Pune: Fourth Pune Children’s Festival to Begin December 11 at Sarasbaug; Focus on Reducing Screen Time and Supporting Parents
Pune, 10th December 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to host the fourth edition of the Pune Children’s Festival from December 11 to 14 at Sarasbaug. Now a flagship annual event for families, the festival draws more than one lakh visitors each year, offering a wide range of learning-oriented, play-based, and interactive experiences for young children.
For 2025, the festival adopts the theme “Less Screen, More Play,” with a special focus on the often-neglected aspect of parental well-being. PMC officials said that when parents are supported and emotionally healthy, children experience stronger development outcomes—making caregiver wellness a core part of this year’s programming.
PMC highlighted that the first five years of life play a defining role in shaping a child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and motor growth. To promote awareness around holistic development, more than 30 organisations working in the child development ecosystem will participate in the festival.
Across the four-day event, families can engage in:
-Outdoor play and interactive games
-Storytelling and creative learning sessions
-Hands-on workshops
-Parent–child bonding activities
-Expert-led discussions on child health, development and parenting practices
Organisers noted that the festival aims to equip parents with practical knowledge while giving children an enriching, play-filled environment.
Recognising the increasing pressures of urban life, PMC is introducing a dedicated Care Pavilion for parents. The space will focus on helping caregivers reflect on their mental and physical well-being and explore simple, everyday ways to care for themselves—enabling them to better support their children.
Pune’s efforts align with its status as a Deep Dive City under the Nurturing Neighborhoods 2.0 initiative and an Urban95 Lighthouse City. Supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Van Leer Foundation and WRI India, the initiative integrates family-friendly and child-centric planning into city development.
In addition to major urban projects, the city has promoted regular parent–child meet-ups in local parks, gradually building a culture of outdoor engagement.
With children spending more time indoors and digital usage rising sharply, this year’s festival reinforces the importance of active play, screen-free hours, and meaningful family interactions. By bringing experts, families, and child-focused organisations together, the Pune Children’s Festival continues to deepen the city’s commitment to nurturing childhood well-being.
PMC has invited families across Pune to participate in the festival at Sarasbaug from December 11 to 14, 2025.
