Melbourne, Australia, 11 December 2012 | Tennis Australia

Australian Open Kids Tennis Day on Saturday 12 January 2013 is set to be the biggest and best yet, as Tennis Australia partners with Nickelodeon to produce the greatest day of kids tennis and entertainment ever seen at Melbourne Park.

Kids Tennis Day will be headlined by a host of TV’s most-loved characters including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Starfish, Dora the Explorer and Diego, Dorothy the Dinosaur and Captain Feathersword, alongside some of the world’s top tennis players.

A spectacular performance at Rod Laver Arena – another first for Kids Tennis Day – will also feature one of Australia’s top music acts.

All children will have the opportunity to play tennis on the same courts as their Australian Open heroes and to participate in MLC Tennis Hot Shots activities, using scaled-down nets, racquets and low-compression balls.

Highlights of Kids Tennis Day at Australian Open 2013 include:

• MLC Tennis Hot Shots activities for kids of all ages and abilities on Australian Open courts
• The Rod Laver Arena Spectacular, with some of the world’s best players and a surprise Australian music act
• Live performances by Nickelodeon characters SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Starfish, Dora the Explorer and Diego
• Special appearances by Dorothy the Dinosaur and Captain Feathersword
• Top tennis personalities at Autograph Island
• 500 tennis racquets to be given away throughout the day
• The chance to be photographed with the coveted Australian Open trophies
• Face painting and activity zones

Tournament Director Craig Tiley said the third annual Kids Tennis Day would be a highlight of Australian Open 2013.

“Kids Tennis Day has fast become one of the feature dates on the Australian Open calendar. We are excited to be taking the event to the next level and presenting our biggest and best program of events ever in 2013,” he said.

“As well as showcasing our major participation program, MLC Tennis Hot Shots, and providing awesome on-court experiences, we will give away 500 racquets throughout the day, encouraging more kids to get involved in our great sport.”

Leader of the MLC Tennis Hots Shots program, former elite coach Craig Morris, can’t wait for the big day.

“Kids Tennis Day gives families the chance to enjoy free tennis events and entertainment as we count down to Australian Open 2013. It is designed to introduce children to the sport in a fun, friendly environment and we are looking forward to welcoming thousands of children through the gates here at Melbourne Park next month,” he said.

More than 8000 patrons attended Kids Tennis Day in 2012, with thousands again expected through the gates in January.

Gates open for Kids Tennis Day at 8.30am and events run until 1.00pm, when the finals of Australian Open qualifying begin.

Entry to the event is free but patrons are encouraged to submit their details online to receive a schedule of activities and venue map.

To find out more, visit hotshots.tennis.com.au.

Kids Tennis Day is proudly supported by Nickelodeon and Medibank.