Rose Hayes
508.792.0220
WORCESTER, MA – Worcester’s 6th annual Day of Play Family Festival is Saturday, June 10th from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm at Elm Park. (Rain date: June 11th) Join the fun with over 40 activities and performances.
“Day of Play connects children and families to the joy of playing and learning,” shared Rose Hayes, Festival Director. This family festival features activities in six play areas: Physical, Literature, Music, STEM, Creative Arts, and Construction. Dozens of local organizations and artists set up engaging activities for children ages 3-10 and their families.
Founded and led by Edward Street Child Services, Day of Play seeks to reintroduce families to the joy of playing with their children. “Support across the community for Day of Play is incredibly strong and grows annually. Each year dozens of organizations volunteer their time and talents to create this special festival which honors children and centers their learning in playful experiences,” notes Eve Gilmore, Executive Director of Edward Street.
This year’s explorer theme includes a visit from Dora the Explorer. There will be a book giveaway and read along with Dora at 1:30 pm. Come meet the Tooth Fairy or interact with snakes, frogs, lizards and even a tortoise with Skins and Scales. At 12:30, Jake from the Bravehearts will visit with some players to play catch with children. Also joining the festival, Juggler Janoah Bailin, Sara Daly from Hoop-Dee-Doo, the South High Marching Band, Crocodile Music, and Teen Rock Bands from Worcester Music Academy, ArtReach, and more! The REC Mobile Food Van, Libby, and emergency vehicles will be on hand for children to explore. The Southeast Asian Coalition Lion Dancers will help close out the festival leading a parade around the park.
Day of Play is free and open to the public thanks to the generous support from local sponsors including Presenting Sponsors: Worcester Family Partnership and the MA Department of Early Education and Care, and Play Area Sponsors: Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, and UniBank, and Contributing Sponsors: Bay State Savings Bank, Commerce Bank, Quinsigamond Community College, Seven Hills Foundation, United Way of Central Massachusetts, and Worcester Area Association for the Education of Young Children.
For a full schedule of events and more information about the festival, visit http://www.worcesterdayofplay.org.
About Edward Street Child Services
Edward Street Child Services is a private, non-profit agency dedicated to promoting the growth of children and strengthening families by improving the delivery of early learning services in greater Worcester through interagency collaborations, resource development and direct funding of programs designed to address the social, intellectual, emotional and physical needs of each child.