Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail

The Hide 'n' Seek Children's Trail, a kind of mystery tour through Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens, is aimed at children, but big kids are sure to enjoy it too. 

This is a fabulous incentive, taking visitors (young and old) on an educational adventure through the wonderland of this trail. Pick up your brochure from the information kiosk near the planetarium, make your way to the starting point near the Japanese gardens and let the fun begin.

It's not easy convincing young children to go slowly and quietly along this trail but once they realise they need to look up, down, over and under to discover the many surprises along the way, they soon become caught up in the game of hide and seek.

There are 17 marked "objects" to find along the way, but extra surprises await those who keep their eyes wide open. All sorts of creatures and plant life can be spotted and information boards keep everyone informed throughout the trail.

Walk quietly ...... are there any koalas at the top of the tallow wood tree or are they resting somewhere else? Look up now and then .......... who’s just hanging around?  And keep an eye on the water ....... someone's watching. Feeling musical? There's an opportunity to play a very special instrument.

There are some lovely shady spots along the way where visitors can stop, relax and maybe enjoy a picnic or a snack. The trail winds through the shady, exotic rainforest but hats, water bottles, sunscreen and insect repellant are "must have" items for this activity.

Take along a pen or pencil too as there's a checklist to mark off and a short quiz to do at the end of the adventure. A colour-in page can also be found in the brochure so this activity just keeps on giving - even when the kids get home.

This really is a delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon and when the Hide 'n' Seek Trail is done, there's so much more to enjoy in these beautiful gardens, right on Brisbane's doorstep.

Make the most of an outing to the Botanic Gardens at Mt Coot-tha and pack a picnic, enjoy a walk around the duck pond, join a free mini bus tour of the gardens, or just relax and enjoy refreshments at the cafe near the entrance. 

By Sandy Ludinski