Unforgettable Summer Adventures: Free and Fun Family Activities Await!

The Allan Labor Government is providing busy families with more enjoyable and complimentary activities to engage in this summer – from wildlife adventures to exhibits and various opportunities to explore the natural environment.

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Acting Minister for Environment Ros Spence greeted some vibrant new inhabitants at Melbourne Zoo today — a clan of eight male ring-tailed lemurs prepared to welcome visitors for the summer break.

These spirited primates are anticipated to enchant guests of all ages and serve as another excellent incentive to utilize free admission for children under 16 at Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and Kyabram Fauna Park on weekends, public holidays, and school vacations.

The newly arrived lemur family consists of 11-year-old leader Hendrick and his seven lively sons aged between one and three years. Native to Madagascar, ring-tailed lemurs are recognized for their striking eyes and striped tails, which they use for both communication and maintaining balance.

Kids Go Free initiative is enhancing access to Victoria’s zoos for more families, enabling children throughout the state to connect with nature and understand the significance of wildlife conservation.

For families eager to discover the outdoors, the Labor Government’s $9 million investment now provides free camping at every national park and in state forests, creating numerous opportunities for the entire family to engage with nature – from swimming in our beaches or rivers to hiking or fishing.

Following the announcement of free camping at Parks Victoria’s 131 paid camping areas, over 165,000 nights have been reserved – that’s 85,500 more than during the same period last year.

This January, families can also channel their creativity through the NGV Kids on Tour, which is launching its largest program yet – featuring free workshops and activities at 150 locations such as art galleries, libraries, community centers, and hospitals throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria.

The NGV Kids Summer Festival will run until 17 January at Fed Square, offering a busy lineup of free events for families to participate in workshops and activities led by Victorian artists and creatives.

The beloved week-long festival will commence with a special launch day at Fed Square on 11 January, showcasing live dog performances, face painting, and complimentary entry to the Cats & Dogs exhibition for children. Last summer, more than 14,000 kids engaged in the festival.

At NGV International, art-making sessions during the festival will draw inspiration from the vivid polka-dotted creations of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. An additional interactive exhibition for children is Kusama for Kids: The Obliteration Room, and there are numerous colorful artworks displayed for free on the ground level of the gallery until 21 April.

For further details on art workshops, please visit ngv.vic.gov.au or to reserve a free campsite, check out parks.vic.gov.au.

Statement attributed to Deputy Premier Ben Carroll

“There is something for everyone in Victoria this summer – whether it’s visiting the state’s renowned zoos and galleries or exploring our free campsites, there are numerous budget-friendly options for the whole family to relish.”

Statement attributed to Acting Minister for Environment Ros Spence

“These holidays represent the ideal opportunity to take your kids to the zoo for free and help them connect with wildlife and grasp the concept of conservation while creating enduring memories with their friends and family.”