We are pleased to invite employees of the University of Lodz together with their children from 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. to the park surrounding the Biedermann’s Palace (Franciszkańska 1/5), where century-old trees and the artistic installation “Chodź do parku… Jest Twój” [“Come to the park… It is yours”] will create a unique setting for the planned attractions.
We offer both younger and older guests a variety of experiences, activities and learning through play, demonstrating that there are green enclaves in the city where one can spend time creatively and with family. The programme will include a wide range of workshops, quizzes, puzzles, experiments, games and other engaging activities, all centred around nature. At 6.30 p.m., the picnic will conclude with a concert entitled “Pieśni drzew” [Songs of Trees] performed by the Taitu Tree ensemble, whose music – inspired by the sounds of nature – combines African drums, viola, electronic instruments and vocals.
What attractions await younger and older children?
As every year, Student Science Clubs and units of the University of Lodz invite participants to join in the fun. Several picnic hours will be filled with the following activities:
- Workshops on making your own binoculars and a game matching beaks to birds (Ornithological Student Science Club)
- Mini excavations – uncovering replicas of archaeological artefacts in sand (Experimental Archaeology Student Science Club VARIA)
- Presentation of nervous tissue specimens and a human brain in formalin + sports activities: target throwing, charades, ship zone, survival tasks, dance and movement games, acrobatics show (Student Science Club “Fizycznie Kulturalni”)
- Quizzes and activities on human anatomy and physical anthropology (Student Science Club “Antropołowcy”)
- Painting botanical patterns on hands, presentation of diversity in ecosystems, “what is hidden in a drop of water?” + quizzes and colouring activities (Student Science Club “Chloris”)
- Creating nature-themed posters, field game (solving riddles/nature puzzles) + face painting, balloon twisting, braiding, obstacle course (Student Science Club “ACoTo?”)
- Exploring the language and culture of the Łódź region in comparison with other areas of Poland – linguistic games based on regionalisms, particularly those of Łódź (Dialectological Student Science Club)
- Workshop “Fantysteczne animalium. Stwórz własne zwierzę mocy” – participants will explore the fascinating history of manuscripts and symbolism in illuminated manuscripts and old prints (University of Lodz Library)
- Setting up library accounts, providing e‑book readers with Legimi access, lending comics (University of Lodz Library)
- Playing original computer games created directly by students (Student Science Club “Artefakty”)
- Creating custom badges using a machine (Student Science Club “ItaliAMO”)
- Guessing companies by logo, designing your own coin, banknote and payment card + quizzes and a prize wheel (Student Science Club “ManageTeaM”)
- Drawing one’s own emotions on large sheets of paper, memory game, “jar of emotions” (Polish Association of Students and Alumni of Psychology – Łódź and Student Science Club of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences)
“Dzika Strefa” [Wild Zone] – what is it?
Together with painter and illustrator Natalia Anna Kalisz‑Odorowicz, based on her book “Dzika Dziewczynka” [“Wild Girl”], we will immerse ourselves in a world of nature and imagination. This story, styled after traditional fairy tales and focused on finding oneself through reconnecting with nature, will form the basis for shared activities. Children and their carers will discover that nature gently guides us through emotions, memories and… creative experiments. Using prepared materials, participants will create original collages that develop sensory sensitivity, creativity and manual skills. We will ensure that art, education and nature intertwine harmoniously.
The initiative “Foto spod chyncha” will, in turn, offer a space for playful experimentation with framing and creative expression inspired by the immediate surroundings. Participants will become part of the world of Łódź nature, creating their own visual stories with the help of props and words. The keywords—ranging from playful to wryly poetic—will invite you to engage in a game of associations and improvisation. Each one will be an opportunity to create your own story. Forest symbols, urban animals, organic forms—all of these will build a space where the image meets your imagination.
Monika Goetzendorf-Grabowska will invite us to participate in a family art workshop inspired by nature, our relationship with trees, and the idea of collaborative creation, titled „The Tree – A Gift”.
The central element of the activity will be the collaborative creation of a large-format noren – a traditional Japanese fabric hung in doorways and entrances. In the workshop, the noren will become a symbolic passage through the park and through the world of the tree – from roots hidden underground to crowns full of light, birds, and the movement of air.
The finished noren will become a symbolic gateway leading to a world of mindfulness, imagination, and connection with nature.
The central element of the activity will be the collaborative creation of a large-format noren—a traditional Japanese fabric hung in doorways and entrances. In the workshop, the noren will become a symbolic passage through the park and through the world of the tree—from roots hidden underground to crowns full of light, birds, and the movement of air.
The finished noren will become a symbolic gateway leading to a world of mindfulness, imagination, and connection with nature.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Students from the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź and students from Secondary School No. 12 in Łódź are also joining us
Students of the Władysław Strzemiński Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, from the Artistic Education programme, have also joined the activities, proposing the picnic attraction “Granie na trawie” [“Playing on the Grass”]. On the park lawns, blankets will be set out with original games – educational props designed and created by students for testing and play under the attentive supervision of their authors.
Students of the High School no 12 in Łódź have prepared an eco‑fashion show. The outfits have been made from paper and plastic elements obtained from waste materials.
The event partner is VITAPLUS. At their stand, you can have your blood pressure measured, while children can try their luck at a prize wheel.
The event is accessible for persons with disabilities (parking spaces, toilet facilities, hardened pathways). If you have specific needs regarding your participation with your child, please contact: wydarzenia@uni.lodz.pl – we will be happy to assist.
Please note that due to roadworks on Franciszkańska Street, vehicle access to the venue is possible only from Północna Street.
Photo: Maciej Andrzejewski (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
