See the 2021 What's On 4 Kids Winners & Finalists Here

Each year the What’s On 4 Kids Awards shine a spotlight on and celebrate the very best in Australia’s children’s activities, parties and family entertainment industries.

This year we will be bringing the Awards fun to the virtual world with a FREE online live Awards event. Finalists will join us from all over Australia to celebrate the industry! More details to come soon.

Nominations are now closed. Late nominations will be accepted with a late fee. Contact [email protected] for details.

The children’s activity industry is an essential part of the Australian community.

The skills and life lessons children receive from participating in classes, activities, clubs and services helps to develop their physical, social, mental, emotional growth and encourages them to set goals, develop a growth mindset and also deal with disappointment. All skills for life.

2020 was a challenging year for the industry. The impact of Covid-19 led to cancellations of classes, parties and live events all across Australia. We now look forward to a new year where the industry can get back to doing what they are passionate about and Aussie kids can get back to doing what they love.

As a small business ourselves, we are proud to offer this annual awards event. This year we celebrate 10 years of business and are proud of what we have accomplished over that time. We look forward to many more year to come.

Elise Easdown
Owner, What’s On 4 Kids AU
Co-Founder of the ACAA

Each year the national What’s On 4 Kids Awards shine a spotlight on and celebrate the very best in Australia’s children’s activities, parties, and family entertainment industries.

The Awards offers the industry an opportunity to be recognised as one of Australia’s best and most loved business owners and gain the credibility to explore new opportunities, partnerships, growth, and expansion. Winners and finalists can create unique marketing and promotional opportunities leading to new families joining their community and retaining the existing ones.

How does it work?

There are two opportunities to win for most of the categories.

Nominees are judged by highly regarded and experienced business owners and those chosen will be awarded the judged winner.

The People’s Choice Awards are still a favourite within the parent community and will return as part of the awards again this year.

This year will be a live event to ensure everyone can participate without the need for travel.

Note: Nomination fees apply.

This industry is an essential part of Australia’s community.

The skills and life lessons children receive from participating in these classes, activities, clubs and services helps develop their physical, social, mental, emotional growth and encourages them to set goals, develop a growth mindset and also deal with disappointment.

2020 was a challenging year for the industry. The impact of Covid-19 led to cancellations of classes, parties and live events all across Australia. We look forward to a new year where the industry can get back to doing what they are passionate about and Aussie kids can get back to doing what they love.

As a small business ourselves, we are proud to offer this annual awards event. We also welcome interest from prospective sponsors and partners. From all of us here at What’s On 4 Kids, Good Luck!

Elise Easdown
Owner, What’s On 4 Kids

KEY DATES

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Nominations Open

Friday 12th February
2021

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Nominations Close

Wednesday 17th March
2021

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Voting Commences

Wednesday 31st March
2021

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Voting Ends

Wednesday 28th April
2021

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National Awards (Online Event)

Saturday 12th June
2021

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National Symposium

8-11 June

2021 What’s On 4 Kids Awards Sponsors

2021 What’s On 4 Kids Awards Categories

Best Local Baby/Toddler Activity/Class (0-3 years)

Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed specifically for babies and/or toddlers (0-3 years)

Best Local Preschooler Activity/Class (3-5 years) sponsored by Cake 2 the Rescue

Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed specifically for preschool aged children (3-5 years)

Best Local School-Aged Kids Activity/Class (5-12 years)

Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed specifically for school-aged children (5-12 years)

Best Local Franchisee Activity/Class (0-3 years)

Any local activity or class that is part of franchise or license and designed specifically for babies and/or toddlers (0-3 years)

Best Local Franchisee Activity/Class (3-5 years)

Any local activity or class that is part of franchise or license and designed specifically for toddlers (3-5 years)

Best Local Franchisee Activity/Class (5-12 years)

Any local activity or class that is part of franchise or license and designed specifically for school-aged children (5-12 years)

Best New Kids Activity/Party Business (up to 3 years in business) sponsored by GeckoSports

An activity or party provider business that has been trading for less than three years from Feb 2021. This business cannot be part of an existing franchise, license or larger business. Note: The judges will be more focused on future potential and sustainability rather than an entrant’s ability to show turnover and profit growth at this early stage.

