Creep, crawl and discover: Bug Bonanza invites families to explore the tiny but mighty creatures that call Narrabeen Lagoon home. This engaging coastal environment activity blends close-up encounters with playful learning, designed for school-aged kids and reassuring for parents seeking safe, educational outdoor experiences.
What to Expect
Children will be guided through interactive, supervised activities that highlight the diversity of insects, arachnids and molluscs around the lagoon. Expect hands-on exploration with magnifiers and gentle handling of invertebrates so kids can see the details up close.
The session mixes short games, guided exploration and mini-lessons on habitats and food chains to keep attention spans engaged. Parents can enjoy watching children develop curiosity about ecology while learning key nature and conservation ideas.
You’ll leave with simple tips to encourage backyard habitat and nature play at home, ideas that make science and outdoor exploration part of everyday family life. SEO keywords included: kids, bug, Narrabeen Lagoon, coastal environment, nature.
Activity Details
Activities are age-appropriate and geared toward school-aged children, balancing safety with excitement. Facilitators use magnifiers, identification guides and safe handling techniques to introduce kids to local invertebrates.
Typical activities include short guided walks, timed bug hunts, observation with magnification, and group games to reinforce learning. Parents should expect a mix of active searching and seated interpretation time.
What to bring and what’s provided is straightforward: bring sun protection, a water bottle and comfortable shoes; the organisers provide basic equipment like trays and magnifiers. Bullet list of highlights:
- Close-up encounters with insects, arachnids and molluscs
- Guided bug hunts around Narrabeen Lagoon
- Hands-on learning and nature play
Location and Access
The event takes place at the Coastal Environment Centre on Pelican Path, Lake Park Road North, Narrabeen — a family-friendly facility with easy access to the lagoon shore. It’s ideal for parents wanting a short drive from local suburbs and a safe, contained outdoor learning space for kids.
There is basic on-site parking and pathways suitable for prams; the centre is connected to local walking tracks if you prefer to arrive on foot. Public transport options are available nearby but check local timetables for exact connections.
If mobility or accessibility is a concern, the centre staff are used to assisting families and can advise on the best access routes. Bringing a small daypack with essentials (snacks, spare clothes) helps keep the day running smoothly for children.
Important Information
The program is supervised by experienced educators who emphasise respectful handling of wildlife and environmental stewardship. Activities are suited to school-aged kids; siblings under program age may need supervision from accompanying adults.
Weather may affect some activities; in case of heavy rain or unsafe conditions the organisers will notify booked participants. Parents should prepare for sun exposure and bring appropriate clothing for changing coastal conditions.
Safety notes: no bare feet near the water, follow facilitator instructions for handling animals, and inform staff of any allergies or special needs at registration. This ensures a fun, educational and safe experience for the whole family.
Booking and Prices
Bookings are essential and can be made online through the Northern Beaches Council events portal. Spaces are limited to ensure quality, hands-on experiences and to protect the local environment.
The listed cost is $82.00 per participant; consider this an investment in a curated, educator-led wildlife experience that encourages science learning and outdoor play for children. Look for school-holiday keywords like "kids", "bug", and "Narrabeen Lagoon" when searching online.
If you have questions before booking, contact the Coastal Environment Centre for clarifications on age suitability, group discounts or accessibility. Early booking is recommended as nature-based, hands-on events fill quickly.