Joins Us for a Week of Fun, Connection, Learning and Play!
Welcome, one and all! National Playgroup Week is an opportunity to come together and celebrate our many wonderful and diverse playgroups- and the many benefits we reap from play. There will be opportunities to share stories, experiences and highlights. We welcome all families to enjoy the early years at playgroup!
Being Present, Together Let’s Play!
After a turbulent three years of change, the idea of being present, sharing moments together in-person, is something we draw close. This is innate to us all- to feel connected and be connected.
Connecting with one’s local community, our village, naturally creates networks of support. Interactions, however short, have the power to change our mindset and unlock opportunities. Through play and conversation, we learn about each other, children develop and relationships strengthen. From small rural groups in the bush, to intergenerational groups in city areas, to those who meet in our beautiful parks, schools, beaches, coffee shops and school halls across the state- National Playgroup Week is a celebration of all the good you bring.
During National Playgroup Week and beyond, we aim to nurture the well-being of our families, our children and those within our communities, through connection and shared play experiences.
National Playgroup Week Promo Pack
We have a collection of colourful artworks to showcase National Playgroup Week! Download our flyers, posters and social posts. We encourage you to share these resources widely. We would love for you to share this with your friends and network!
Let’s celebrate and award local efforts!
Nominate Your Playgroup Champion
Who is your playgroup hero? Who do you wish to thank for their contributions? Nominate someone from your playgroup today! We are searching for playgroup champions – of which there are many! Playgroup is a collective, shared experience, one that cannot happen without the input, kindness and consideration of those involved.
ABOUT THE PRIZE:
One outstanding Playgroup Champion will be selected as our winner! The winning Playgroup Champion will receive:
1 x Melbourne Big Ticket! This includes a Family Pass to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and LEGOLAND
1 x grand playgroup goodie box
If your Playgroup Champion is chosen as the winner, as a thank you for your nomination, you will receive a fun-filled playgroup pack to keep your playgroup inspired for plenty of play!
Runners-Up
Two runners-up will be selected and will each receive – a playgroup prize pack for your nominated playgroup champion and a special gift for you from our friends at Crayola.
Nominations close 22/03/2023. Terms and Conditions available HERE
Go in the Draw to Win One of Three Playgroup Prize Packs!
During National PLaygroup week 2023, if you register a brand new playgroup or renew an existing playgroup registration with Playgroup Victoria, you will automatically go in the draw to win one of three fun-filled playgroup prize packs!
Your Playgroup Pals are Hitting The Road!
Playgroup Victoria will be visiting several local communities during National Playgroup Week. Check out the details below. We would love to see you there!
Wednesday 22 March 2023
Sunbury Playgroup in the Park
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Galaxy Land Jackson Park, 25 Betula Terrace, Sunbury
A fun and free event in Sunbury, with pop up playgroup activities, arts and crafts, show bags and more!
Thursday 23 March 2023
Baby’s Day Out Pop-Up Playgroup
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Fred Smith Reserve, Hastings Foreshore 2 Marine Parade, Hastings
Join us for a special playgroup just for babies! Please bring a snack and hat and sunscreen if it’s sunny and a jacket and pair of gumboots if it’s raining!
Friday 24 March 2023
Little Sprouts Kids Gardening Workshop
Morning session = 11:30am -12:30pm
Afternoon session = 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Location: Barkly Square Gardens – 25 Barkly Street, East Ballarat
Let’s explore nature together! This interactive FREE gardening and nature workshop will be hosted by Food Is Free Inc. and Playgroup Victoria.
Find a Local National Playgroup Week Event Near You!
“I think playgroups have a very special place, in connecting families with young children into a community.”- Professor Emeritus Dorothy Scott, Playgroup Victoria Patron
Play Inspiration for Playgroups
- Teddy Bears Picnic: Bring along ted and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors
- Show-and-Tell Special: Bring along something important to you and share a story with the group
- Cooking and Culture: Enjoy sharing a meal together. Cook something as a group such as scones or cookies or invite members of your group to share a special dish
- Crafty cards: Make cards together or make crafty messages and artworks to share with friends, family and those in your local community
- Pet Portraits: Draw or create animal artworks
- Nature walk day: Explore your local green spaces and enjoy discovering different plants and animals as a group. What new things can you see and find?
- Excursion: Did you know that playgroups take place in all sorts of different places and venues? Enjoy a day out and visit new spaces such as your local botanic gardens, museum, lake, library or playground
- Bring a book to playgroup day: Why not bring one of your favourite books and share what it is that you like about if. Afterwards you could make your own storybook using paper and your imagination, sharing what you and your family like to do
- Enjoy sensory play: An oldie but a goodie- why not make playdough! You might like to incorporate nature items or plastic toys
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.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers
Find the Right Playgroup for You and Your Family
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.
Explore our Playgroup Starters 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.
