Play School is turning 60. To mark the milestone, the ABC has lined up a run of celebrations across the network, including a brand new series, a behind the scenes documentary, a new dance album and the results of a nationwide toy design competition. Australia’s longest-running children’s program reaches its 60th anniversary on Saturday 18 July, six decades after it first went to air in 1966.
ABC Head of Children and Family Melinda Wearne said the anniversary was a chance to reflect on the show’s place in Australian family life. “For 60 years, Play School has been a cherished part of Australian childhoods, bringing creativity, music and trusted entertainment to families across the country. This enduring legacy is a testament to the care that goes into making the program and we’re incredibly proud to continue creating innovative and joyful content into the future,” she said.
The celebrations kick off with a brand new series, Party Animals, launching on ABC iview on Monday 13 July, with new episodes airing daily on ABC Kids from 13 to 17 July. Each episode follows the presenters and toys as they plan a different themed party, complete with handmade invitations, decorations, party food, costumes and games.
On Monday 6 July, Australian Story will take viewers behind the scenes of Play School, from script development through to studio recording. The episode features interviews with past and present presenters and producers, including Jay Laga’aia, Don Spencer, Rhys Muldoon, Simon Burke, Miah Madden and Justine Clarke.
The anniversary celebrations also include the results of a nationwide competition that invited kids to design their own Play School toy. More than 9,700 entries were received, and the winning design will be brought to life by the Play School team, gifted to its young creator and featured in an episode airing in October 2026.
And to really get the party started, a new album, There’s a Rave in There, lands on Friday 26 June. Produced by Kristy Lee Peters, the album reimagines well-loved Play School songs as high-energy dance tracks for kids and grown-ups alike.
Play School airs weekdays on ABC Kids and is available to stream any time on ABC iview.
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