A Week of Fun, Connection, Learning and Play
16th to 22nd March 2026
Playgroup Activates Possibility
This National Playgroup Week we seek to be open minded to new possibilities and connections – sometimes that means just showing up at your local playgroup and trying out a new group activity, it might be heading out to enjoy a nature playgroup or a playgroup with older residents brightening their day and creating an extended village for yourself. We are here to inspire and encourage you to make the most of the different possibilities that activate meaningful relationships, fun, growth, wonder, support, community spirit and endless moments of enjoyment for our kids!
National Playgroup Week 2026 Promo Pack For Playgroups!
We have a collection of colourful artworks to showcase National Playgroup Week! Download our flyers, posters, logos and social posts. We encourage you to share these resources widely. We would love for you to share this with your friends and network!
Find a Local National Playgroup Week Event!
Running a playgroup event this week? Send us an email or tag us on social media and share your local National Playgroup Week events!
Instagram – Facebook – Wonderful World of Playgroup Facebook Group – LinkedIn – marketing@playgroup.org.au
MONDAY 16 MARCH
Pop-Up Playgroup – Glengarry
Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm | Location: Apex Park, Glengarry
Join us for a fun and welcoming Pop-Up Playgroup for children aged 0–5 years and their carers. Play, explore, and connect with other local families in a relaxed and inclusive space! Please note: The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.
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Tarneit National Playgroup Week Celebration
Time: 10am – 11.30am | Location: Tarneit Central Shopping Centre, 540 Derrimut Road, Tarneit
Wyndham City Council will be running four Shopping Centre Playgroups during National Playgroup Week, other program areas from Wyndham City will be there to talk with families about programs, activities and how to get involved. This is a free event. Find Out More HERE
TUESDAY 17 MARCH
CERES Brunswick and Playgroup Victoria Bush Friends Picnic
Time: 9am-1pm | Location: CERES Community Environment Park, Stewart St & Roberts St, Roberts St, Brunswick East
Tickets: $15 per child (adults free)
Our Bush Friends Picnic is a relaxed, drop-in gathering, designed as an unhurried space to connect, explore, and simply be outdoors together. The morning invites little ones to move at their own pace, whether that means busy hands-on play or quiet observation. Learn More + Book HERE
Pop-Up Playgroup – Tyers
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Location: Traralgon Jaycees Tyers Community Park
Join us for a fun and welcoming Pop-Up Playgroup for children aged 0–5 years and their carers. Play, explore, and connect with other local families in a relaxed and inclusive space! Please note: The event will be cancelled in the event of rain.
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Pop-up Kids Art in Yarraville Gardens
Time: 10am – 11am | Location: Yarraville Gardens
A supportive and calm environment, helping you enjoy being creative with your kids, knowing you don’t have to clean up afterwards! This is a special pop-up event to celebrate National Playgroup Week. Learn More HERE
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Playgroup Week Celebration at Wyndham Village
Time: 10am – 11.30am | Location: Wyndham Village Shopping Centre – 380 Sayers Rd, Tarneit
Wyndham City Council will be running four Shopping Centre Playgroups during National Playgroup Week, other program areas from Wyndham City will be there to talk with families about programs, activities and how to get involved. This is a free event. Find Out More HERE
WEDNESDAY 18 MARCH
National Playgroup Week Celebration in Manor Lakes
Time:1.30pm – 3pm | Location: Manor Lakes Central Shopping Centre – 455 Ballan Rd, Manor Lakes
Wyndham City Council will be running four Shopping Centre Playgroups during National Playgroup Week, other program areas from Wyndham City will be there to talk with families about programs, activities and how to get involved. This is a free event. Find Out More HERE
THURSDAY 19 MARCH
National Playgroup Week in the City of Melton
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm | Location: Plumpton Community Centre, 19 Pear Parade, Fraser Rise
Join in the fun at this free community event, with activities that spark curiosity, connection and learning through play. Learn More HERE
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National Playgroup Week Celebration in Point Cook
Time: 10am – 11.30am | Location: Stockland Point Cook, Cnr Main St & Murnong St, Point Cook
Wyndham City Council will be running four Shopping Centre Playgroups during National Playgroup Week, other program areas from Wyndham City will be there to talk with families about programs, activities and how to get involved. This is a free event. Find Out More HERE
FRIDAY 20 MARCH
Painting in a Playground
Time: 10:30am – 11:30am | Location: Palmtree Place Park, Point Cook
A supportive and calm environment, helping you enjoy being creative with your kids, knowing you don’t have to clean up afterwards! This is a special pop-up event to celebrate National Playgroup Week. Learn More HERE
National Playgroup Week Inspiration for Playgroups
National Playgroup Week is a chance to celebrate all things playgroup! Playgroups across Victoria can take part in so many fun ways – read on to get inspired!
