Children’s Week expands in Ballarat in 2023

Ballarat’s biggest celebration for children is coming back and promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Children’s Week 2023 returns from 23-28 October and will this year be expanded to offer more opportunities for families and young children to be involved throughout the week.

Children’s Week is celebrated nationally and recognises the skills, talents, achievements and rights of children.

The 2023 theme is "children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy", which is drawn from a simplified version of Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.  

This year, there will be multiple free events held at various City of Ballarat venues including Parent Place, Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre, Ballarat Botanic Gardens, the Art Gallery of Ballarat, and the libraries.

The events will include craft sessions, interactive story times and physical activities. All activities are family friendly and aimed at children aged 0-5 years with some activities available for primary school aged children as well.  

A particular highlight will be an intergenerational playgroup at the Robert Clarke Centre in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens on Tuesday 24 October, designed to be similar to ABC television series ‘Old People's Home For Four-Year-Olds’. The event will be held in conjunction with the Senior’s Festival, which is running throughout October.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson encouraged anybody with young children to attend.

“The City of Ballarat is a signatory to the Child Friendly Cities and Communities Charter, and we have a strong commitment to listening to children and creating opportunities for children to participate,” he said.

“Our Municipal Early Years Plan 2022–2026 highlights the importance of listening to children and we will be consulting with children at all events throughout the week.

“The events held across the week are all free of charge and at locations that are accessible for everyone. There are a range of activities to suit different interests and we aim to provide inclusive, engaging activities.”

For more information about the events on offer throughout the week, visit the Parent Place Facebook page.