As part of National Playgroup Week, families will gather at the zoo for fun, friendship, food, furry critter appreciation and most of all, to find out what playgroups can offer them.

What is now known as A Day at the Zoo began when Batemans Bay Playgroup’s Katrina McRae successfully applied for a grant of up to $5000 from Playgroups NSW.

“We won the grant and then we approached Mogo Zoo, and then it just blossomed from there,” Ms McRae.

“At first we were expecting about 300 people, but now it is in the high 600s, and registrations don’t finish until March 9.”

Ms McCrae said the event would be like a “mini-expo.”

“It is free entry to anyone in the Eurobodalla Shire, and that will include entry to the zoo, a barbecue lunch, showbags, face painting and time for the kids on the play equipment,” she said 

“It will run from 10am to 1pm, but everyone is welcome to stay at the zoo until it closes at 5pm.

“The zoo is going to be a fantastic backdrop and it will be a great day,” Ms McCrae said.

Those who would like to join Playgroup NSW on the day can get two years’ membership for the price of one.

The Batemans Bay Playgroup is a non-profit organisation that meets at the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s community facility at Melaleuca Crescent community facility at Catalina, and Ms McCrae is hoping to get more youngsters to come along each Friday.

“We are run by the mums; everybody pitches in and does everything, and rent is our bigtgest expense.”

The group has been running for 30 years, but it’s future isn’t assured due to rent expenses.

If you would like to get along to A Day at the Zoo then you need to register for free entry before 5pm on March 9.

The event is open to Eurobodalla families with children six years and under.

Registrations can be done online at www.adayatthezoo.com.au or calling 0412 621 794.