THEY packed into the Stanthorpe Showgrounds for a family day of fun activities.

More than 800 people turned up for the Kids Jam family fun day to enjoy a range of activities from face-painting to patting snakes and crocodiles.

Kids Jam co-ordinator Sarah Thomson said the idea of the event was to provide a day for Granite Belt children and their families.

"I have worked with children as a teacher and I realised how many children in the community can fall through the cracks and how often they do," she said.

"We wanted the kids in the community to know people care about them so that is what the day was all about."

Mrs Thomson said with live entertainers as well as activities, animal exhibits and games, there was enough to keep even the most curious children entertained and occupied.

"We have been working all year to pull together the program for the community," she said.

"The day was incredible and the response we received was more than I could have hoped for."

Kids Jam helper David Entermann said he was one of those recruited to help during the event's second year and had a barrel of fun.

"I was really excited about the day and it was a great example of a grass- roots initiative which embodied the spirit of Christmas," he said.

"Sarah has been inspirational and the day was also an expression of her nurturing nature and beliefs."