by FIlmInk Staff
As the school holidays approach, Fed Square is inviting families from across Victoria to get involved in a series of free, engaging and enriching events, before exploring the best of what the city has to offer.
From the return of the Little Food Festival to the Square’s popular Outdoor Cinema, families can look forward to a jam-packed program of family-friendly activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick said “At Fed Square, we’re proud to offer a vibrant program of free events across the school holidays that spark curiosity, creativity and fun for kids – from hands-on food experiences and outdoor cinema to interactive performances and playful learning. It’s a chance for families to spend the day in the heart of Melbourne discovering, laughing and making memories.”
The Little Food Festival
Back for its eighth year, the beloved Little Food Festival returns from 15–16 April – ready to inspire our future leaders about the importance of our food system and the planet with two days of flavour, fun and hands-on discovery. Presented by its founding partners Fed Square, the Sandro Demaio Foundation and Monash University, the free community event invites families to roll up their sleeves and dig deep into a world of nutritious discovery.
Plant seedlings, uncover nature’s magic in growing food, and learn to whip up simple but healthy meals as part of an engaging lineup of activities that celebrate wellbeing and sustainability — empowering kids through fun, flavour and creativity. Special guests include founder Dr Sandro Demaio, produce expert Thanh ‘Fruit Nerd’ Truong, and everyone’s favourite gardener Costa Georgiadis.
Outdoor Cinema
After a summer of cinema magic, the Square’s Outdoor Cinema program continues into autumn with a specially curated program for pint-sized adventurers and big kids alike.
Family Comedies run from 3–6 April, delivering four days of laughter over the Easter long weekend. Rediscover or introduce the films that defined generations with a mix of nostalgic and modern favourites: from the iconic fantasy-comedy The Princess Bride (3 April), the classic ‘90s remake The Parent Trap (4 April), the ever-charming Paddington 2 (5 April), and the hilarious animated adventure The Mitchells vs. the Machines (6 April).
Studio Ghibli Afternoons returns from 7–9 April with a marathon of the adored animated films with six titles across three days. Grab your blankets and snacks and settle under the night sky for a magical cinematic experience. From timeless classics to hidden gems, audiences can lose themselves in the enchanting worlds of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Only Yesterday, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, My Neighbor Totoro, and the all-time favourite Spirited Away. Airing in Japanese with subtitles, Studio Ghibli Afternoons is recommended for kids aged 8 years and over.
Test Garden Open Day – Critter Heroes
For one day only, buzz to the Square’s Test Garden for a special Open Day and celebrate the insects all around us! On 11 April, ant-icipate a fun-filled day discovering the fascinating world of insects and biodiversity with talks, activities, performances, and film that highlights the importance of these tiny critters in our ecosystem. Hear from insect expert Luis Mata on all things butterflies and bees and get creative with playful colouring activities that bring the tiny world of insects to life.
Catch a screening of The Ant Bully and keep an eye out for the human-sized Ants performed by world-renowned Melbourne theatre company Polyglot Theatre. Presented by Fed Square and supported by the City of Melbourne, Polyglot Theatre will transform the space into a magical, interactive world as children are invited to join the ant-like creatures in collecting and arranging hundreds of oversized breadcrumbs throughout the day.
The (Very) Big Laugh Out
Delivering non-stop fun and deep belly laughs, The (Very) Big Laugh Out returns as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with four hilarious showcases taking over the Square from 3–4 April. Featuring world-class street performers alongside the best stand-up, physical and musical comedians in the business, this free all-ages program is the biggest, loudest and funniest way to spend the school holidays. Headliners include Oliver Coleman, Claire Hooper, Dane Simpson, Otto & Astrid, and more.
Playschool: Come and Play! At ACMI
For those eager to kick off their holiday fun early, Playschool: Come and Play! at ACMI celebrates the incredible 60th anniversary of Play School. Open daily, 4 March–12 July, and designed for children aged 2-5, peek behind the scenes of Australia’s most beloved children’s show and step into the roles of presenter, camera operator, or even director! Climb aboard the Rocket Clock, sing along to favourite songs, and play your way through stories and games. Created by ACMI in collaboration with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, this children’s play exhibition marks six decades of songs, stories, and learning — offering children and families a joyful, immersive journey into the magic of television.
Koorie Heritage Trust
Koorie Heritage Trust will present a rich program of free workshops from 2–24 April, celebrating First Peoples culture through art-making, storytelling and hands-on creativity. Kids of all ages can learn traditional and contemporary practices alongside leading First Peoples artists and educators, from weaving bush animals and creating wet-felted eggs, to making jewellery or upcycled garments. Families can also explore the cultural significance of native ingredients at the Little Food Festival and take part in a special feather flower workshop with Aunty Glenda Nicholls ahead of ANZAC Day.
Top Arts 2026
From 13 March–19 July, Top Arts 2026 returns to The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in its 32nd year to showcase the incredible creativity of Victoria’s young emerging artists who have excelled in their VCE art studies. Spanning diverse mediums including painting, digital print, and textiles, this year’s works explores engaging themes from natural and urban landscapes to reflections on the complexities of time. From nineteenth-century inspired couture to interactive art using computer algorithms, this free exhibition celebrates the extraordinary talent of 43 students selected from more than 1100 submissions across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Down the road at NGV International, don’t miss Let’s Party! Fashion for Kids: Designed by Danielle Brustman showcasing vibrant and imaginative items selected from the NGV’s Fashion & Textiles Collection, open daily until 3 May.
These school holidays, families can spend the whole day exploring Fed Square with a diverse line-up of free, interactive activities, family-friendly restaurants and cafes, a fabulous playground on Birrarung Marr, family rooms, and easily accessible parking.
For Fed Square’s full school holiday program, visit fedsquare.com/april-school-holidays