Best Activity/Class for Parents and Children sponsored by Cake 2 the Rescue

An activity or class that encourages participation and/or a developmental benefits between the child and parent/guardian. This category is open to franchises and independent business owners.

Best Kids School Holiday Activity sponsored by Enrolmy

An activity for kids that is designed specifically for the school holiday period.

Best Volunteer Led Activity/Class for Kids

An activity/class for kids that is run by volunteers. This can include ‘meet up’ events with families/community groups but children need to be involved. Note: There is no fee for this category.

Best National Baby Activity/Class (0-2 years)

Any national activity or class (i.e in more than one state) for babies (0-2 years).

Best National Toddler Activity/Class (2-3 years)

Any national activity or class (i.e in more than one state) for toddlers (2-3 years)

Best National Pre-Schooler Activity/Class (3-5 years)

Any national activity or class (i.e in more than one state) pre-schoolers (3-5 years)

Best National School Aged Activity/Class (5-12 years)

Any national activity or class (i.e in more than one state) for school-aged children (5-12 years)

Best Family Day Out

Open to places, venues and locations anywhere in Australia that accommodate and appeal to families outings e.g museums, theme parks, water playgrounds.

Best Family Holiday Accommodation/Destination

For business owners that provide party products for children’s parties. This can be online or instore. Does not include a party host or entertainer.

Best Activity for Kids with Additional Needs

Open to activities and classes which are developed or modified for children with additional needs or disabilities in mind.

Best Kids Party Entertainer sponsored by Party Pro Manager

For businesses that provide entertainer services at children’s birthday parties. This award is for people who wish to be recognised for their individual ability to entertain at children’s parties (including birthdays and other parties).

Best Kids Party Provider sponsored by Party Pro Manager

A company/business that provides children’s party services, excluding party entertainers. This can include animal parties, sports parties, craft parties etc.

Best Kids Party Product Provider or Party Hire sponsored by Party Pro Manager

For business owners that provide party products for children’s parties. This can be online or instore. Does not include a party host or entertainer.

Best Kids Party Venue

For party venues that specifically host children’s birthday parties e.g indoor play centres, party pamper. The venue must be a location that they own or lease (not a public park).

Best Local Kids Live Show

For business owners that offer live entertainment through shows locally. This must be live in front of people in less than 3 states or territories on an annual basis. Note: Due to the impact of Covid-19 and the cancellation of events, we will recognise live event shows that made a pivot to online and virtual shows for 2020.

Best National Kids Live Show

For business owners that offer live entertainment through shows nationally. This must be live in front of people on a national scale in more than 4 states or territories. Note: Due to the impact of Covid-19 and the cancellation of events, we will recognise live event shows that made a pivot to online and virtual shows for 2020.

Best Team Culture

For business owners that have a team and have created an outstanding workplace that has led to a committed, effective and motivated team.

Best Customer Focus

For business owners that offer excellent customer service through communication, service offering and ongoing relations.

Leading International Kids Activity Provider

A kids activity business that is operating in Australia and also internationally and a leader in its industry.

Best National Franchised Kids Activity/Party

A franchised or licensed business in the kid’s activity and party industry. Note: Judges will be looking for excellence, best practice, scalability and community interest.

Outstanding Coach/Teacher for 0-5 year olds

For an individual coach or teacher in the kid’s activity industry that provides services for children aged 0-5 years who is loved by their community. This is also open to franchisees. Note: This is an individual acknowledgment award and judging will be based on that.

Outstanding Coach/Teacher for 5-12 year olds

For an individual coach or teacher in the kid’s activity industry that provides services for children aged 5-12 years who is loved by their community. This is open to franchisees. Note: This is an individual acknowledgment award and judging will be based on that.

Kids Activity Industry Leader of the Year

An industry leader may be a business or an individual who demonstrates exemplary services within the industry and can provide examples of making a difference in children’s lives.

Best Kids Party/Live Entertainer Industry Leader of the Year sponsored by Party Pro Manager

An industry leader may be a business or an individual who demonstrates exemplary services within the industry and can provide examples of making a difference in children’s lives.

Best Kids Activity for Cultural Diversity

For classes or activities that encourage cultural diversity and inclusion for Australian children.

