Wednesday was a fun day out for babies and small tykes, along with their caregivers. There were activities for the little ones, and useful information for parents, grandparents and childcare providers.

Babies & Little Tykes Day Out was a free event sponsored by Kansas Children’s Service League’s (KCSL) Healthy Families at the Great Bend City Auditorium.

There were free hot dogs for lunch, and programs by the Great Bend Public Library and Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. The Shafer Gallery at Barton Community College brought its Art Cart.

Local Healthy Families representative Vicki Richardson said this event focused on children from birth to 3 years old.

“It gives them a chance to connect with resources in the community, and with other parents,” she said. It also provided an opportunity for small children to interact with others their age.

Kelly Hayes, the KCSL Healthy Families director, from Wichita, was also at the event. She noted that providing resources to help caregivers is important because children from birth to age 3 are among the most vulnerable to abuse and neglect.

“It was a great turnout,” Richardson said Thursday at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce coffee.

Call 1-800-CHILDREN  24/7 for access to the Kansas Children’s Service League resources.