CHILDREN'S Day brings kids and adults out to play all over Phuket and Thailand. It's one of the most delightful events on the calendar, filled with laughter, gifts, performances and fun for all ages.

This is bigger and better than Christmas. Phuket people turn out to help their children enjoy the fun, and this year crowds of up to 10,000 will be expected at several key entertainment zones on Phuket.

Here's a rundown of some key spots:


Time: 8am to noon
Next to parents, doctors and nurses rival teachers as the next-best carers, and the treats are always easy to find at Bangkok Hospital Phuket. The special attraction will be performances by the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre, which moved from Bangkok to Phuket last year.


Time: 8am-3.30pm
This huge park in Phuket City always produces a Children's Day to rival the best, with plenty to see and do. Kids dress up too, to perform on stages dotted around the grassy areas. Usually the army drops by to provide some artillery to clamber on. Runs late, but the kids tend to tire by afternoon. Expect about 9999 others to be there.


Time: 8am-noon
A great stretch of open space and playground equipment to suit all ages. One of the secrets in Phuket City's green administrative zone, close to the Governor's Mansion. Magicians, a comedy show from Bangkok and a local band should make it lively.


Time: 8am-3.30pm
The star attraction: singer Ice Saranyu. The generous Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation will be catering for up to 10,000 kids on the broad lawn at Phuket's administrative hq. Present galore, including 70 bicycles for lucky children.


Time: 8am-noon
Suan Sri Phuvanart Park will be the site for the Vichit municipality to treat local children to a day to remember. Adults may not forget it, either.


Time: 8am-3pm
Kathu Municipality is one of the island's most progressive and Children's Day leaves them with nothing to do except make the children happy. An amazing 18 stages will be found across the park and the football field. Four hundred scholarships are to be resented.


Time: 8am-3pm
Look for lots of amusements and tasty food along Thepkasattri Road. The Old Car Club has promised a show. There will be ATVs for children to take for a spin, and a karaoke corner.


Time: 8am-3pm
Phuket's protectors are actually the softest guys in uniform when it comes to children and taking care of turtles. Children will be able to scramble onto HTMS Bangpakong and watch some navy displays, as well as enjoying the indispensable generosity of Navy style treats.