Fun Bus has been an iconic part of Darwin history now for over 30 years. To celebrate this milestone the City of Darwin is hosting a massive family fun day to mark the occasion. All past, present and future families, community members and staff are invited to join in celebrating 30 years of the Fun Bus and Fun in the Parks.
Celebrating 30 years of Fun Bus and Fun in the Parks
The big family fun day will be held on Saturday 20th of July at Lake Alexander from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Over 30 years, more than 30,000 families have participated. It started as an NTG initiative in Bagot Community and in time Fun Bus extended its reach with 5 locations.
Loads of FREE family fun with something for everyone!
There will be lots of activities happening to keep the kids busy including: obstacle course, karaoke, circus area, making and flying kites, cardboard creations, Fun Bus grand parade, arts and crafts, Fijian Meke Dancers, African Drummer Mbackeh Darboe and so much more! Light refreshments will be provided.
Who can build the biggest, craziest, creative and brightest cardboard bus?
Build your creation at home or come along these holidays at Fun in the Parks or Fun Bus these school holidays to make one! Bring any creations along on Saturday to join in the big Fun Bus grand parade.
City of Darwin are also calling for any stories and photos of the history of Fun bus and Fun in the Parks to be submitted as they will display them on a special timeline to capture these programs history in Darwin. Fun bus has actually been running for over 40 years but funded by City of Darwin and NT government for 30 years! All information can be sent to tania.sellers@darwin.nt.gov.au
More about Fun bus mobile playgroup
The Fun Bus mobile playgroup caters for children aged 0-5. It travels to venues throughout Darwin’s suburbs and is in a different location each day of the week from 9.30 am to 11.30 am.
Fun bus provides water, sunscreen and loads of fun but ensure you bring along your hats and sun safe clothes and a piece of fruit to share.
The staff who run the playgroup set up different activities every couple of weeks. There are often different play experiences for all the age groups. Also a dedicated babies mat and other stations.
Activities
I have been taking my kids to fun bus on and off now over 8 years! Since my eldest was a baby. There are always fun activities set up such as play dough, painting, dinosaurs or giant insect figures, threading activities, musical instruments, water trough with bubbles and animals just to name a few. My twin boys have loved the water trough with animals especially with the huge plastic spiders and crocodiles in previous visits! My toddler ALWAYS loves the painting. And the best thing about painting at Fun bus is there is no mess for you to clean up at home!! If you want to check out our awesome play dough recipe, find it here so you can make your own at home too!
There is a story read during the session, as well as many action songs sung. Fruit is shared after the story and songs.
Locations
Currently the playgroup is held in outdoor locations until the end of November. It will then move indoors to various community halls to escape the weather. Below you will find its various locations.
Monday – Bagot community (Bagot Rd, Ludmilla)
Tuesday – Wanguri Park (Wanguri Tce, Wanguri)
Wednesday – Water gardens (Freshwater Road, Jingli)
Thursday – Yanyula Park (Yanyula Drive behind Anula Shops, Anula)
Friday – Civic Park (Smith Street, Near bus depot and Council offices)
Check the City of Darwin website for further details on locations when it goes indoors. It is scheduled to go indoors from December, however please check the website to confirm.
I highly recommend Fun bus mobile playgroup to anyone with young children. I have enjoyed attending over the last 8 years with my four children. It is lots of fun and gets the kids and yourself out of the house to meet other families and for the kids to explore some new environments and activities.
The Fun Bus is not only a fun and engaging place for children. Parents and carers can benefit in a number of ways. They can meet other parents and develop new friendships, share ideas, information, concerns and experiences. It is a safe, fund and friendly environment to play with your children. As a parent you can learn and develop skills with your children through play. Fun bus can also help you discover new ideas for extra fun at home. It also provides information about services and support within the local community.
Fun in the Parks
Fun in the Parks is a funded school holiday program focused on the primary school age group and held at various ovals and parks around Darwin, so children can participate at a venue local to where they live. The program operates from 10.00 am to 12.30 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during school holidays, except public holidays.
All activities provided are free. Activities include water play, art and craft, a slide, ball games, large gym shapes, and face painting are just a few of the fun things available through the program. There are often special local artists or sessions planned too. These school holidays they have had clay creations, volleyball, bushcraft survival skills, squash and slime days. Activities are supervised and cold drinking water and sunscreen are provided.
Check out the Fun Bus celebrations event on Facebook here
For more information about various City of Darwin programs and services for children on their website click here
Like City of Darwin on Facebook
Join the Friends of Fun bus Facebook Group
This post was sponsored by City of Darwin
