Looking for a Free School Holiday Activity? Hive Festival Returns to the Art Gallery of NSW This Winter!
If you’re searching for a fun, free and creative school holiday activity for the kids, mark your calendar for Hive Festival at the Art Gallery of New South Wales this July.
Returning for its very first winter edition on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July 2026, Hive Festival is packed with hands-on activities, live entertainment, storytelling, dancing and art-making experiences designed especially for children and families.
Taking over both the Naala Nura and Naala Badu buildings, this much-loved family festival celebrates the natural world, from animals and waterways to the special places we call home.
Hive Festival 2024: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Free Family Fun for All Ages
One of the best things about Hive Festival is that most activities are completely free, making it an affordable day out for families during the school holidays.
Children can enjoy:
- Creative art workshops led by professional artists
- Interactive storytelling sessions
- Family-friendly gallery tours
- Music and dance performances
- Free children’s movies
- Soft play areas for little ones
- Delicious food and treats, including pizza and Messina gelato
Meet Dharug Artist Billy Bain
This year’s festival is inspired by the work of Dharug artist Billy Bain, whose exhibition By the River explores connections to waterways, surfing culture and Country.
Kids can get creative in two special workshops:
🏄 Surf’s Up
Design your own surfboard and contribute to a giant community “paddle out” artwork celebrating beach culture and connection to water.
🖼️ Frame Your World
Create a personalised picture frame featuring animals, objects and places that tell the story of who you are and where you live.
Celebrate NAIDOC Week
Coinciding with NAIDOC Week, the festival also offers a range of First Nations-led experiences, including:
- Storytime with Dharug author Jasmine Seymour
- Tours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Yiribana Gallery
- Artist-led creative workshops celebrating Country and culture
Don’t Miss These Highlights
🎵 Teeny Tiny Stevies Live
The ARIA Award-winning children’s music group will perform their popular songs at 10.30am each day.
💃 Sydney Dance Company Workshops
Kids can explore movement and self-expression in fun dance sessions suitable for all experience levels.
🪩 Kids Disco with DJ Diva Cups
Dance the afternoon away in a unique underground art space.
🐚 Create Wearable Shell Art
Make colourful paper shell creations inspired by Bidjigal artist and elder Esme Timbery.
🐢 Weave Your Own Tortoise
A hands-on craft activity inspired by Hindu mythology and the exhibition Avatar: Forms of Vishnu.
🐾 Animal-Themed Art Activities
Design murals, pet portraits and colourful drawings inspired by animals featured throughout the gallery.
🎬 Free Family Movies
Enjoy screenings of family favourites including Happy Feet and The Pout-Pout Fish.
Perfect for Preschoolers Too
Families with younger children will love the dedicated Art Play soft play spaces, filled with toys, rugs, cushions and play equipment for children under five.
The popular children’s exhibition ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou by Mechelle Bounpraseuth will also be open daily, inviting children to contribute to a colourful interactive fruit shrine and creative display.
Accessible for All Families
The Art Gallery has made Hive Festival welcoming for children of all abilities, with:
- Sensory-friendly early entry sessions
- A low-sensory chill-out zone
- Sensory storytime experiences
- Accessible spaces throughout the venue
Free Entry
Entry to the Art Gallery and all Hive Festival activities is free, although some activities require bookings.
Children under 12 also receive free entry to the gallery’s major winter exhibitions, including:
- Archibald Prize 2026
- Wynne Prize 2026
- Sulman Prize 2026
- Avatar: Forms of Vishnu
Discounted family tickets for Avatar: Forms of Vishnu are available during the festival.
Event Details
📅 Dates: Saturday 11 & Sunday 12 July 2026
📍 Location: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney
💰 Cost: Free (some bookings required)
Hive Festival is a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays while encouraging creativity, imagination and a love of art. Whether your children enjoy crafting, dancing, storytelling or simply exploring, there’s something for every member of the family.
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