YOUNG visitors to Leicester city centre can celebrate National Playday by taking part in a day of fun – and free – activities.
The city council’s family-friendly event takes place in Town Hall Square on Wednesday (3 August) from 11am until 3pm, with lots going on for those aged 0-12.
Activities at Leicester’s Playday will include traditional games such as skipping, hula hooping, egg & spoon races and hook-a-duck, as well as creative play sessions, dance, and lots of arts and crafts activities.
There will be storytelling with the BookBus, a stay-and-play area for parents and babies, while adventurous youngsters can have a go on the climbing wall. Please note that a minimum height of 1.1m applies on the climbing wall – and trainers or suitable shoes must be worn.
Staff from Leicester’s Libraries will be encouraging young people to join the Summer Reading Challenge – ‘Gadgeteers’ – which this year focuses on the role of imagination in reading and in science and innovation. The challenge is to read at least six books on any topic before Sunday 11 September – with full details available at any Leicester library.
Members of the Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles team will be at the event too, inviting children to take part in their quiz or have fun brushing the giant teeth!
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell said: “The city council’s annual Playday is a great opportunity for families with young children to have some fun together in the heart of the city centre.
“Play is a vital part of a child’s healthy development, so we are pleased to support this national initiative with a day of free activities that the whole family can enjoy.”
National Playday is co-ordinated by Play England and is supported by local authorities across the UK.
More ideas for summer fun in Leicester – including free roller-skating in Jubilee Square from 3-10 August and a summer family fun day at Abbey Pumping Station on Sunday 7 August – can be found at visitleicester.info