Opatia will host Opatija Children's Weekend 2026 from 8 to 11 October, an event that over three days offers plays, sports, STEM workshops, and entertainment. The programme is spread across several locations in the city, and is organised by the City of Opatia and the Steering Committee 'City of Opatia – Friend of Children' in collaboration with the Opatia Festival and partners.
The programme begins on Thursday, 8 October, with the educational content 'When I Grow Up, I Will...'. Throughout the day, children will be introduced to different professions and activities through visits to institutions, services, and companies. At the Gervais Centre, a lecture by Dr Saša Cecić titled '100 Years of Modern Quantum Physics' will be held, aimed at a younger audience.
The central part of the weekend will take place on Saturday and Sunday, 10 and 11 October, from 10 am to 5 pm, when 'Games Without Borders' will be held at the Summer Stage. The programme includes a Rolly park, large inflatable structures, the ZABA children's zone, a Decathlon sports corner, and a Flipper zone. At the Small Summer Stage, children can expect a bubble house, a soft play area, face painting, photography, karaoke, and an EON Kids corner.
On Saturday, a play titled 'Blow If You Can' is scheduled, along with an excerpt from the performance by HNK Ivana pl. Zajca 'Grandma Lost the Thread', and the play 'Papa's Bad Dreams' by Kids Disco. The STEM island will feature experiments, workshops, and activities related to science and technology, and part of the programme will also include a Tesla exhibition. In the Park of the Little Angels, children will be able to meet ponies from the Vodičajna Equestrian Club on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 14:30.
On Sunday at 13:00, STEP UP! will take place, a children's talent show for singers, dancers, actors, jugglers, and other talents. The performances will be judged by Mia Starj and Duško Jeličić Dule, and the number of participants is limited. Applications are accepted at [email protected]. The Sunday programme also includes an interactive drumming workshop, a performance by the Tratinčice Choir and the soloists of the Glazbeni vrtuljak, and the Arij Dance Group.
Throughout the weekend, fritule, waffles, ice cream, and popcorn will be available.
