Looking for a fun-filled, educational adventure for your kids this winter?
Playbound is a new festival for kids 0-12 years taking over the City of Melbourne from Saturday 29 June to Sunday 14 July 2024.
There are over 40 free and affordable events happening at 14 different venues across the city. It’s packed with performances, workshops, exhibitions, and activities that’ll get your kids excited and inspired!
A Festival Dedicated to Play-Based Learning
Playbound isn’t just about having fun—though there’s plenty of that, too! It’s all about play-based learning, which helps kids grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
The festival focuses on four key areas: play, nature, science, and imagination. Every activity is designed to spark wonder, curiosity, and connection.
Highlights of Playbound
NAIDOC Week Family Day, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
Kick-off NAIDOC Week at the Melbourne Museum with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony. Enjoy performances and family activities that celebrate Indigenous culture. Get hands-on by creating your own Kooyang Eel mobile and discovering the world of Dancing Dragonflies. It’s a day full of cultural learning and fun!
Peter and the Wolf with Inventi Ensemble, Melbourne Recital Centre
Introduce your kids to the magic of music with Inventi Ensemble’s performance of “Peter and the Wolf” at the Melbourne Recital Centre. This classic tale, set to enchanting orchestral music, will captivate children of all ages and help them develop a deeper appreciation for symphony instruments and the stories they tell.
Picturing Family, Immigration Museum
Discover the art of visual storytelling and celebrate your unique family history in this workshop led by photographer Pia Johnson. Get inspired by her Re-Orient exhibition and create your own family portraits to cherish.
The World is Lava, Please Calm Down, ArtPlay
For children aged 5-11, The World is Lava, Please Calm Down is part game, part challenge, and part adventure land.
Navigate an obstacle course themed around natural disasters and everyday anxieties. Then, participate in calming activities designed to help kids relax and offer their expert opinions on what works best.
Little Big Science Show, Community Hub at The Docks
From exploring rainbows and colour mixing to playing with elephant tubes and giant bubbles, preschoolers will have a blast discovering the wonders of science at Little Big Science Show.
Nature Play, Royal Park
Explore Royal Park with interactive, child-led learning and sensory play.
Participate in nature-based activities, games, crafts, storytelling, and songs.
Take part in an informative bush walk, learning about local flora and fauna while focusing on movement and climbing, guided by experienced educators.
Little Senses Play Sessions, Kensington Maternal and Child Health Centre
Little Senses Play Sessions encourage children to explore and build confidence at their own pace. Parents can actively participate in their child’s play, including sensory activities, messy play, arts and crafts, and more.
The Great Imaginormous Sketch Off, Kathleen Syme Library
Have a blast with a creative morning of drawing, coloring, and crafting inspired by the works of Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake.
Design your own paper garden and whimsical creatures. Borrow a Dahl book to continue the fun at home and keep nurturing your imagination!
For the full Playbound program and city-wide map, visit Playbound – Museums Victoria.
