Activities for kids in hospital
There are lots of great activities for children and adolescents while in hospital. If your child can’t leave their bed, we can bring the fun to them!
Art and arts programs
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead has so many beautiful artworks on display that it is actually a registered art gallery!
Many of the artworks you will see have been crafted by children or young people. Ask staff about the the sculpture walk so you can browse the artworks gracing our hospital walls.
The Youth Arts Program also offers a range of creative arts, craft and leisure activities for adolescents in hospital.
Book Bunker library
If your child is unable to leave the ward, you can phone the Book Bunker on extension 50808 from your bedside phone and the librarian will bring books to you.
The trolley also visits wards from time to time with a selection of books to choose from.
The Book Bunker library is open from 10am to 3pm on weekdays.
Kids Health bookshop
There are many helpful books you can read with your child to prepare for your hospital visit. There are also picture books available for younger children.
Visit our Kids Health bookshop on level two of the hospital. For more information, phone Kids Health on (02) 7825 3585.
Clown doctors
While in hospital you might get a visit from a clown doctor!
Clown doctors visit the wards bringing a little fun and silliness to brighten up your day.
Livewire
By day, Livewire delivers activities on the wards. At night, the Starlight Express Room becomes a teen hangout. A chill out zone where you can be social, connect with others, chat with the Livewire staff or take part in a fun workshop.
On the ward
Most wards have a play area, TVs for hire, games and craft activities.
Playgrounds and gardens
Explore:
- the undercover area with giant chess and checkers games, bring your friends or family down and play a game
- follow the labyrinth at the end of the garden, it only has one path and it is very calming
- visit the Chinese Gardens, where you will see a waterfall and fish.
Play programs
Our Child Life Therapists run play groups for children from babies to eight years old. Ask the ward or staff for more information.
Radio Bedrock and Starlight Express Room
Radio Bedrock and the Starlight Express Room is a doctor and nurse-free zone where kids and teens can come for some fun, including the latest computer games, movies, crafts and activities.
Kids who are too sick to leave their beds can join in the fun via the daily Captain Starlight shows that are broadcast to their bedside TVs.