Play in the Park: Aberdeen kids set to enjoy bumper fun day
Next week (Wednesday 7th August 2019) Aberdeen Play Forum, supported by Aberlour Child Care Trust and Aberdeen City Council, host their largest of event of the year for local children in celebration of every child’s right to play.
Playday is a national event, now in its 32nd year, which takes place across the UK to highlight the importance of play in every child’s life as it is an essential part of childhood.
Play is very powerful in childhood: it helps children’s overall health and well-being, brain and cognitive development, physical and emotional wellbeing, their social development as well as teaching them about risk and how to manage it.
In recent research Playday found that 40%* of children wish to play outside more and 72%** of adults wish they had more time to play with their children.
Last year the local Aberdeen event, organised by Aberdeen Play Forum, had around 2000 visitors take part in a number of fun activities.
This years’ event will be even more jammed packed with interesting and fun activities for all children to take part in. Activities include a baby sensory area, traditional woodland crafts with T.O.A.D.S (Time’s Outdoor Adventure Service), Bob Foy’s inflatable assault course, cardboard play with Aberdeen City Council and much more. There will also be face painting and a raffle which includes the chance to win a signed Aberdeen Football Club shirt donated by the club.
Mary Crear, Service Manager at Aberlour Childcare Trust, said:
“This event is one of the most important in my team’s calendar. Play is crucial for all children. It’s not just vital for fun but it has a critical role in their development. Regular time spent playing helps children to learn really important skills which they will use when they are older such as using their imagination, learning how to negotiate and interacting with others around them.
Last year’s event was a great success and I know this year will be bigger and better! I can’t wait to welcome all our local families and see everyone having a good time.”
Aberlour is Scotland’s largest children’s charity and supports over 7,500 vulnerable children and their families across the country. Aberlour provide a range of services, including residential and fostering, recovery, early years, disability and early intervention, to help the young people and families they support to thrive.
Event details:
National Playday
Wednesday 7th August 2019, 11am – 3pm
Hazlehead Park
For more information on the event contact melanie.jaffrey@aberlour.org.uk
Research:
*Playday 2013 Opinion Poll: http://www.playday.org.uk/2013-opinion-poll/
**Playday 2009 Research: http://www.playday.org.uk/campaigns-3/previous-campaigns/2009-make-time/2009-reseach/