Test Garden Open Day – Critter Heroes
These school holidays in the Test Garden, we’re celebrating our tiniest of planet Earth’s super-heroes – insects!
From the super-strength of a dung beetle to the super-vision of dragonflies, kids and families are invited to come and learn what makes our tiny critter heroes so SUPER – and join in bug-focused creative activities on throughout the day.
Join in the Critter Hero talk with insect expert Dr Luis Mata, Critter Hero play with Polyglot Theatre, drop in at the Creative Critters activity station for some bug-spiration, or catch some Critter Heroes on film with a free film screening of The Ant Bully.
Kids can pick up a copy of Insects of Melbourne – a pocket-sized guide to some of the Critter Heroes of Melbourne – then join in as many or as few activities as they like.
And (most importantly) – there will be ice cream!
The day of activity is free, and all activities are drop-in. Dressing up (as an insect, of course) is highly encouraged!
See you there, Critter Hero fans!
WHAT’S ON
11am + 1pm | Test Garden | Drop-in
Melbourne is alive with insects! From blue-banded bees to orchid dupe wasps and from tiny little ants to green grass-darts, our city supports an extraordinary diversity of remarkable creatures. These insects are not only fascinating and beautiful – they also play vital roles in keeping our ecosystems healthy. They pollinate flowers, recycle organic matter, provide food for other animals, and help control pests.
In these family-friendly talks by Entomologist (insect expert) Dr. Luis Mata, kids can learn about the hidden diversity of insects in our city, celebrating their beauty and highlighting the benefits they deliver to us and other species.
10.30am,11.30am,1.30pm + 2.30pm | Edge Terrace | Drop-in
Ants is an interactive performance which brings children together to explore the landscape around them.
Ants as big as humans work together intently, collecting and placing hundreds of giant breadcrumbs, and children are irresistibly drawn closer to find out how they can join in. Gradually a world of meaning unfolds, with children’s movement making lines and patterns, transforming public space and disrupting the everyday. Children choose how they interact with the big insects, becoming Ant-like creatures themselves and taking part in their world. This is an enchanting and unusual experience that everyone can enjoy at their own pace.
10am–2.30pm | Edge Terrace | Drop-in
At the Creative Critters drop-in station, kids can slow down and ‘bee’ creative. They’ll learn fascinating facts about the amazing super powers of our tiny critter heroes, and be able to draw and colour in their own Critter Super Hero.
3pm | The Edge | Drop-in
Head to the Edge and get comfy for a special screening of The Ant Bully.
A lonely boy who takes his frustrations out on an ant colony is magically shrunk to insect size and forced to live among them. As he discovers their complex world, he learns empathy, teamwork and courage – and must help his new tiny friends save their home from danger.
Film classification: PG | Running time: 98 minutes | 2006 | USA
