If your little one loves getting messy, investigating how things work and exploring outdoors, Petal & Play Learning offers a beautiful mix of nature, science, creativity and play.
Created by registered teacher and mum of two Cassie, Petal & Play Learning encourages children to explore at their own pace through hands-on outdoor learning experiences. Cassie also has a background in Environmental Biology and Science Communication, which really shines through in the thoughtful activities offered during the sessions. Petal & Play is designed for children of all ages, with sessions generally suited to toddlers who are walking right through to six year olds, and activities are open-ended enough for each child to join in at their own pace.
There’s always something special about attending a small business created by a teacher. You can see the thought behind each activity and how play, learning and curiosity have been carefully woven together without making the experience feel structured or classroom-like.
Our Petal & Play Experience
We attended a special Seeds of Science session during Science Week at Kulungah-Myah Community Centre in Kardinya.
Before attending, we received an email explaining what to expect from the session, including the activities planned and how they connected with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). I thought this was a lovely touch and particularly helpful for parents wanting to understand the learning happening behind all that messy play.
The 1.5 hour session was set up with different invitations for children to move between freely. There was no pressure to complete everything or participate in a particular order. Children could simply follow whatever caught their interest, and as a parent I appreciated that Petal & Play is an accompanied program, so we were welcome to join in alongside our little one or simply sit back and observe while he explored, with no expectation to lead the activities ourselves.
Our garden and science themed activities included investigating plants and seeds, water play, potion making, sensory play, painting, playdough and creating our own mung bean experiment to take home.
My little guy particularly enjoyed the water play, the big playdough tools and mixing up his own garden potions. He also spent time searching for worms, while one of my personal highlights was getting to hold a giant prickly stick insect. There were so many opportunities for children to stop, look closely, touch, investigate and ask questions.
We brought our little mung bean experiment home too, so the learning doesn’t necessarily end when the session does. We’re excited to watch our beans sprout and grow.
Little Details We Loved
I always notice the small touches when we’re out with kids, and Petal & Play had some thoughtful ones.
There was a station with hand sanitiser, sunscreen and insect repellent available for families, which was especially handy for an outdoor session. It’s still worth packing your own hat, water bottle and weather-appropriate clothing though, and gumboots or a rain jacket are a good idea during the cooler months, as sessions often continue in light rain with a few adjustments.
I also spotted an Auslan menu sign in the cubby kitchen, such a simple but lovely inclusion within the children’s play environment. It reflects the genuinely inclusive feel of the sessions, which welcome children of all abilities, so it’s worth letting Cassie know ahead of time if your child has any additional needs, allergies or medical considerations she should be aware of.
Morning tea was incorporated into our session too, with fruit and crackers provided and a story for children who wanted to join in. Families could also bring their own snacks.
I loved that on the website and at the entry Petal & Play Learning acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation as Traditional Custodians of the lands where their sessions are held. Their approach recognises the continuing connection of Whadjuk people to Country and encourages children and families to respectfully connect with and learn from the natural environment.
Learning Through Play
While the children may simply see a morning filled with digging, mixing, splashing and creating, there’s plenty of learning happening along the way.
Petal & Play sessions are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and encourage children to build confidence, connect with nature, investigate, problem solve, communicate ideas and explore early scientific concepts through hands-on play.
What I liked most was that there wasn’t a “right” way to participate. Children could move between activities, spend ages at a favourite station or quickly move on to discover something new. For little ones, I think that freedom makes a big difference.
When and Where Are Petal & Play Sessions?
Families currently have two weekday locations to choose from.
Wednesday sessions are held at Kulungah-Myah Community Centre, a welcoming community space surrounded by gardens, trees and outdoor areas perfect for sensory, creative and seasonal nature play. The centre has an indoor area and toilet, although the sessions are held outside. There’s also a Playground and lake to explore before or after the session.
Friday sessions are held at Bibra Lake Reserve (Walliabup), where shady trees, grassy areas, winding pathways, rich birdlife, native plants and wildlife create a beautiful natural backdrop for exploring and learning, with the chance to spot water birds and turtles along the way. Families visiting Bibra Lake will also find parking, toilets and Playgrounds nearby, making it easy to extend your outing before or after your Petal & Play session.
Petal & Play also offers early years incursions that bring hands-on science and sensory play directly to early learning settings, along with outdoor learning experiences for community events, festivals and family days. Homeschool and primary aged workshops are also in the works for children keen to dig a little deeper into science and outdoor discovery.
If you’re bringing more than one little one along, babies under 12 months attend free with a booked sibling, with discounted sibling pricing available for older siblings.
Good to Know
Sessions are designed to allow plenty of time for children to settle in and explore, but families don’t have to stay for the entire session if their little one has had enough.
As many experiences are outdoors, it’s worth dressing for the weather and for messy play. Depending on the session and location, activities may be adapted to suit the conditions, and families are notified as early as possible if severe weather means a session can’t go ahead as planned.
Whether you’re looking for something to fill your Wednesday or Friday, Petal & Play Learning is a lovely option for families wanting a relaxed activity combining nature play, sensory experiences, creativity and genuine hands-on learning.
We left with a tired little explorer, a mung bean experiment to continue at home and plenty to talk about from our morning of science and play.
Petal & Play Learning
Bibra Lake Reserve (Walliabup) and Kulungah-Myah Community Centre, Kardinya, Perth
Sessions held Wednesdays (Kardinya) and Fridays (Bibra Lake) during term time
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