Best Online Classes for Kids

For online classes for kids that encourage physical, mental, social/emotional or intellectual growth and development.

Best YouTube Channel for Kids

For businesses that have a youtube channel specifically for children which are interactive and involve children’s participation in some form ie dance, singing cooking etc.

Best Incursion or Before/After School Kids Activity/Club

An activity/class/club that runs specifically at a school during the day or before or after school hours. This can be at a childcare, school, OOSH etc.

Family Business of the Year

A business that has family involvement in the operational side of the business e.g husband/wife/partner ownership, children involvement in the running of the business.

Best Out & About Product

A product that makes babies and families lives easier when out and about e.g stroller, teether, drink bottle, nappy bags etc.

Best Play & Learn Product

A product that can be used to support imaginative play/learning development and used in an activity-based way e.g sensory play, building construction, craft subscriptions, play dough, slime, crafts etc

ACAA Best Kids Activity Business Covid-19 Adaption Award

An activity or party business that has shown resilience, adaptability and sustainability during the Covid-19 period of 2020. This award is sponsored by the Australian Children’s Activities Association (ACAA).

Hall of Fame

An activity or party provider business that has demonstrated excellence and leadership in the industry for 10 years+

This is how we like to celebrate!

The What’s On 4 Kids Awards is an annual event which brings together the industry to celebrate in a fun and creative way. Over the years we’ve had pineapple dances, magicians, live singing, heartfelt keynotes and children’s performances.

Winners and finalists will leave the event with unique marketing and promotional opportunities generating interest from new families who join their community and keep their existing families who are proud of their children to be attending award-winning classes.

Awards Emcee

Bethany Fisher

Emcee

Bethany Fisher is one of Melbourne’s most popular children’s entertainers, performing her high energy, interactive shows throughout Australia. A show for the young and young at heart, it features non-stop singing and dancing for the whole family.

Bethany was the winner of “Best Kids Live Show” and the People’s Choice for “Kids Activity Industry Leader of the Year” at the 2019 “What’s on 4 Kids” awards and has performed at some of the largest events and festivals throughout Australia, including Carols in the Domain, Good Friday Appeal, Mandurah Crab Fest, The Ekka, Melbourne Day and many more. www.bethanyfisher.com

The 2021 Award Sponsors

GOLD SPONSOR

The Australian Children’s Activities Association (ACAA) aims to support the children’s activity provider industry through education and advocacy to enable all Australian children the opportunity to engage and benefit from sporting and creative activities. Membership gives a wide range of benefits including monthly masterclasses and member Q&A’s, exclusive use of the member logo, discount codes, advocacy and more. www.childrensactivities.com.au

SILVER SPONSORSHIP

Enrolmy is the brainchild of Dean Pendergrast (CEO) Mike Rickson (Head of Development) and Andrew Martin (Head of Delivery) – three busy working Dads who understood all too well the juggle that comes with kids’ after school activities. Being techy types, they knew there had to be a better way for activity providers to run their businesses without getting bogged down in endless forms, admin and stress. Together they developed Enrolmy – an automated management system for booking, enrolment, payment, compliance, health and safety and more, making the whole process of running a successful business much easier for kids’ activity providers. Enrolmy is the perfect all-in-one solution for providers running before and after school care, holiday programmes, or lessons and classes. www.enrolmy.com/au

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP

What’s On 4 Kids National Conference & Gala Awards

The Australian Children’s Activities Association Symposium

This inaugural Symposium is for Australian Children’s Activities Providers who are ready to take stock of that unprecedented 2020 and be revitalised for a highly successful 2021/2022.

Symposium topics include low-cost ways to market to Australian mums; how to reduce your admin word by 20 hours a week; how participation in early childhood activities leads to school readiness; how to approach schools and childcares with confidence; how you can grow your business across Australian and internationally; how to handle your own PR and more!

More details here at www.childrensactivities.com.au

What’s On 4 Kids Virtual Awards

Each year the national What’s On 4 Kids Awards are where we reward, recognise and celebrate the very best in children’s activities, classes, clubs, volunteers, family days out and kids party entertainers across Australia.

When: Saturday 12th of June
Time: 6pm AEST (Virtual)