Family-friendly fun in the Melbourne Arts Precinct this school holidays

During the school holidays, enjoy a range of entertaining and inclusive kid-friendly programs and activities throughout the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

From April 5 to 20, enjoy live music performances, film screenings, art workshops, and many more activities perfect for entertaining the kids and the whole family.

On Saturday, April 12, pianist and composer Nat Bartsch will present a free live music concert for kids and families (particularly neurodivergent people) at The Edge, Fed Square.

For those who want to sit back and relax with the family, there’s free screenings of Studio Ghibli films on the Big Screen from April 14 to 17, including popular favourites like Castle in the Sky, Howl’s Moving Castle, and My Neighbour Totoro.

If you’re looking for a playful, energetic and creative activity for the kids, check out Play Date by All The Queens Men from April 15 to 17. While visiting Fed Square, be sure to stop by the Test Garden at the Skyline Car Park. Take a moment to look at all the different plants growing in the garden – if you look closely, you can also spot bees, butterflies and other insects fluttering around the flowers.

At Koorie Heritage Trust, Stitchin’ Stories: Blak and Threadly is open daily during the school holidays and KHT are also running art-making workshops and events on April 14, 16 and 17. NGV has activities and exhibitions for kids and teens, including Draw a Furry Friend on April 7 and 8, and Sketchbook Sessions for NGV Teens from April 8 to 9 at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.

Across Princes Bridge, the fun activities continue at Arts Centre Melbourne. From April 18 to 20, catch a striking performance in the Fairfax Studio of CIRCUS The Show featuring world-class illusions, acrobatics, jugglers, aerial displays and more. For the kids and teens in your life with a keen interest in science and learning, you can also catch KABOOM! by Showmen Productions for a spectacular science show at 11.30am and 1.20pm from April 18 to 20.

At ACCA, there’s a free art-making program on April 15 inspired by their current exhibition Tina Stefanou: You Can’t See Speed where kids and families can create their own artwork and contribute to a large-scale collaborative work. Australian children’s music legend Peter Combe is performing a special Greatest Hits show at Melbourne Recital Centre on April 11, so get in quick to purchase tickets.

There’s plenty more events and programs happening across the precinct this month. To find out more about the Melbourne Arts Precinct and to explore the organisations in the precinct, visit artsprecinct.melbourne •