Are you looking for the perfect way to celebrate Australia Day with your little ones? Look no further! Australia Day is a time to come together and celebrate all things Australian, and there are plenty of exciting activities and events for toddlers to get involved in. From fun crafts and storytime sessions to picnics in the park, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on this special day. Throughout Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, there are a range of family-friendly events and activities that are family-friendly and enjoyable for children of all ages.
Below, we’ll talk about the significance of Australia Day and share some fun ways you can celebrate this holiday with your toddler.
What is Australia Day?
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Australia Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on January 26th. It marks the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in New South Wales in 1788, which led to the founding of the colony of New South Wales. The day is a time for Australians to come together and celebrate the diverse and vibrant country they live in. It is marked by various events and activities such as community barbecues, fireworks, concerts, and citizenship ceremonies.
Many people also celebrate by hitting the beach, attending sports events, or simply spending time with friends and family. However, Australia Day is also a time of reflection and acknowledgment of the country’s complex history and the impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples.
Australia Day Activity Ideas for Toddlers
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One of the best ways to celebrate Australia Day with your little one is to enjoy reading together and having fun with some hands-on themed crafts. These ideas are simple yet impactful as you begin to teach your toddler about the significance of Australia Day.
Storytime with Aussie Tales
By sharing famous Australian stories, young kids can begin learning about Australia and the land’s beauty and develop a pride for their home. Classic Australian children’s books include:
Wombat Stew by Marcia K. Vaughan
This is a fun story with vibrant illustrations of animals in the bush working together.
An Aussie Year: Twelve Months in the Life of Australian Kids by Tania McCartney
A cultural book that shares a glimpse into the lives of various Australian children throughout different months, traditions, and activities.
My First Australian Animals by Katie Bagli and David Allan
For young toddlers, this board book shows colorful illustrations of Australian animals with simple text.
Hello, Australia! by Megan McKean
Journey across Australia with your toddler as you read this book about Australia’s diverse landscapes, landmarks, and animals.
Possum Magic by Mem Fox
Toddlers will love the illustrations and magical storyline in this book about Australian wildlife and landscapes.
Reading stories about Australia with your toddler is a fun and captivating way to show them more about the land you love.
Craft Activities
There are many fun and adorable activities that you can do with your toddler to celebrate Australia Day at home. Here are a few of our favorites:
Paper plate koala
Turn a basic paper plate into a koala by painting it with grey paint and adding ears, eyes, and a nose with construction paper.
Handprint kangaroo
Trace your little one’s hand on a piece of brown construction paper and cut it out. Add silly googly eyes to the thumb for the kangaroo’s face, and use markers to add on its nose, mouth, and other details.
Aboriginal dot painting
Show your toddler a picture of an Aboriginal dot painting and have them create their own variation with cotton swabs and earthy paints.
Boomerang craft
Cut out a boomerang shape from a sturdy material like cardboard. Have your toddler decorate it with traditional Aboriginal patterns or designs.
While your toddler may not totally understand the point of these Australia Day crafts, they will one day as you continue to celebrate and create annual traditions with them.
Have a Local Australia Day Picnic
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Australia Day is the perfect opportunity to get the family together, soak up the sunshine, and create wonderful memories. Pack a basket full of delicious Aussie treats, and head to a picturesque spot where your little ones can run and play. Embrace the Aussie spirit by organizing fun games and activities that celebrate the country’s culture, like a thong-throwing competition or a game of backyard cricket.
Show them how proud you are to be Australian, and let the day be filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of national pride. Remind them of the beauty of this diverse and stunning country, and instill in them a love for their homeland. Enjoying an Australia Day picnic is a chance for you to inspire and motivate the next generation and for them to feel connected to their Australian roots.
Kid-Friendly Australian Activities & Events
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Are you interested in celebrating Australia Day locally with other Aussies? There are tons of ways to get together with friends and family. Here are a few major events that you can partake in with your toddler.
Sydney’s Darling Harbour Celebrations
Sydney’s Darling Harbour is a popular spot for Australia Day celebrations, with thousands of locals and tourists gathering to mark the national holiday. The festivities typically include a range of family-friendly activities, cultural performances, and spectacular fireworks displays. Visitors can enjoy live music, food stalls, and entertainment while taking in the stunning views of the harbor. The iconic tall ships also often participate in the celebrations, adding to the nautical charm of the event.
The atmosphere is electric, and the celebrations continue well into the night, culminating in a dazzling fireworks show that illuminates the night sky. The Australia Day celebrations at Darling Harbour are a true reflection of the nation’s vibrant and diverse spirit and a must-see for families looking to experience the essence of Australian culture.
Melbourne’s Kings Domain Gardens Festivities
From the early morning hours, the gardens are filled with the sounds of live music, the smell of delicious Australian cuisine, and the sight of families and friends coming together to celebrate this special day. Whether it’s enjoying a picnic on the perfectly manicured lawns, taking part in traditional Aussie games and activities, or simply taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Kings Domain Gardens on Australia Day.
The highlight of the festivities is the evening concert, where renowned Australian artists take to the stage to entertain the crowds with their music and performances. As the day comes to a close, the gardens are illuminated with a spectacular fireworks display that toddlers and children of all ages will love.
Brisbane’s South Bank Extravaganza
Every Australia Day, Brisbane’s South Bank comes alive with a vibrant extravaganza of music, food, and entertainment for people of all ages. The event kicks off with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country, setting the tone for a day of cultural appreciation and national pride. Throughout the day, there are performances by local musicians, dance troupes, and other entertainers, showcasing the diverse talents of the Australian community.
With food stalls offering a variety of delicious international cuisines, families can enjoy a picnic along the river or dine at one of the many nearby restaurants. The day culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, lighting up the night sky and bringing the celebrations to a close in true Aussie style.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to commemorate Australia Day with your young children. They may not understand fully what is being celebrated just yet, but soon they will! Consider keeping a few crafts and taking plenty of photos so that you can share these memories with your child when they are older. Whether celebrating at home or with locals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate all things Australian while creating precious memories with your little ones.
Morgan French is a wife, mom of two, writer & editor. After traveling for 3 years with her family, she now lives back in her hometown of Dayton, OH. She makes frequent stops for coffee, enjoys the outdoors, and loves board games.
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