A grand day for active play

A Dublin city-centre park will be a massive playground tomorrow as up to 400 children are expected for the State's first "active play" day.

Dublin City Council will be hosting the event in Merrion Square, with the aim of getting children away from computers and television sets.

"We want to get them skipping, hop-scotching, running, jumping and generally using their minds and bodies more creatively when they play," said Anne O'Brien, play development officer with the council.

"In a general way it's important parents take part, too, provide the materials like skipping ropes and hula hoops. Active play is not expensive and is great fun."

There will be skipping, relay, hop-scotch, obstacle courses, penalty shoot-outs, ball games and a messy corner between 2.30pm and 5pm. The event is free but people should get tickets from their local library.