Melbourne, arguably the arts and culture capital of Australia. Thankfully Melbourne’s arts scene isn’t only for adults. There are increasingly more arts venues and organizations that are engaging families. Hooray for that I say! Not only do I get to pretend to be art savvy and a little bit hip – the kids have a great time too. Here’s my roundup of the best venues and performers to engage kids in the art scene too. And a hint – don’t expect stodgy, dusty art gallery experiences. Expect vibrant, colorful art scene fun!
The NGV
Nothing says art like a giant disco dance floor for kids. Tromarama for Kids at the NGV
The National Gallery of Victoria consistently demonstrates a commitment to engaging families. Not only does the NGV feature permanent artwork that appeals to young kids, such as their sculpture garden. They also host visiting exhibitions designed to engage the young mind in art play. Currently, Open House: Tromarama for Kids allows children to create their own stop-motion movie, all within a colorful world that makes the everyday extraordinary.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Classic Kids.
A big congratulations to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for their commitment to families. A number of family friendly performances are scheduled each year including Disney in Concert in the upcoming September holidays. The MSO’s family events are fun, engaging and sow the seeds of music appreciation, perhaps for a lifetime.
The Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture garden
Heide Museum of Modern Art
On a glorious sunny day there is perhaps no place more serene that Heide Gallery’s scupture garden. This free garden, in the suburb of Bulleen is huge and displays a significant collection of contemporary sculpture. The perfect place for a picnic or a play date.
Musical Sprouts
Musical Sprouts. Expect beautiful voices and happy kids.
You don’t expect to hear sublime harmonies at a children’s concert. Musical Sprouts, otherwise known as Bridgett O’Beckett, Sharni Page and Julia Davis are three classically trained musicians and vocalists. We were blown away by their gorgeous voices and passion for music at a recent performance. Their shows at venues around Melbourne are a joyous introduction to musical theatre, instruments and rhythm. I attended with my toddler who was in music heaven for the duration of the show.
The laneways of Fitzroy
I gave up trying to be even marginally cool once I had kids. Walking the laneways of Melbourne’s Fitzroy on a spontaneous street art stroll with my four year old is the closest to cool that I have gotten since giving birth. There is plenty of street art around the hub of Brunswick Street however for more direction try a sample walking tour. To engage the kids, hand them the camera and see what they come up with.
The City of Banyule’s Arty Farty Fest
This annual festival combines a street parade with an afternoon of kids art activities in a local park. Keep an eye on the City of Banyule’s Festival Facebook page for details of next year’s Festival.
Marching in this year’s Arty Farty Festival parade
Any other family friendly kids art scene ideas? Let me know via a comment on the blog.
