Children’s Week, Happiness, and the Right to Play.
From 18–26 October, families across Australia will be celebrating Children’s Week 2025, with the theme: “Everyone should know about Children’s Rights!” One of the most important rights children have is the right to play, to freedom of movement, and to grow up connected to family and community.
This year, as we reflect on what really makes children thrive, we couldn’t help but look to the Netherlands — where, year after year, Dutch children are ranked the happiest in the world.
So what’s their secret?
What the Research Tells Us
UNICEF studies have consistently found that Dutch children top the charts for well-being, life satisfaction, and balance. They aren’t just doing well academically — they’re thriving emotionally and socially too.
Some of the reasons include:
Strong family connections — Dutch parents spend a lot of time with their kids.
Balance between school and play — less pressure, more time outdoors.
Safe, child-friendly environments — especially cities designed with children in mind.
But there’s one factor that stands out every time: bikes.
Bikes = Freedom, Fun & Family
In the Netherlands, cycling isn’t a sport or a weekend activity. It’s woven into daily life. From toddlers to teenagers, kids grow up with bikes as their main way of getting around.
And this has some powerful effects:
Freedom: Kids experience independence much earlier. Riding to school, sport, or a friend’s house is normal — and safe.
Confidence: Cycling builds resilience, problem-solving, and trust in themselves.
Connection: Parents and children ride together, side by side, every day. School runs aren’t stuck in traffic — they’re chats, songs, and laughs on the way to class.
Playfulness: The simple act of moving through the world at bike pace keeps life fun.
One Dutch parent put it perfectly: “My children don’t just go from A to B. They see the world, they meet neighbours, they stop to pick flowers, they laugh along the way.”
The Contrast in Australia
In Australia, many families feel trapped by cars. School runs mean traffic jams, parking stress, and constant rushing. Kids often miss out on the freedom of getting around independently until they’re older, and parents miss those everyday moments of connection.
But here’s the good news: we don’t need to live in Amsterdam to borrow a little Dutch magic.
Cargo Bikes: Bringing Dutch Joy to Australian Families
This is where cargo bikes come in.
A cargo bike isn’t just a clever way to get from A to B — it’s a rolling happiness machine. It gives kids the chance to experience the world up close, while parents enjoy less stress and more quality time.
For little ones: They sit up front, seeing the world and chatting with mum or dad as they ride.
For siblings: They can share the ride, giggling together on the school run.
For families with dogs: Even furry friends can join the adventure.
For parents: It’s a chance to replace the car for many trips, save time, and build a lifestyle full of movement and connection.
Every family who discovers cargo bikes says the same thing: “It changes everything.”
Children’s Week in Moorabbin: Cupcakes & Cargo Bikes 🎉
To celebrate Children’s Week this year, we’re hosting a special event at Dutch Cargo in Moorabbin:
🎉 Cupcakes & Cargo Bikes — Saturday 25 October, 12–3 pm 🎉
Bring the family down for an afternoon of:
Free cargo bike test rides — see how different bikes feel with your kids on board.
Cupcakes for every child 🧁 — because joy tastes even sweeter with sprinkles.
Buble fun and good vibes — it’s all about kids, happiness, and freedom.
This is more than just an open day. It’s a celebration of what Children’s Week is all about: giving kids space to thrive, move, and enjoy life.
And yes, you’ll be able to picture your own school runs, park trips, and weekend adventures — not in the car, but on a bike built for family happiness.
Why This Matters
Children’s Week reminds us that kids don’t just need education and care — they need joy, play, and independence. In the Netherlands, the bike makes that possible every day. Here in Australia, cargo bikes are opening up that same possibility for families who want something more.
Less traffic.
More fresh air.
More laughter.
More connection.
And most importantly: happier kids.
A Call to Families
So this Children’s Week, think about the little everyday choices that shape your child’s world. Could a bike be the key to giving them more freedom, more fun, and more connection?
We believe it can. And we’d love to show you how.
👉 Join us at Cupcakes & Cargo Bikes on Saturday 25 October, 12–3 pm at Dutch Cargo HQ in Moorabbin.
Free test rides, sweet treats, and a chance to see how your family could embrace a little bit of Dutch happiness — right here in Melbourne.
Because the happiest kids in the world aren’t just in the Netherlands. They could be riding beside you.
