Fun for all marks Children's Day

Yesterday was national Children's Day and hundreds of kids big and small headed to the Historic Village on 17th Ave to celebrate.

Isaac Lawson, 8, (pictured) from Mount Maunganui Primary was having a blast, he said, having his face painted and riding the blow-up slide.

"It's a really good day. It's really fun," he said.

His mum, Charity McCrea, said the concept of having a Children's Day was a winner.

"It's awesome. Having everything free for families really brings people together. It's a great idea, there should be more of them," she said.

Child, Youth and Family head Bernadine MacKenzie said the day was another way for families to connect.

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Leah Smith, 9, having a ball at Children's Day. Photo: Joel Ford. 

"Children's Day [is] an important day for Kiwi parents to celebrate how important our children are.

"We all live busy lives but giving time to a child is a priceless gift and one they will treasure. Our children are our future and it's important that they know how valuable and precious they are in our families and in our communities," she said.