While summer is mostly a time that's filled with fun-filled activities and socialising, for families with children, it can also be a real challenge to keep the little ones entertained while they're not at school. But fear not, this summer the NGV is helping to keep the kids occupied by helping them unleash their inner artist, with the return of their free summer kids festival.
This year children and teens can look forward to a wide range of free events like performances, yoga, dance, artist-led workshops and art-making activities, all inspired by a brand-new immersive underwater exhibition.
RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids is the festival's main event, an exhibition showcasing the marine-inspired works of French artist Jean Julien, where young visitors can dress in fish costumes, discover an interactive ocean scenography and draw sea creatures inspired by the surrounding murals of life under the sea.
Highlights of the rest of the program include a workshop called Shake Your Fins, where kids can enjoy dancing and games presented by Emotion21, a program for children and young adults with Down syndrome. Plus, little ones can learn traditional Indian dance or Afrodance and storytelling at workshops led by creative leaders, or learn about local wildlife and waterways from Melbourne's park rangers, who will lead activities that teach kids all about the animals that live in Melbourne.
The 2024 NGV Kids Summer Festival will run daily from Monday, January 8 to Sunday, January 14. Check out the NGV website for all the scheduling.
