The popular NGV Kids Summer Festival is back with a packed schedule of entirely FREE events for families from Saturday 11 January to Friday 17 January 2025, across NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre!
The program includes artist-led workshops, performances, events and activities designed especially for kids, teens and their families.
This year’s theme is all about pet-inspired family fun. Explore the Cats & Dogs exhibition (ticketed) at NGV Australia, make your own set of animal ears to wear, draw pet portraits with artists, and listen to popular tales of fancy felines and playful pooches in a storytime session.
When is the NGV Kids Summer Festival 2025?
NGV Kids Summer Festival runs from Saturday 11 January to Friday 17 January 2025.
NGV for Kids – Activities & Events Inspired by NGV Exhibitions
The NGV Kids Summer Festival 2025 is set to captivate families with an exciting lineup of activities designed to spark creativity, learning, and endless fun.
Running from January 11–17, this festival brings the magic of art and imagination to life with a variety of animal-inspired experiences and interactive events suitable for all ages.
Whether your child loves drawing, crafting, storytelling, or simply exploring new adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Cats & Dogs Exhibition at NGV
Discover art featuring cats and dogs by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Goya, revealing their significance across cultures and eras.
One fun element of this exhibition is the Portrait Wall, where visitors are invited to upload a photo of their own pet to be added to the digital gallery wall.
Kids entry to the Cats & Dogs exhibition is $8 (ages 5 – 15), while adults cost $16 and kids 4 and under go free. With all the added free activities during the festival, this is a must-do these summer holidays!
Highlights: NGV Kids Summer Festival 2025
One of the key highlights is the Animal-Themed Art Workshops, where children can create their own masterpieces inspired by the animal kingdom.
These sessions are perfect for budding artists eager to unleash their creativity in a guided and fun environment.
Meanwhile, Face Painting adds a whimsical touch, turning kids into their favorite animals or characters with vibrant and detailed designs. It’s an activity guaranteed to leave little ones beaming with delight.
For those who enjoy storytelling, the festival offers Storytelling Sessions featuring enchanting animal tales and creative narratives that captivate young minds.
Aspiring artists can also try their hand at Pet Portrait Drawing, a guided activity that helps kids develop their sketching skills while drawing their favorite furry friends. It’s a wonderful way to combine creativity with love for animals.
The festival also features Live Performances to keep audiences entertained with fun and interactive shows suitable for the whole family.
In addition, the highly anticipated exhibitions Cats & Dogs and Kusama for Kids provide a rich cultural experience, sparking curiosity and awe in visitors of all ages. These exhibitions offer a chance to explore art through the eyes of animals and children alike, blending whimsy with artistic mastery.
Families looking for a more relaxed experience can participate in Relaxed Sessions, which are thoughtfully designed for sensory-friendly engagement, ensuring an inclusive environment for all visitors.
For those who enjoy a blend of art and architecture, the Architectural Installations provide interactive spaces where creativity and design merge in fascinating ways.
The NGV Kids Summer Festival 2025 promises to be an unforgettable journey through art, storytelling, and fun. It’s a perfect opportunity for families to bond, explore creativity, and make lasting memories together.
Don’t miss out on this incredible event that celebrates the joy of learning and imagination!
Tips for Attending NGV Kids Summer Festival 2025
- I recommend the Cats & Dogs exhibition for kids aged 5 and above, as there aren’t many interactive elements;
- Kids will love adding their own pet’s picture to the portrait wall within the Cats & Dogs exhibition;
- The NGV Cafe on the ground floor of The Ian Potter Centre, is great for snacks, but be aware it’s a bit pricey;
- Free drawing and craft activities are happening daily, and don’t miss CAT & DOG TALES Storytime on 11, 13, 15 & 17 Jan, 1.30pm & 3pm, Theatre, Ground Level, Fed Square;
- Accessible bathrooms, family rooms and baby change facilities are onsite;
- Head down the road to NGV International for the free Kusama for Kids exhibition and add some colourful dots to the Obliteration Room!
Enjoy NGV’s Yayoi Kusama exhibition, plus Kusama For Kids
Best Melbourne CBD restaurants for kids
Best Melbourne sushi trains
