Kids have a ball

Children’s Week returns to Geelong with farm animals, planting sessions, kids acts and more this month.
Greater Geelong’s week for youngsters, from 20 to 29 October, includes something for every child, according to organisers.
Magic shows, sports days, gardening demostrations and concerts will spring up around the city, with the highlight being Geelong’s Big Play Day on 24 October.
The day brings hula hoops, an animal farm, African drumming, story-telling and arts to the Geelong Botanical Gardens from 10am to 1pm.
The Mik Maks, Mister Ants, Krazy Koala and Dazzling Dan will make their way to the gardens to keep kids dancing and cheering.
The City has run Children’s Week for 13 years to celebrate childhood and encourage local families to spend more time together.
The event had become more popular each year, organisers said.
Bluebird Foundation will join the celebrations, presenting a special concert of music especially for children on 22 October.
Musician Peter Huf will delight with classical and modern melodies on guitar, banjo, violin and more, the foundation’s Bron Lawson said.
“A relaxed atmosphere will mean that little ones can play and explore while they listen to the music.
“They will also be able to touch and explore the instruments with Peter.”
The fun hits the Bellarine too that day with the peninsula’s biggest Free Family Fun Day returning to the Potato Shed from 11am – 3pm.
With more than 8000 people attending in 2016, the event had become one best children’s events in the region, the City’s art manager Kaz Paton said.
“It’s a great way for the community to come together and enjoy a free and fabulous entertaining day.”
All events are free or low cost, organisers said. For the full calendar of events, visit www.geelongaustralia.com.au/childrensweek.