Early Learning Matters: Growing children’s connection with nature

Early learning plays an important role in shaping children’s development, wellbeing and connection to the world around them. This Early Learning Matters Week, the Keeper Kids team at Melbourne Zoo is celebrating the power of nature-based learning and the ways children can discover, explore and care for the natural world!

Join us for nature play and storytime

During Early Learning Matters Week, 3–9 August 2026, families can join the Keeper Kids team for free Nature Play and Storytime programs at Melbourne Zoo. These sessions are a wonderful opportunity for little ones to connect with nature through imaginative play, stories and outdoor exploration.

Nature Play and Storytime programs are also available on weekdays during school terms.

Find out more about Keeper Kids and upcoming sessions.

Inspiring a love of nature from the early years

Keeper Kids is a team of Early Childhood Educators who specialise in nature play-based learning, creating opportunities for young children to build curiosity, confidence and a lifelong connection with nature.

In recognition of their dedication to engaging children with the natural world, the Keeper Kids team was awarded Environmental Educator of the Year in 2024.

Throughout the school term, Keeper Kids delivers programs aligned with the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) for children aged 0–5 years. Through play, storytelling, exploration and hands-on experiences, children are encouraged to discover the wonders of wildlife and their environment. 

Discover Zoo Playgroup

Keeper Kids also run Zoo Playgroup, an eight-week, nature-inspired, play-based program designed for children aged 2–5 years and their caregivers.

Each session supports children’s development and connection with the natural world through activities including storytelling, sensory play, songs, nature craft and animal-inspired experiences based around a weekly theme.

A recent research project exploring the impact of Zoo Playgroup found that participating families experienced:

• A significant increase in children’s interactions with nature

• Greater confidence among adults in supporting their children’s connection with the natural world

• Increased knowledge of animals and their habitats

• Greater curiosity, observation and connection with the environment

• A deeper respect and care for animals, including learning to approach wildlife with curiosity and gentleness

• Increased confidence in social settings

• A greater willingness to engage in messy and tactile experiences

These moments of curiosity and discovery are at the heart of nature-based learning, helping children build meaningful connections with the world around them.

“We are now using the word ‘noticing’ so much every day. We have slowed down to notice things in our environment.” - Zoo Playgroup participant. 

Early learning matters every day

While Early Learning Matters Week shines a spotlight on early learning for one week, early learning matters every day of the year.

Early learning environments provide opportunities for children to explore, experiment and express themselves with confidence. They help children develop foundational skills, embrace curiosity and approach the world with optimism.

At Zoos Victoria, we believe connecting children with nature from an early age helps inspire the next generation of wildlife champions.