(Supplied)

By LNN Staff

Saturday, June 14, 2025

Lethbridge’s largest outdoor Children’s Festival kicks off summer

Jun 13, 2025 | 5:23 PM

The Helen Schuler Nature Centre will host Nature Play Fest on Saturday, June 14 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. at Henderson Lake Park in Lethbridge.

Everyone is invited to take part in this exciting outdoor festival featuring 20+ play-based activities for all ages! Enjoy a day of fun, creativity, and connection, hosted by several amazing local community organizations.

“Nature Play Fest is all about rediscovering the joy of being outside—together. It’s a chance to unplug, get moving, and remember just how fun and easy outdoor play can be!” says Taylor Hecker, Program Leader at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, in a press release. “Spending time outside boosts our minds, bodies, and connections with others at every stage of life.”

Organizers say spending time outside and engaging in outdoor nature-based play has never been more important. Regular outdoor play is said to be fundamental for healthy child development, creativity, and well-being.

At Nature Play Fest, families can explore a wide range of exciting, hands-on activities—from kayaking and nature crafts to loose parts play and more. Best of all, all activities are free and open to everyone throughout the afternoon. You’re invited to come join the fun and discover the joy of outdoor adventure!

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Bring your friends, family, and neighbors—there’s something for everyone – including:

Canoeing – High Level Canoes and Kayaks

Solar Observation – Lethbridge Astronomy Society

Loose Parts Playground – Lethbridge College ECE Program

Mud Kitchen – Family Centre

Sidewalk Chalk & Games – YMCA of Lethbridge

Scavenger Hunts – Mommy Connections Lethbridge

Nature Brain Games – Building Brains Together

Beaver Songs & Music – Shelley K’s Maple Fusion

Textile Block Printing – Southern Alberta Art Gallery

Bee Activity – Oldman Watershed Council

Masks & Puppet Making – New West Theatre

Painting Activity – Yellow Fish Road

Giant Jenga – Tourism Lethbridge

Bug Exploration – Centre D’Appui Familial

Physical Literacy Games – Lethbridge Public Library

Nature Art and Bird Watching – Helen Schuler Nature Centre

As part of the event, families can also enjoy a “Benefits of Nature” Walk and explore “Get Outside 101” signage placed between activity stations. These engaging displays will highlight the many ways spending time outdoors supports health and wellness at every age—making learning part of the adventure!

Statistics Canada has reported that on average, children and youth in Canada spend approximately 8.4 hours each day being sedentary—a statistic that raises serious concerns about long-term health. Officials say this level of inactivity highlights the urgent need for more opportunities to engage in active, outdoor play and movement throughout the day.

Organizers say outdoor and nature-based play isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful pathway to healthier, happier kids. It boosts physical activity, nurtures mental well-being, and fosters a deep-rooted connection to the Earth, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. (https://health-infobase.canada.ca/src/doc/pass_childrenyouth_en.pdf)

Officials say research shows that regularly connecting with nature supports every stage of life—from infancy to adulthood. The benefits are extensive and well-documented, spanning all aspect of our health. Daily time in nature can boost cognitive function, enhance academic performance, increase physical activity, improve vision, strengthen social connections, and reduce stress.