Shortly before my daughters’ first birthday, we began attending the Devonport Peninsula Trust’s Free Summer Fun Preschool Play events. I was thrilled to find a free, local event for preschoolers – and found it was much more than I expected! The warmth and welcome of the event organisers gave me a strong sense of community and belonging. 

A typical morning at Summer Fun looks like throwing down a picnic blanket amongst the fantastic range of toys, and sitting down to observe the children play, explore and socialise, and often doing the same myself! I always pack sunblock, hats and morning tea – to be set to have a fun and relaxing morning of play! I’ve developed friendships and connections with other parents and caregivers that I still have today and my children identify with these people as part of our wider whānau.

Three and a half years later we still head along every summer, now with my 2.5 year old son as well! I love watching them play and interact with other local kids and build their own wee friendships. 

I’d highly recommend coming along and checking it out for yourself – I’d love to see you there!