Child’s play now in the spotlight

CITY Hall has organised more than 70 events for this year’s International Children’s Week starting today.

The program will be launched with a story time session at the new Waurn Ponds Library.

On Sunday, a Children and Family Fun Day will be held at Waterworld in Corio from 11am to 3pm. The free festivities offered include mini pony rides, a petting farm, face painting, balloon sculpting, jumping castle, waterslides and aqua bubbles, and a free barbecue lunch.

On Sunday the Potato Shed in Drysdale will also host a Family Fun Day with free entertainment, games, rides and attractions, a Mad Hatters’ Tea Party and theatre performances.

International Children’s Week is an annual event that provides an opportunity for everyone to focus on the important contributions that our youngest citizens make to our community.

City chief executive Stephen Griffin said childhood was an important and exciting time in life.

‘‘It’s an equally exciting time for parents, who play a vital role in helping children to learn,’’ he said.

‘‘This year’s Geelong Children’s Week program has another fantastic array of fun events, programs and activities that are provided through strong support by the city and the many local community groups and children’s services involved.

‘‘Across Geelong, more than 70 different events are being held in schools, kinders, childcare centres, playgroups and toy libraries.’’

Other features of Geelong’s Children’s Week program this year includes: TOY Library open days; TWO for the price of one rides at Geelong Carousel; JUNIOR fishing clinics; FAMILY days at council’s aquatic centres; FOLLOWyour nose at Geelong Botanic Gardens; ANIMAL Farm Visits; PLAYGROUP in the Park at Eastern Gardens; EARLY Childhood Expos in Corio and Drysdale; and GPAC Poppykettle Children’s Festival.

Children’s Week will conclude with a Kids’ Big Day Out at Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre in Ocean Grove on Sunday, October 28, 11am-3pm.