Paint splattered tiny hands and toothy smiles filled the Gympie Show Pavilion and Grounds for the annual Little Kids Day Out (LKDO).
Run as a free event for the community, Little Kids Day Out is designed to connect families with young children to early learning centres, sporting clubs, schools and a variety of other businesses and organisations.
This year’s theme was “Young Engineers”, which focused on creating and building themed activity booths for the youngsters.
Despite the rainy weather last Saturday, over 1800 kids and parents flooded through the doors, along with the hundreds of volunteers and performers that were present as well.
Organiser Kim Walters said the event ran smoothly, and that a plethora of activities kept everyone entertained.
“There was a huge variety of things to do and this kept the children engaged, and lots of connecting for parents and services in our region,” she said.
This event couldn’t have been made possible without the support of community sponsorships, donations and prizes.
“Over fifty activities were provided by schools, early learning centres and support services,” Kim said.
“They were all different and engaging.
“Hopefully parents can replicate many of the activities as home.”
Hundreds of children from all around the Gympie region also contributed to the bright and colourful art that decorated the walking track.
“It was a standout feature as it weaved through the Pavilion and basketball court areas.”
The first LKDO was held in 2014, and the feedback satisfaction percentage this year was in the high nineties on all fronts.
A real stand-out moment for Kim was during the end of the event, with the smiling faces of both parents and children reiterating one key phrase: “It was the best Little Kids Day Out ever”.
The Little Kids Day Out is organised by local volunteers from the community for the community.
The aim is to connect families with services and organisations that will help their children flourish.
If you’re interested in joining or sponsoring the event next year, contact the Little Kids Day Out committee via email at littlekidsdayout@gmail.com.
