Australia’s Business Awards for the Kids Activity & Party Industries
Tickets now on sale for the awards evenings
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 each of the 5 states for our first state celebrations ever. Nominees will join us from their home state to celebrate the industry! All eligible category winners will then automatically be a finalist for the National Finale Awards to determine the Best in Australia.
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.
The recent period in business has been challenging for the industry. The impact of Covid-19 led to cancellations of classes, parties and live events all across Australia. This year 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 opportunity and the chance for like-minded businesses to network and connect on a state level now too.
Amy Sales
Owner, What’s On 4 Kids AU
Founder of Glass Slipper Entertainment Pty Ltd
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.
The Awards offers the industry an opportunity to be recognised as one of the 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 an in-person awards night again allowing businesses from each state to come together for networking and celebration with their community.
Note: Registration fees apply.
KEY DATES
Nominations Open
Saturday 1st April 2023
Registrations Open
Monday 1st May 2023
Registrations Close
Sunday 28th May 2023
Voting Opens
Monday 5th June 2023
Judging Begins
Monday 12th June 2023
Voting Closes
Monday 10th July 2023
State Awards Celebrations
Saturday 2nd September- Saturday 21st October
2023 What’s On 4 Kids Awards Categories
State's Best Baby/Toddler Activity/Class (0-3 years)- Independent
Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed specifically for babies and/or toddlers (0-3 years)
State's Best Preschooler Activity/Class (3-5 years)- Independent
Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed specifically for preschool aged children (3-5 years)
State's Best School-Aged Kids Activity/Class (5-12 years)- Independent
Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed specifically for school-aged children (5-12 years)
State's Best Mixed-Age Group Activity/Class (0-12 years)- Independent
Any independent local activity or class that is not franchised or licensed and designed for mixed-aged children (0-12 years)
State's Best Activity/Class (0-3 years)- Franchise
Any local activity or class that is part of franchise or license and designed specifically for babies and/or toddlers (0-3 years)
State's Best Franchisee Activity/Class (3-5 years)- Franchise
State's Best Franchisee Activity/Class (5-12 years)- Franchise
State's Best New Kids Activity/Party Business (up to 3 years in business)
An activity or party provider business that has been trading for less than three years from April 2023. 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.
State's Best Activity/Class for Parents and Children
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.
State's Best Kids School Holiday Activity
An activity for kids that is designed specifically for the school holiday period.
State's 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.
State's Best Eco-Friendly Kids Business
Any activity or class that demonstrates a focus on sustainable practices.
State's 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.
State's Best Kids Party Venue
State's Best Kids Party Planner
For party planners that specifically plan children’s birthday parties
State's Best Kids Party Entertainer
For party entertainers that specifically entertain at children’s birthday parties e.g face painter, character, magician, bubbleologist ect
State's Best Kids Party Product or Hire
For party products or hire items that are specifically for children’s birthday parties e.g partyware, ball pits, softplay, bouncy castles etc
State's Best Kids Live Entertainer
For sole-traders that offer live entertainment locally. This must be live in front of people. Note: not for groups
State's Best Kids Live Show
For groups that offer live entertainment through shows locally. This must be live in front of people . Note: Not for sole-traders
State's Best Incursion or Before/After School Kids Activity/Club
For incursions, before or after school classes or activities for children.
State's Best Family Day Out
For venues or experiences for families locally.
State's Best 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.
State's Best 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.
State's Best Kids Activity for Cultural Diversity
For classes or activities that encourage cultural diversity and inclusion for children.
State's Best Kids Product of the Year
For a physical product that encourages physical, mental, social/emotional or intellectual growth and development.
State's Best Sensory Experience for Kids
For classes or activities that have sensory experiences specifically for children.
State's Kids Party/Live Entertainer 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.
State's 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.
State's 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.
Get ready to Celabrate!
Tickets are available via Trybooking links at the top of the page.