Get Set for Children’s Week
Children’s Week offers an array of fun – and free – activities for children of all ages right across Victoria. From Tai Chi to sand sculptures and singalong sessions with Blinky Bill, the Wonderful World of Mr Men and Little Miss – your family will love getting stuck in to all the excitement on offer.
The ever-popular week will kick off this year on Sunday 25 October, when children are given free entry to the Melbourne Zoo for a fun-filled day featuring face painters, empress stilt dancers, Chinese lantern and knot workshops, wacky musical instrument workshops, crafty animal fun and ‘Go for your life’ activities.
The festivities will continue across the state, with a wide variety of activities planned to recognise children’s rights, talents, skills and abilities, all themed around ‘a caring world shares’.
Running from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, Children’s Week is an annual, national event that celebrates children’s right to enjoy childhood. It provides opportunities for thousands of young Victorians to participate in a range of activities provided by the Department in partnership with local governments, Victorian schools, early childhood services and key stakeholders.
Children’s Week also draws on 2009 as the International Year of the Gorilla, Astronomy, Natural Fibres and Reconciliation. During launch day at the zoo a gorilla art mural will be created and ‘gorillas in the wild’ art activities will take place.
On Sunday 1 November, as Children's Week celebrations draw to a close, a new initiative of The Alannah and Madeline Foundation – Children365 – will be launched at a family fun day hosted by the Victorian State Government at the Melbourne Museum.
Children365 encourages everyone to cherish our children every single day of the year. The concept was developed after the tragic death of Darcey Freeman. Following the loss of their precious little girl, Darcey’s mother and her family suggested an annual day to treasure our youngest generation. They asked the Alannah and Madeline Foundation – a charity focussed on protecting children from violence – to help make it a reality.