Kurşunlu Şelalesi Tabiat Parkı Children Orienteering Experience

Treasure hunt in Kurşunlu Şelalesi Tabiat Parkı with a waterfall

Kurşunlu Şelalesi Tabiat Parkı, located in the northeast of Antalya, captures children's imagination from the very first moment with its small canyon hidden in a pine forest and a waterfall at its end. The sound of water, shaded walking paths, and cool air under the trees make this place a child-friendly area even in a hot region. In our approximately two-hour program, we introduce orienteering in nature as a treasure hunt for the 7-12 age group. Each participant receives their own map and a small compass, and then sets out to find the orange-white control flags placed among the pines.

The regular walking paths and distinct canyon line of Kurşunlu work like a natural compass for children. The sound of water reminds them of the direction at all times, making it easier and more fun to navigate. We schedule our programs for morning hours in summer, so we can take advantage of the coolness and provide children with a wide range of movement in the most peaceful hours of the area.

Map, compass, and control card game

We start with a brief preparation. We show the meaning of the blue line as water, green as trees, and white as sparse forest on the map in a playful way. Finding the waterfall on the map is the first major discovery for children, and from that moment on, their view of the map changes. Everyone takes turns trying to hold the compass and turn the map north. Then, control cards are distributed: the child who presses the marker on each flag onto their card moves on to the next point. Our routes are short, points are near shaded paths, and remain within the safe boundaries set by the guide. No points are placed near the edge of the canyon, and the group remains within the guide's line of sight at all stages.

In these two hours, children not only find a few flags but also make their own decisions, choose between two paths, discuss and reason with their friends. They move away from their screens and focus on a real task; each point they find contributes a little to their self-confidence. We discuss the topic of respect for nature from the very beginning: not touching water and living things, not littering, not pulling plants, and not changing the position of flags are the group's common rules.

Notes and preparation for parents

Our groups are small, and each group has an experienced guide; children are supervised throughout the program. Parents can either accompany the group or wait in the starting area near the waterfall. We kindly request that you bring closed and sturdy sports shoes, plenty of water, and a hat; the Antalya sun can be felt even in the morning hours. If you want to give your child a cool, safe, and exploratory morning in nature, you can create your registration.