Victorian families can get creative this summer with a range of free and low-cost activities on offer, spanning art, music, craft, exhibitions, festivals, performances and more.
Art lovers can wander into NGV’s latest blockbuster Triennial which is running all summer long. The free exhibition, which is awe-inspiring for visitors of all ages, includes the Melbourne-exclusive RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids, an enchanting underwater world designed especially 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.
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.
As part of Museums Victoria’s summer season, 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.
Fans of all things screen are invited to ACMI to explore the free The Story 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, there’s art, craft and printmaking sessions for kids at Geelong Gallery, workshops for kids and teens at Warrnambool Art Gallery as part of its Lisa Gorman + Mirka Mora exhibition, and plenty more. More than 140 suburban and regional galleries will host free art making activities as part of the 2024 NGV Kids on Tour program.
There are also 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.