Muddy Toes Playgroup is an excursion-based nature playgroup set up in 2021 to provide opportunities for child-led free play in the wild spaces of Wellington.
We love to play at our local beaches, parks and bush and value child choice - we offer a supportive community of like-minded parents and caregivers who love to see children connecting and engaging with the natural world.
Although we visit a range of places, we recognise the value that familiarity and repetition has in play, so we regularly return to the same spots - check out the Our Locations page for some of our favourites.
How It Works
We meet every Thursday morning during school term time, with a start time generally around 9.30am (sometimes slightly later, depending upon location), running until 11.30. The week's location and exact meeting time is posted on social media on a Tuesday evening by around 7.30pm.
If you're planning to come along, sign-ups are done by the term. We ask for a donation of $30 per family for the term - this works out to be between $3 and $4 per session depending on the length of the term. We've been called "the best value playgroup" in Wellington!
The sign up form is linked below - we ask that this is completed before attending your first session as there are health and safety disclaimers and a space for providing emergency contact details.
When your payment is matched to your sign-up, you are added to our 'live' term list, meaning that you will receive invites by email to any special events - these are generally exclusively for signed up members and include weekend whānau play sessions, an evening event for Matariki and camps!
What People Say About Us...
NIKITA D
We love how Muddy Toes Playgroup is a new adventure every week often taking us to new places that we wouldn't otherwise visit. We have so much fun that it is often hard to drag my girl away at the end of the sessions.
HAYLEY J
This is the best nature playgroup and a fantastic way to explore Wellington's bush and nature spaces with your little ones. A lovely collection of down-to-earth caregivers who care about child-led free play and environmental stewardship.
JENNIE C
Muddy Toes Playgroup is the most inclusive playgroup we have ever been a part of, we love our outdoor adventures, this playgroup caters for all ages and stages - Gumboots are a must but that's all part of the fun
Meet the Muddy Toes Team
Becky
Hi, I'm Becky and if you've ever been along to a Muddy Toes session you have likely met me...
I moved to Wellington back in 2016 and have three kids of my own, all of whom are now in school. I started Muddy Toes as a small local initiative, to find other local families who love to play outdoors in all-weather and I am so very proud of what it has grown into today!
When my youngest started school, my role at Muddy Toes changed and I am now the primary session facilitator - which means I am at our Thursday sessions most weeks, setting up, bringing resources and generally being an extra pair of hands where needed! I also hold a Comprehensive First Aid Certificate, run all of the administration, write our policies and risk management documentation and answer all of your questions, comments and emails.
Maz
Maz started coming along to our sessions early in 2023 and volunteered for the role of secondary facilitator in 2024 - she is the first point of contact if I'm not able to be at one of our playgroup sessions. Maz has been a superstar addition to the team: with a background in teaching, Outdoor Education and heaps of experience tramping and camping she is a fountain of knowledge in all things outdoors!
Maz is also a trained first aider.
Planning an Event ?
Want a Muddy Toes pop-up at your outdoor event?
Having a Birthday Party and want to add some nature play fun for the kids?
Keen to collaborate?
Flexible pricing starting from $200 for a 2 hour private event...
Send me an email on muddytoesplaygroup@gmail.com and let me know what you have in mind. Limited weekend availability - at least 2 months notice required!
