Epic fun Awaits: Lethbridge’s Largest Outdoor Children’s Festival kicks off summer!
Time spent playing outside is an important part of growing up—and we’re celebrating it in a big way!
Lethbridge, Alberta – 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!” – Taylor Hecker, Program Leader at the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, “Spending time outside boosts our minds, bodies, and connections with others at every stage of life.”
Spending time outside and engaging in outdoor nature-based play has never been more important. Regular outdoor play is 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. Come join the fun and discover the joy of outdoor adventure!
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. This level of inactivity highlights the urgent need for more opportunities to engage in active, outdoor play and movement throughout the day. 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)
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.
