Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winter. Show all posts

Friday 3 July 2015

Werribee Zoo Wild Nights 2015 {Photo Journal}

Wild Nights Zoo After Dark 2015

One of the things I have enjoyed doing is creating traditions with Nathaniel.  One of our favourites is attending the Werribee Open Range Zoo winter Wild Nights.  For two weeks each year the zoo is open at night for you to explore with a torch. This year we enjoyed it so much that we went twice!

Werribee Open Range Zoo Entry 2015


Jess one of the Fire Bugs meeting guests at the entrance


Sam the Fire Man at the zoo entry

A Fire Bug Catching fire


Moat in front of the Gorilla island with the evening star

Glow Zone interactive play area

Playing in the glow zone play area

Beads for Africa in the Tourist Hut
Two planets converging over the Hippo Pools


Sam the Fire Man with a fire safety message

Jess the Fire Bug arrives

Fire Bugs arrive

Fire Bug play time

Meet the Fire Bugs

Fighting Fire Bugs

Meeting a Fire Bug

Laser Light Show

Laser Light Show

Laser Light Show

Laser Light Show

Laser Light Show

Laser Light Show

Laser Light Show



If you are ever in Melbourne during winter be sure to visit Werribee Open Range Zoo and enjoy Wild Nights with your family.

Blessings
Chareen

PS What are some of your family winter traditions ?

Monday 28 January 2013

Winter Nature Study is it Possible ?

Who are you kidding ? Taking the kids out in the blustery cold, rain or snow. Do I have to ? It's to cold to go outdoors. It's raining. Is it worth it or is there something else I could do ? .....

These are just a few of the thoughts that fly through my mind when I consider doing Nature Study in Winter.

Nature Journaling in winter is not impossible it requires some foresight and planning.

Some options to consider
    • Rug up and go for short walks with your camera, take some photo's then come home and learn about what you found on your walk. Search for anything with colour in your environment and observe it for a while. 
    • Make a bird feeder to feed the winter birds near your home and hang it near a window so you can watch the birds from the safety of your home.
    • Pick an animal a week to study and borrow books from the library and search YouTube for good information.
    • Follow the Handbook of Nature Study Website .
    • Go to your local green grocer and buy a new fruit each week. Take time to study it in depth with suplemental materials from the library and internet.
    • Make use of your zoo membership and visit a Zoo near you and choose an animal to learn about. Take your drawing things with you and draw the animal you have chosen for that week.
    • Make animal foot casts
    • Explore your own garden and search for some winter colour. I did this a couple of years ago and was surprised at just how much colour there is when I was least expecting it.
    • Find something that your family can turn into a tradition. We go to Wild Nights Zoo after Dark in winter.
    • Grow a windowsill garden and if the sill is too cold bring it further indoors and put it on a table near the window. Document the process.
    • Read beautiful living books by authors such as: Holling Clancy Holling and Sterling North

      Else where on the www

        So whether you are in the throws of planning your year ahead or in the middle of a deep snowy winter take some time and consider your options for Nature Study, create regular opportunities so that you don't miss out.

        If Nature Journaling is a new concept to you then pop on over to TT - Nature Journaling for some resources on how to start and what to do.

        Remember: Knowledge in one "subject" helps us to understand another. All the information your children are gathering in their nature study lessons, and the habits of observation they are acquiring, will form an excellent foundation for their future education. (CMC Page 259 Karen Andreola)

        Blessings
        Chareen

        Photobucket
        This post is part of The Schoolhouse Review Crew Blog Cruise: Winter Nature Study. Take some time and pop on over and be encouraged to do Nature Study in Winter.

        This post is linking with Carnival of Homeschooling hosted over at Dave Out Loud.

        Saturday 30 June 2012

        Wild Nights Zoo After Dark


        Last week Sir N and I had the delightful opportunity to join Paul at Werribee Open Range Zoo as the staff prepared for their annual Wild Nights Zoo After Dark.

        This annual event begins today. We had a fantastic adventure last year.

        In fact it made such an impression on Sir N, since he has heard that it's on again has been counting the sleeps until we can go.


        Top Left - Nanki the serval Right - Promethean Jester
        Bottom L - Sir N admiring the lights R - Promethean Jester
        When and Where
        • Saturday 30th June to Saturday 14th July 2012
        • 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
        • Entry closes at 7 pm
        • Werribee Open Range Zoo
        • This is an all-weather activity and will run in most conditions.
        What to bring 
        • Warm jackets
        • Gum boots if it's been raining.
        • Torch with red / blue celephane accross the front.  Use an elastic to secure your celephane.
        • A big sense of adventure
        • Your Camera
        • Zoo Membership card if you have one.

        The Cost
        • Children 4-15 FREE (during school holidays/public Holidays/Saturday/Sunday)
        • Zoo Members FREE
        • Adult $25-40
        • Concession and Package deals please visit Admission Prices
        • For day visitors wanting to stay on for Wild Nights there is an upgrade available for $10.
        • Serval under the Stars $2
        • Night Safari - Adults / Children $55 (Friends of the zoo $ 35)
        What's there to do ?
        • Serval Under the Stars 
        • Explore the Zoo with your torch
        • Meet the Keepers
        • Barbeque Marshmallows
        • Watch some acts by the Promethean Jesters
        • Nocturnal House - Creatures of the Night
        • In the huts there are plenty of interactive things for the kids to try.
        Hope to see you there !
        Blessings
        Chareen

        Wednesday 13 July 2011

        Winter Colour

        I was feeling very cold yesterday and longing for spring when I looked out my kitchen window and saw this show of colour.

        Once I had photographed it I decided to go for a walk through my garden to see if there was any more colour about?  I was quite surprised at the amount of colour there was in winter.




         When last did you stop to see what was in your garden ?

        Blessings