April School Holidays 2026
Enjoy free outdoor cinema and comedy, explore free exhibitions, get creative and discover through play these school holidays at Fed Square.
These school holidays, we’ve got a huge program of fun, free activities for kids and families of all ages.
Free outdoor cinema is back, featuring the return of the popular Studio Ghibli Afternoons and family-friendly comedies.
The comedy continues on the Main Stage as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the April edition of our Test Garden Open Day is designed especially for kids – celebrating all things insects!
The Little Food Festival also returns across two days and around the Square, kids and families can explore free workshops and exhibitions at KHT, NGV Australia and ACMI.
3–6 April, 5pm | Big Screen
During the Easter long weekend, kids and families can enjoy free outdoor cinema on the Big Screen featuring a selection of beloved award-winning and cult-favourite family-friendly comedies, including The Princess Bride, The Parent Trap, Paddington 2 and The Mitchells vs The Machines.
Age recommendation: Check film classifications.
3–4 April, 1.30pm + 3.30pm | Main Square
Catch world-class street performers and the best family-friendly stand-up, physical and musical comedy acts from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, performing for free on the Main Stage. The line-up includes Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, Piip & Tuut (Estonia), Dandyman, Geraldine Quinn, The Burton Brothers and more.
Age recommendation: All ages.
Tuesday 7–9 April, 3pm | Big Screen
Over three afternoons, enjoy double feature screenings of some of your favourite Studio Ghibli films on the Big Screen, showcasing the iconic films of Hayao Miyazaki and his team. Films include Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Only Yesterday, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away. All films will be screened in their original Japanese language with English subtitles.
Age recommendation: 8+ years.
Saturday 11 April, 10am–4.30pm | Test Garden, The Edge + Edge Terrace
These school holidays in the Test Garden, we’re celebrating our tiniest of planet Earth’s super-heroes – insects! Kids and families are invited to come and learn what makes our tiny critter heroes so SUPER – and join in bug-focused creative activities throughout the day.
Age recommendation: pre-school up to primary-aged.
Sunday 12 April, 10am, 11am, 1pm + 2pm | The Atrium
A free, interactive performance presented by Polyglot Theatre, which brings children together to explore the landscape around them. An enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
Age recommendation: pre-school up to primary-aged.
Wednesday 15 + Thursday 16 April, 10am–4pm
Kids will roll up their sleeves to plant seedlings, make pickles, learn about bush food, get crafty and learn how to make nutritious meals. The free community event for kids and families promotes health, wellbeing and sustainability education, focused on our food system.
Age recommendation: pre-school up to primary-aged.
Opens 13 Mar | The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia | Free entry
Check out some of the works of emerging Victorian-based artists, in the annual Top Arts exhibition. Presenting works by students who completed their VCE studies in Art Making and Exhibiting and Art Creative Practice in 2025, the exhibition offers a captivating look into the inventive and imaginative spirit of young artists across the state.
Age recommendation: secondary school students and older.
Now open | ACMI | Free entry, registration essential
In this hands-on exhibition, kids can discover what happens behind the scenes of Play School. They can become a presenter, a camera operator, or even a director – then climb aboard the Rocket Clock, sing along with favourite songs, and play their way through stories and games.
Age recommendation: designed for kids aged 2–5.
2, 7, 9, 13 + 14 April | KHT
Kids can paint their own wombat, create their own bush animal or emu egg, make jewellery from gumnuts and emu feathers or upcycle a garment with embroidery techniques, in this series of free hands-on art and design workshops run by First Peoples artists at KHT. Registration is free but required.
More information coming soon.