Natural play surfaces are sometimes difficult to find in cities, so when a beautiful fig tree is utilised as a playground for the children it's super special.
This particular tree house is build in, around, and through a massive fig tree. Branches, limbs, and parts of the trunk weave gracefully through this amazing play experience.... and it's built to withstand the pounding of adults too.
Yes... parents can enjoy the playground with their kids and climb limbs to their hearts content.
Sadly, some people seem to think that it's okay to carve their names in parts of this living tree. It's a big NO NO but of course it happens. Always teach your kids to respect nature and to create artwork in appropriate places.
The wobbly rope bridge is not really a challenge for most kids but I kindly declined the challenge as my foot was hurting... well, that was my legitimate excuse!
Small steps weave in and around and the overall structure is absolutely amazing.
Once at the top you get rewarded with a spectacular view of the harbour too.
My grandson showed no fear climbing this beautiful fig tree. It doesn't look that high because I took the photo standing on a different platform above him but he is actually roughly 9 metres above ground level. One slip and it's a long way down...
I was glad it was quiet so I could take these photos. It's a beautiful location in Cairns, Queensland Australia and there are lots of homeschooling families in this area. The Cairns City Council has done a great job delivering a more natural playground for kids and adults alike.
The board walk weaving through the tree has lights so you can walk it in the evening too. I personally wouldn't recommend climbing the tree in the dark though!
Mixing nature with man-made structures is always interesting especially if it's specifically designed to entertain kids.
If you zoom in on this photo you'll see more than one child up the tree.
Now that I'm done bragging about this fascinating playground and probably boring you with my poor photography... I really just wanted to encourage homeschooling families to get out and about. Many of you do but you wouldn't believe how many still put their children in cotton wool... so to speak. Too scared to venture out and let them climb, explore, learn, be challenged, get out of their comfort zone and enjoy living on the edge... a little.
Soooo... Should parents put children's safety at risk?
Of course don't be crazy and do stupid stuff but encourage kids to experiment and experience the great outdoors from different angles and under different circumstances developing different physical and mental areas of their bodies. Thank you for reading and until next time where I'll hopefully get to share my work experience in a remote Indigenous community called Kowanyama, Cape York Queensland. Until then... take care and enjoy the natural beauty around you.
Cheers!
Photos and written work is my own.
©️ingridontheroad
Recently I needed help on how to deal with Special Needs Children and I went on a hunt for informational websites. I thought I'd compile the links on a web page and share them in this post with you.
Educational Link Directory for different topics such as ADHD, Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Classroom Management, Communication Skills and more can be found here if you're interested.
https://www.teachingtreasures.com.au/education_links_page.htm
