Free family fun on offer for Children's Day

ALL FOR ME: Hazel Thomas, 10 months, with mum Hayley Freeman at the Wairarapa SPCA Children's Day event last year.PHOTO/FILE

Children's Day celebrations in Masterton this year are aimed at providing free fun for the town's children, according to organiser Gerry Brooking of the Wairarapa Violence Free network.

The network and other community organisations are hosting entertainment for children and their families in Queen Elizabeth Park on Sunday, March 6, from 10am to 1pm.

"The whole idea is a free fun day for kids and family," Mrs Brooking said. "There'll be some safe inflatables there; there is a slide but not too big. There's a bouncy castle, a panther slide, a slip and slide waterslide."

As a bonus the network has secured free use of the swimming pool at Genesis Energy Recreation centre from midday until 3pm.

"We've been able to open the pools from 12 till 3pm for free."

A range of agencies and community groups have got behind the day, including Child Youth and Family, the Wairarapa Counselling Centre and the Masterton Family Education and Support Centre - a childcare group.

"The Tribe Church is involved (too). It's quite outside of just the social service agencies, it really is a community event," Ms Brooking said.

"Every day should be children's day, but it gives us an opportunity to do something with the kids that doesn't cost. There'll be free iceblocks and sausage sizzle, so you can go and not be hit with that expenditure.

"It's a chance for parents to enjoy time with their kids rather than it being under pressure."