15 July,2026 09:23 AM IST | Mumbai | Bhumika Israni
Kids learn to make seed-balls at an open nature workshop at Maharashtra Nature Park
The highest decibel levels in Maharashtra Nature Park this Sunday morning may not be from the resident birds - but possibly from children debating whether the next clue points to a feather, a leaf, or an insect hidden in plain sight. In a fun outdoorsy idea, they'll be racing through winding trails, working with new teammates and discovering that nature often rewards those who slow down and look closely.
Attendees explore ferns and plant life on a previous monsoon biodiversity trail
Organised by WeNaturalist, Nature Detectives transforms the park into a giant outdoor puzzle where observation is more important than knowing the right answers.
Amit Banka
Participants aged five and above are grouped into teams on arrival before setting off on a series of clues, challenges and playful activities inspired by the park's biodiversity.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima spotted during a plant photography walk at Maharashtra Nature Park
Founder Amit Banka says the idea was never to compete with technology through lectures. "Screen time doesn't compete well with a lecture. It competes well with a game. We built the Scavenger Hunt around teams, not guided talks, so children are chasing clues together instead of sitting through information," he says.
Purple Porterweed (Stachytarpheta) with a butterfly feeding on it
Interestingly, the biggest surprise has been the response from parents. "What we didn't design for but keep seeing is that parents get pulled into the same activity, and that ends up becoming the real bonding moment. Children also make new friends because teams are formed on the spot," Banka adds.
Participants learn to identify leaves on a guided tree walk at Maharashtra Nature Park
"A guided nature walk teaches facts. We wanted to teach observation instead because observation outlasts any single fact. We'd rather a child leave with the habit of noticing than just a memory of one scavenger hunt," he says.
Participants uncover nature through clues at Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivli. pics courtesy/Wenaturalist
With clue-based quests, eco-friendly goodies and a snack box included, the experience offers families an engaging reminder that some of the best adventures begin by simply looking a little closer.
ON July 19; 8.30 am onwards
AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion-Bandra Link Road, opposite the PMGP Colony and Dharavi Bus Depot.
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ENTRY Rs 350
