July School Holidays
These school holidays, explore free activities for kids and families at Fed Square, including markets, special screenings, workshops and gallery tours at ACMI, KHT and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia.
The first week of the school holidays also coincides with NAIDOC Week (6–12 July), with special activities and events for kids and families, celebrating First Nations talent and sharing stories of culture.
Kids can craft, create and learn from First Nations artists and Elders, and catch free family screenings.
What’s on?
Sat 5 Jul, 10am–4pm | Atrium
Entertain the kids and soak up the festive vibes at the Christmas in July market. Kids can get hands on with cookie decorating and visit Santa for a family photo. With free live entertainment and delicious winter comfort – it’s set to be a jolly day out, Christmas stocking-full of family-friendly holiday fun.
7–17 Jul, various times | KHT
Join in an intergenerational weaving session with master weaver, Donna Blackall (Yorta Yorta), paint emu eggs with Brendan Kennedy (Tati Tati, Latji Latji, Mutti Mutti, Wadi Wadi, Weki Weki, Yita Yita, Nari Nari) or learn to paint with revered Barkindji and Ngiyampaa Elder, Uncle Colin (Col) Clark, at KHT. Workshop numbers are limited. Check out KHT’s full school holiday workshop program.
Thu 10–12 + 17–19 Jul, 1.30pm | ACMI | Tickets $9–14
Catch the animated film based on the classic Australian children’s book by Alison Lester, Magic Beach, screening at ACMI these school holidays. The screenings will feature introductions from the film’s animators, followed by activity book sessions where kids will learn to develop their own forms of animations.
5–20 July, 10am–5pm | Level 3, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
During the school holidays, kids can get in for free when an adult buys a ticket. Bring your family and explore the amazing world of cats and dogs together. During NAIDOC Week, you can discover artwork featuring camp dogs and dingos, and don’t forget to check out the drop-in workshop where you can make your own furry headband.
Saturday 12 July, 11am–3pm | The Edge
Celebrate culture, community and connection with free family screenings of Little J & Big Cuz. Come in from the cold, grab a hot drink and some popcorn, and enjoy this award-winning animated series that follows the adventures of Little J, Big Cuz and their lovable pup, Old Dog.
12 Jul, various times | The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Kids and families can enjoy a full day of free activities at NGV Australia on Saturday 12 July, as part of NAIDOC Week. Create your own Pondi fish with Ngarrindjeri artist Emma Stenhouse, make your own furry friend headband, drop in to listen to story time with Yorta Yorta/ Wiradjuri artist and educator Tania Rossi, and learn about how the NGV look after the First Nations artworks painted on the bark of Stringybark trees, in a special conservation talk for kids inside the Bark Salon.
Fri 18 Jul, 10.30am–12.15pm | ACMI
As part of ACMI’s pre-schooler program, families of littlies aged 2–5 (together with their siblings) are invited to this free screening of Ponyo, a sweet tale about a goldfish princess. The lights will be on low, so no-one is scared in the dark!