We all need to be shown how much we are valued. Like adults, children want to feel appreciated, seen and heard.
Children’s Week provides the ideal opportunity to organise a celebration that brings the community together. This annual week is hosted across Australia, bringing joy to children both nationally and locally. It’s a time to celebrate children’s rights, talents, achievements, and contributions. And it’s a great excuse to have fun together!
The 2025 theme is: "Everyone should know about children’s rights" – based on Article 42 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which says that governments must make the rights in the Convention widely known to adults and children alike.
With some thoughtful planning and care, you can create a celebration that leaves a lasting impact.
Here are some tips to help you plan a successful celebration or event:
It’s All About the Children
The best way to create a child-friendly celebration is to make it interactive and inclusive. Children have the right to rest, play, and celebrate their culture and identity through the arts. Our role is to nurture these rights however we can.
Incorporate activities that stimulate the senses and spark joy:
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Sight – fill the space with colourful decorations and children’s artwork
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Sound – use music to energise or soothe, depending on the mood
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Movement – set up games or dancing to help channel their energy
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Taste – offer healthy, tasty snacks or meals
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Rest – provide a quiet space for when little ones need to take a break (adults might appreciate this too!)
Hands-on activities work best – children love to explore with their hands. Try a mix of craft and sport to cater to different interests and abilities.
Encourage conversation and creativity by using posters or prompts with open-ended questions like “What are your rights?” or “What makes you feel safe and happy?”
Design activities with multiple levels of participation so that children can engage as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Consider age diversity too – from toddlers to teens – so every child has a chance to participate meaningfully.
Tip: When promoting and hosting your event, use inclusive language like “families” or “parents and carers” to make sure everyone feels welcome and represented.
Make Safety a Priority
Children thrive when they feel safe. That means ensuring your event is supported by trusted adults and is run in a way that prioritises children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
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All volunteers and staff must have a Working with Children Check.
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Use a thorough recruitment process and keep records of each helper’s contact details, assigned role, and safety check.
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Develop a clear communication plan so everyone knows who to talk to, when, and how. This helps reduce confusion and supports a calm, coordinated event.
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Make sure you collect relevant forms ahead of time – such as permission slips, allergy information (especially if food is involved), and photo/video consent forms.
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Choose an accessible venue – look for things like wheelchair/pram access, clean bathrooms, seating, shade, and kitchen facilities.
If it’s a hot day, be prepared with sunscreen, shade and water stations.
Be Prepared for Changes
In today’s world, flexibility is essential. Whether it’s unexpected weather, illness, or other challenges, it’s important to have a back-up plan.
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Consider how you will notify families quickly about any changes.
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Could you shift the event online or reschedule?
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Have a list ready of emergency contacts and a clear plan for communicating changes fast and efficiently.
Get the Children Involved
Children feel proud when they’re involved in creating something special. Give them opportunities to showcase their creativity and leadership.
Before the celebration, you could:
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Invite children to draw or paint pictures about their rights
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Ask them to help prepare decorations or food (with supervision)
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Encourage children to write or record a message about why children’s rights matter
On the day, children can:
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Perform music, dance, poetry or drama pieces
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Take part in a collaborative mural or chalk art display
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Be part of the welcome or announcements (older children love using a microphone!)
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Support younger children in group activities
To finish the day, you could present each child with a keepsake – a certificate, a hand-decorated seedling, a badge with their photo, or a rights-themed poster.
These don’t need to be costly – the value is in the connection and recognition.
Apply for a Grant to Support Your Celebration
Children’s Week Grants are available in Queensland for groups and organisations delivering events and projects during Children’s Week.
To check eligibility criteria and apply, visit:
👉 https://childrensrights.org.au/childrens-week/qld/grants
How will you be celebrating Children’s Week in 2025?
We’d love to hear what you have planned and will be sharing stories and photos from around Queensland post Children’s Week.
📱 Tag us on social media using:
#ChildrensWeek2025 #ChildrensWeek
Let’s work together to ensure everyone knows about children’s rights!
