A forest mirage

Explore the Magic of the Forest – A Sensory Discovery Session for the Little Ones

What fascinates the youngest children when they encounter the forest and nature? During the Northern Lights Festival, we invite small children (ages 0–2) and their parents or guardians to an open and exploratory session where we can play together with senses, materials, and the magic of nature.
We bring an exciting selection of forest-inspired objects—things with different colors, textures, sounds, and shapes.

Together, we will explore what the children find intriguing and which sensory experiences spark their curiosity. There’s no set program or agenda—come and go as you please, adapting to what suits your child and your needs.

Come and experience:

• Soft and rough materials that encourage touch and exploration.
• Gentle sounds that rustle, hum, and sing, inspired by nature.
• Light effects, shapes, and objects that capture the eye and spark wonder.
• A safe and open environment where children and parents can explore together.

We aim to create a relaxed and playful atmosphere, where parents can be fully present and explore at the child’s pace. Together, we may discover new ways to see and experience the world of the forest!

About the Workshop Leaders

Mari Bø and Trine Hild Blixrud are developing a new performance for children aged 0–2 years. As part of this process, they are hosting a workshop to explore what the youngest children find fascinating and engaging, and how to create art that truly resonates with them.

Mari, a dancer and choreographer, has extensive experience creating art for audiences of all ages. As a mother of two young children, she is inspired by observing what captures their attention in daily life—sounds, movements, or colors. Passionate about creating open and safe spaces for shared exploration between children and adults, she focuses on letting art adapt to children’s needs and experiences. Mari looks forward to discovering, together with you, what engages, motivates, and sparks curiosity in children.

Trine shares many of the same interests and is fascinated by the unique ways young children experience the world. She is a university lecturer at UiT and has previously created performances for very young audiences.

The workshop is supported by Tromsø Municipality and UiT – The Arctic University of Norway.