Come and Play Day 2025: Family Event for Child Abuse Prevention in Broome County

Every April, the Family Violence Prevention Council of Broome County honors National Child Abuse Prevention Month with events designed to educate, inspire, and unite the community. This year is no exception.

On Wednesday, April 24, 2025, families throughout the region are invited to join the Council for a meaningful day filled with fun, learning, and connection during Come and Play Day.

A Day of Awareness Through Play

Hosted from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. inside the Oakdale Commons, Come and Play Day aims to highlight the crucial role a strong, supportive community plays in preventing child abuse.

This event offers children and families a chance to interact with local organizations, learn about available resources, and enjoy a variety of free activities designed to engage, entertain, and educate.

Explore, Learn, and Win!

As families explore the mall, they’ll notice booths and activity stations set up by local agencies, each offering educational materials and hands-on fun.

SEE ALSO: BU Researchers: Playing With Your Kids Impacts Mental Health

To encourage kids to visit every station, each child will receive a scavenger hunt sheet that takes them from one end of the commons to the other. Once completed, they’ll be entered into a drawing for a prize box full of everyone’s favorite stress relievers—fidget toys!

Spotlight on Youth Creativity

From 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., make your way to Center Court for the Art Recognition Ceremony, where young artists from around the area will be celebrated for their submissions to the 2025 Art Contest. It’s a beautiful moment to honor the voices and visions of our youth, all while reinforcing messages of hope, safety, and support.

Prizes, BINGO, and Boogie Time!

After the art ceremony, Visions Federal Credit Union will keep the fun going with a lively game of BINGO, complete with chances to win fun prizes. Then, at 12:00 p.m., local mascots will lead a Dance Party that promises to get everyone moving. For a full hour, the commons will be filled with music, laughter, and a celebration of community spirit.

Join the Movement to Make a Difference

Come and Play Day is more than a fun outing—it's a reminder that when a community comes together to support children and families, everyone thrives.