Bring your kids for an epic play date at ArtPlay this Children’s Week and reflect on how listening to our youngest residents’ voices can help us create the brightest future for Melbourne. There are more than 25 events for children happening in the city from 19 to 27 October, including Play Date – a morning of artful play, nature facts from our park rangers, and Aboriginal storytelling. Running from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Friday 25 October, Play Date is a free event at ArtPlay for families with children aged two to five. No bookings are required. Staff will also be on hand at Play Date to answer questions about the City of Melbourne’s many services for children and families. Beyond the great events of Children’s Week, and our year-round services to provide young Melburnians with a great start in life, children play an important part in shaping our future city. We work to ensure children’s voices are heard as we make plans and policies, and create opportunities for them to participate fully in the creation of the city they will inherit. At our recent Children’s Forum, children aged 6 to 12 told us they love our city’s parks, food, animals and people, but worry about climate change and the environment, poverty, homelessness and safety. The children told us they want to provide practical help for people who are homeless and would improve Melbourne by reducing traffic, planting more trees, building more parks and reducing the use of plastic. Sophie Peters, who was named this year’s Junior Lord Mayor on Melbourne Day in August, said she is honoured to help give kids a voice in our city. She is also particularly passionate about alleviating homelessness and waste. ‘Melbourne is a city with beautiful green spaces and people with a diversity of cultures, but I … Continue reading Make a play date with ArtPlay