Celebrate Your Playgroup!
- Host a special playgroup session, such as a messy play day, outdoor nature session or music and movement activity.
- Organise a Teddy Bears’ Picnic – invite families to bring their teddies and enjoy a picnic outdoors.
- Hold a show-and-tell session, encouraging families to bring along something meaningful and share its story.
- Get crafty! Make cards, messages or artworks to share with friends, family or your local community.
- Take a nature walk and explore local green spaces together. What new plants, insects or animals can you discover?
- Go on an excursion – visit places such as a local botanic garden, museum, library or playground.
- Host a bring-a-book-to-playgroup day, with families sharing favourite stories. Afterwards, create your own storybook using paper and imagination.
- Celebrate with a shared morning tea, inviting everyone to bring a plate to enjoy together.
- Invite parents and carers to share skills, stories or cultural traditions.
- Cooking and culture – cook something together or invite families to share a special dish.
- Invite a local storyteller, musician or community guest to join a session.
- Mark the week with a dress-up day or themed session, such as pyjama day or a colour-themed playgroup.
Welcome and Connect with New Families
- Run a “bring a friend” playgroup session to welcome new families.
- Organise a playgroup session in the park that is open to the local community.
- Partner with a nearby library, kindergarten, community centre or neighbourhood house to spread the word about your local playgroup.
- Host an open day and new member drive – invite new and curious local families to experience playgroup, meet other parents and carers, and learn how to join.
Share Your Playgroup Story
- Share photos, videos and stories (with permission) on social media using National Playgroup Week hashtags:
#NationalPlaygroupWeek #PlaygroupVictoria - Display children’s artwork in your venue or a at a local community space.
- Share your playgroup story with Playgroup Victoria – tag us on social media and we will help spread the word!
Recognise Volunteers and Leaders
- Say thank you to playgroup leaders and volunteers – create thank-you cards, posters or banner made by the children.
- Share a volunteer or leader spotlight during the week.
- Nominate your local Playgroup Champion!
Connect with the Wider Community
- Invite a local councillor, MP or community leader to visit your playgroup.
- Share information about playgroups with local services and organisations.
- Are there any local community events happening? Set up a small display or information table at a local event or venue.
The 2026 Playgroup Census
In 2026, the Playgroup Census will run alongside National Playgroup Week! This year, we are aiming to make the Playgroup Census bigger and better than ever by capturing a full picture of who is attending playgroups across Victoria.
The Census helps us showcase the wide-spread impact of playgroup. It also provides opportunities to highlight all the positive aspects of playgroup – from building connections and learning to sharing fun, insight, and meaningful relationships that support the wellbeing of families and the wider community.
During National Playgroup Week, playgroup leaders will be invited to participate by collecting attendance data for all sessions held that week.
The Playgroup Champion Awards are back for 2026!
Who is your playgroup hero? Who would you love to thank for their dedication and contribution?
Each year, we invite you to nominate the incredible people who make your local playgroup special.
Playgroup is a shared, collective experience. It thrives because of the kindness, commitment and hard work of the people involved. This is your chance to recognise someone who has made a positive difference during your time at playgroup.
2026 nominations now open!
Nominations close 06/04/2026. Terms and Conditions available HERE
Find a Playgroup Near You
There are many playgroups in Victoria looking for new members. Browse through our Find a Playgroup directory to access information about your local playgroups.
Finding the Right Playgroup for You
All playgroups are unique. We have bush playgroups, intergenerational playgroups, grandparent playgroups, baby playgroups, cultural specific playgroups, playgroups for children with different needs, playgroups for children with disabilities. Some playgroups run with a set routine and planned activities. Others are more laid back and full of free play. Some people simply like to pop in for a cuppa and a chat. Some run playgroup sessions four times a week. Some come every once in a while. You can pick and choose what suits you best. Playgroup creates opportunities for you to play with your child, relax, connect with others, share information and unwind. Download our FREE Playgroup Starter Guide here
FREE Family Membership
It is our hope that all families have access to playgroup, and all families have opportunities to participate in playgroup. With that in mind, Family Membership is now FREE!
Let’s Play!
Celebrate National Playgroup week with lots of inspiring play – Here is a range of play sheets to explore.
