of the iNaturalist network, run by the Atlas of Living Australia, where users photograph plants and animals, get identification help and contribute observations to biodiversity records. Children's use should be supervised by an adult account holder.
Visit inaturalist.ala.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges 10+
Atlas of Living Australia
Australia's national biodiversity database, hosted by CSIRO, where you can look up species and see what has been recorded near a location. Useful for preparing nature walks and local studies.
Visit ala.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - FreeAges All ages
Clean Up Australia
A national environmental organisation whose annual Clean Up Australia Day is held in early March. Groups can register a clean-up free of charge, and youth groups and schools have their own registration options.
Visit cleanup.org.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - Free + paid optionsAges 5–14
Queensland Parks junior ranger programs
An overview of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service programs for young people, including junior ranger events, cadet ranger sessions for older children, and free downloadable activity sheets for those who cannot attend.
Visit parks.qld.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab) - PaidAges 4–12
NSW National Parks WilderQuest tours
Kids' and family tours in NSW national parks, including Junior Ranger and discovery activities led by rangers. Most tours are booked and charge a fee.
Visit nationalparks.nsw.gov.au ↗ (opens in a new tab)