Victorian families can get creative this summer with a range of free and low-cost activities on offer supported by the state government spanning art, music, craft, exhibitions, festivals, performances and more.
Acting Premier Ben Carroll and Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne kicked off the summer of cost-friendly family fun at the opening of Scienceworks’ new exhibition Air Playground, which explores the science of aerodynamics in an interactive way using fast-moving air jets, paper planes and floating objects.
Scienceworks is hosting yet another jam-packed, family-friendly program these holidays, sparking curiosity for all ages. General entry is free for children and concession card holders across Scienceworks, the Melbourne Museum and the Immigration Museum, with additional charges applying for special exhibitions.
On 18 January, State Library Victoria is handing over the reins to the next generation during the Kids Takeover – a day of free activities, crafts and entertainment across the entire library site. Children can help build a bustling cardboard mini-city, make giant bubble creations, learn circus tricks, and more.
Art lovers can wander into NGV’s latest blockbuster Triennial which is running all summer long. The free exhibit features the Melbourne-exclusive RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids, an enchanting underwater world for children. From 8–14 January, kids can also take part in the action-packed NGV Kids Summer Festival, with free tickets for all ages.
Fans of all-things cinema are invited to ACMI to explore the free TheStory of the Moving Image exhibition, or experience the immersive Marshmallow Laser Feast: Works of Nature installation, where creative technology lets visitors “evolve from droplets of water to plants, cells and stars”. Tickets are $5 for under 16s.
In the regions, Geelong Gallery is running art, craft and printmaking sessions for kids, while Warrnambool Art Gallery will host workshops for kids and teens as part of its Lisa Gorman + Mirka Mora exhibition. More than 140 suburban and regional galleries will host free art making activities as part of the 2024 NGV Kids on Tour program.
For families seeking more of the great outdoors, under 16s can also visit Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo for free throughout the school holidays. The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, a magical place within the Royal Botanic Gardens, is also free for all ages.
There will also be free workshops, activities and performances at MPavilion in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens, and a program of summer events for families running statewide during Midsumma Festival. For more information about family-friendly activities happening around the state, visit creative.vic.gov.au.
