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NGV Kids Summer Festival 2026: Free Family Events and Creative Workshops
NGV Kids Summer Festival & Kids on Tour 2026 is returning this January with a vibrant week of free family-friendly activities designed to inspire creativity, movement and imagination. Running 10 – 16 January 2026 at NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, this annual summer festival continues to be one of Melbourne’s most popular events for kids and families.
The NGV Kids Summer Festival 2026 features a wide mix of activities for all ages, including art workshops, dance parties, First Nations storytelling and hands-on creative play.
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What to Expect at NGV Kids Summer Festival 2026
Free Family Events at NGV International
Across the week, the NGV International hosts energetic, interactive events designed to get kids moving and exploring their creativity.
Highlights include:
• Kids Disco Parties under the colourful canopy of the NGV Great Hall
• Live performances and creative shows are perfect for young audiences
• Joke-making workshop with Rich Higgins from the kids-comedy duo The Listies
• Drop-by drawing and collage sessions inspired by the festival’s fashion theme
Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids – A Creative Playground
Throughout the summer, the NGV Children’s Gallery transforms into an immersive, interactive space with Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids, designed by Danielle Brustman. This playful exhibition invites children to explore fashion, movement and self-expression through colour, texture and imaginative design.
Kids can enjoy:
• Dancing zones that encourage movement and confidence
• Dress-up areas featuring bold costumes and accessories inspired by contemporary fashion design
• Large-scale, colourful fashion installations that children can explore
• Hands-on design activities, where kids can draw, collage and experiment with creating their own fashion ideas
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First Nations-Led Workshops at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
The Ian Potter Centre hosts a series of meaningful, culturally rich activities led by First Nations artists and educators.
Key activities include:
• Drawing and weaving workshops with Ngarrindjeri artist Emma Stenhouse, featuring the story of Pondi, the ancestral river cod
• Make-your-own fish puppet activity inspired by Ngarrindjeri storytelling
• Story time sessions with Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri artist Tania Rossi
• Kids drawing activities inspired by Hermannsburg Potters on display
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences for Teens
Teens can enjoy a rare behind-the-scenes tour of the NGV Conservation Lab, where they will discover how artworks are cared for, restored and prepared for exhibition. This session offers insight into museum careers and the science behind art conservation.
Relaxed Sessions for a Calmer Experience
On 14 and 15 January 2026, the NGV offers Relaxed Sessions, providing early access to the Let’s Party! children’s exhibition and the Great Hall activities. These sessions offer fewer people, lower sensory stimuli and a quieter environment.
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FAQs: NGV Kids Summer Festival 2026
Is NGV Kids Summer Festival free?
Yes. All events in the festival are free for families, though some activities may have limited capacity.
What are the festival dates?
The festival runs 10–16 January 2026 at NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
Is the event suitable for all ages?
Yes. Activities are designed for children, teens and families. Specific sessions are tailored to early childhood, primary-aged kids, or teens.
Where is the festival held?
Events take place across two venues – NGV International, St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Fed Square
Kids on Tour programs also run throughout regional Victoria.
Are there activities for children with sensory needs?
Yes. Relaxed Sessions on 14 and 15 January 2026 offer a quieter, low-sensory environment.
Is this a good school holiday activity in Melbourne?
Absolutely. With free art workshops, dance parties and hands-on creative activities, it’s one of the best Melbourne school holiday events for January 2026.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
