Docklands will be transformed into a world of wonder and imagination, with fairies, unicorns and pirates taking over the waterfront.
The Playground event runs from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 April and will transform Docklands with installations, performances, craft activities, face-painting and roving entertainment.
The free family friendly fun will be spread across New Quay Central Park, New Quay Promenade and the District Docklands through April. The program is being designed to attract families to Docklands to discover the many amazing local businesses in the area.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp encouraged all Melbourne and Victorian families to take advantage of the free activities as part of the Playground and discover everything that Docklands has to offer.
"We are putting on a range of free activities for the kids in Docklands to give every family a reason to visit," the Lord Mayor said. "We are bringing the buzz back to Docklands by transforming it into a storybook with unicorns, pirates and fairies.
"It's been a tough year for the Docklands community and we want to spread some joy and laughter. These activations are more than just a bit of fun for the kids, we want to encourage everyone that attends to support a local Docklands business."
The Playground will feature:
- Pirate's Cove at New Quay Central Park will feature a pirate ship playground including a desert island, treasure chest, water cannons and sound machines creating the sound of wind and thunder. Children can walk the plank, climb the mast and interact with pirate performers. From Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 April.
- The Unicorn Garden at New Quay Promenade will feature a rainbow installation, fairy floss, a giant ribbon archway, and unicorn trees. There will be giant unicorn puppets, fairy performers and dance competitions. From Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 April.
- Wonder Land at District Docklands will feature giant flowers, coral and cacti as well as the Queen of Hearts, a tea party spinning wheel and card houses. The Wonder Lane will be open from Friday 9 April to 11 April 2021 with live performers from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 April.
City Activation lead Councillor Roshena Campbell encouraged families from across Melbourne and regional Victoria to take advantage of the free entertainment this school holidays.
"We are delivering free outdoor action packed school holiday fun this Autumn. Families will also be able to enjoy the wonderful food and retail offerings in Docklands for a great day out," Cr Campbell said.
"Every family that visits Docklands because of this activation provides opportunities for local businesses that have struggled through the toughest trading conditions in living memory.
"We want to get the heart of Docklands beating again with free activities across the school holidays and remind Melburnians of all the great food, shopping and attractions, such as Imaginaria and the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel."
The free COVID Safe events are suitable for children aged four to 12. Bookings are not required but visitors will need to check-in using a QR code, with the two sites having a maximum capacity of 1000 people at any given time.
