Datça Children and Play Festival brought together hundreds of children
The Children and Play Festival was held for the 17th time at Datça Atatürk City Park; children met in workshops, games, and sports activities.
The Children and Play Festival, which has become a tradition in Datça, brought together hundreds of children in the same area this year as well. Organized by the Datça Municipality and supported by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality, the event was held at Atatürk City Park. The festival, organized with the participation of schools, NGOs, and sports clubs, provided children with both fun and new knowledge. The all-day activities highlighted the culture of sharing, solidarity, and co-production, while the high interest in the festival area once again emphasized the importance of the organization in the district.
Art and entertainment came together at the Children and Play Festival
Within the scope of the 17th Traditional Children and Play Festival, many activity areas catering to different age groups were created for children. Throughout the day, children had the opportunity to spend time intertwined with nature and art. Especially, stone painting, mask painting, face painting, badge making, and juggling workshops attracted great interest.
The activities were not just entertainment-focused. Through applications that helped children develop their manual skills, their creativity was encouraged to emerge. Chess activities were among the important sections supporting strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The joy and energy of the children filling the festival area all day also reflected on the streets of Datça.
History and environmental awareness supported by games
One of the remarkable parts of the Children and Play Festival was the combination of educational content with games. Thanks to the Knidos Maze game and Knidos Lion Archaeology Workshop, children had the opportunity to get to know the region's historical heritage closely. The activities prepared with entertaining narratives aimed to convey historical knowledge to children in a more understandable and lasting way.
The festival also included applications aimed at increasing environmental awareness. The basketball game created with recycling bins allowed children to learn environmental awareness while having fun. Thus, the event went beyond being merely an entertainment organization, also delivering messages of social responsibility and sustainability.

Sports activities and performances lasted all day
The giant inflatable play courses and sports activities set up at the festival area were among the most popular sections among children. With bocce games, active obstacle courses, and various competitions, children both engaged in physical activity and enjoyed moments with their friends.
Dance performances added color to the event. Stage performances and various shows continued throughout the day, while families shared their children's happiness. The program prepared with contributions from different organizations created a comprehensive festival atmosphere appealing to participants of all ages.
Message from Mayor Aytaç Kurt to children and families
After the festival, Datça Mayor Aytaç Kurt stated that the happiness of the children was the most valuable gain of the organization. Kurt expressed that the laughter of the children and the joy in their eyes made all participants happy.
Emphasizing that a worthy event for Datça was realized with the support of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality and the contributions of schools, NGOs, and sports clubs, Kurt said that children spent a day intertwined with history, art, and environmental awareness. Mayor Kurt also touched on Father's Day, stating that children will continue to grow with love, art, and sports, and congratulated all fathers and those who touch the lives of children on Father's Day.
Reporter: Aziz Şahin