Rotorua Multicultural Council president Dr Margriet Theron at the Te Rūnanga Tea House. Photo / Stephen Parker
Rotorua Multicultural Council president Dr Margriet Theron at the Te Rūnanga Tea House. Photo / Stephen Parker
This year's Children's Weekend is sure to be one full of precious memories with two days of free events to celebrate national Children's Day.
The event, hosted by Rotorua Lakes Council together with various organisations and community groups, is on this weekend.
Tomorrowa range of activities are taking place around central Rotorua between 10am and 3pm with an 'Around the World' theme.
Children of all ages can experience diverse cultures from around the world and be in to win prizes by collecting stamps for their Children's Weekend "passports".
The passports can be picked up from several venues on the day and passport holders will receive a stamp for every activity they participate in.
Children will "travel" to France, Mexico, India, the Pacific Islands, Japan, The Netherlands and here in Aotearoa.
Rotorua Multicultural Council president Dr Margriet Theron says Rotorua Children's Weekend is an annual event the multicultural council has participated in for a long time.
She says it is an opportunity for parents to come out and have a fun weekend of events with their children.
"For me, this day is another opportunity to tell local children about the world because that's what they will experience - different cultures from different parts of the world.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to let the many immigrant children in Rotorua feel that they are part of a multicultural community, and that we are welcoming of so many different ways of doing things".
Margriet encourages people to give the multicultural council's activities - celebrating Polynesia - a go because it will be a hands-on experience.
She says they will also have face painting which children always seem to enjoy.
Rotorua Library staff always look forward to participating in Children's Weekend.
Youth and early learning lead Kylie Holmes sees Children's Weekend as a special opportunity for families to spend time together, which is all centred around children.
"There are a wide range of activities that allow children to learn about national costumes, dances, music and crafts of several countries and cultures.
"We welcome families to visit Rotorua Library at Te Aka Mauri, enjoy the fantail craft, and receive an Aotearoa stamp in their Children's Weekend passport as part of their cultural journey."
While children and their families are visiting Rotorua Library they can also join the library and borrow books.
Families with more than three stamps in their passport will go into a draw to win a prize pool valued at more than $3000.
Children enjoy creating at the Redwoods Children's Day in 2017. Photo / Altitude Photography
The fun continues on Sunday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at the Redwoods Children's Day in the Redwood Forest.
This event includes nature-based activities such as forest games, storytelling, log dig, bucket fun, soundscapes, clay, paint, Taiko drumming, hut building, gymnastics, pony rides, young artists alfresco art exhibition, and the opportunity to be on stage.
There will be a range of local performances of all ages.
Jill Walker of the Travelling Tuataras says Redwoods Childrens Day has happened for Rotorua families since 2010, and is an opportunity to explore the forest and what it has to offer as a beautiful playground.
She says the day is a time for children and their families to explore, play, make and discover together.
Central Kids Kindergartens community engagement worker Heidi Symon says there will be staff from all 10 of its kindergartens supporting the Redwoods Day and activities they will be holding.
