Visiting the Play School Exhibition at ACMI with the Grandkids
If you grew up in Australia, chances are you know the song.
“Open wide, come inside… it’s Play School.”
Now imagine hearing that again while standing beside your grandchild as they climb into the Rocket Clock, wave to Big Ted, and pretend to host their own TV show.
That’s exactly the experience waiting at ACMI in Federation Square, where the joyful new Play School: Come and Play! exhibition celebrates 60 years of Australia’s most beloved children’s program. Designed especially for preschoolers, it’s a playful, hands-on experience that grandparents will enjoy almost as much as the little ones.
If you’re looking for something special to do in the city with the grandkids, here’s what to expect when visiting the exhibition.
Step Inside the World of Play School
Rather than a traditional museum display, Play School: Come and Play! is designed as an interactive play space where children can explore how the show is made.
Little visitors can:
- Pretend to be a Play School presenter
- Operate a TV camera or direct the show
- Climb aboard the famous Rocket Clock
- Sing along to familiar songs
- Play storytelling games inspired by the program
The exhibition lets children see what happens behind the scenes of the iconic ABC show while learning through creativity, music and imagination.
And of course, beloved characters such as Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima and Humpty are all part of the fun.
For many grandparents, it’s a nostalgic trip as well. The program has been entertaining Australian children since 1966 and remains one of the longest-running children’s shows in the world.
Perfect for preschoolers
The exhibition has been created specifically for children aged two to five, with simple activities that encourage imaginative play.
Sessions are short and manageable too.
- Visit time: around 30 minutes
- Location: Ground Floor, ACMI at Federation Square
- Cost: Free (but bookings are required)
We can recommend visiting The Story of the Moving Image at ACMI while there. It’s free, too and has lots of interactive elements for kids. No bookings needed.
Diane’s review
As the grandparent of a 3-year-old, a visit to ACMI in Federation Square, to visit the Play School 60th anniversary exhibition was just lovely.
A very interactive, hands-on, playful experience where the children (designed for 2-5 year olds) can explore all the familiar sites and characters they see on the television. The favourite was the Rocket Ship Clock, when once inside, there were popular books to read, stories to tell.
As an adult, it was very interesting seeing all the behind-the-scenes videos on how the production of the show is put together. What impressed me the most was seeing how all the props were made.
Being a retired Kindergarten Educator, it’s easy to see that all episodes have a learning message behind them.
This is a free event; booking is essential.
Tips for Visiting with Grandchildren
If you’re planning a trip to the exhibition, a little preparation will make the visit smoother.
Book ahead
Even though the exhibition is free, tickets are required, and capacity is limited. Sessions are released regularly online, and popular times can book quickly. Have a look here.
Visit the shop
You can purchase all sorts of Play School merchandise from the ACMI store on the ground floor. We chose to order a colouring book for $3.50 with our free tickets.
Arrive a little early
Give yourselves time to find the gallery and settle in before the session starts. Federation Square can be busy, especially on weekends.
Pair it with other city fun
Because the exhibition itself is fairly short, it works beautifully as part of a broader city outing. Nearby ideas include:
- Watching the trains at Flinders Street Station
- Enjoying the sushi train at Chocolate Buddha
- Heading to ArtPlay and the Birrarung playground just behind Fed Square
Many grandparents make it part of a morning adventure before heading home for afternoon naps.
Accessibility at ACMI
ACMI has lifts, hearing aids available and comfortable seating throughout.
Located at the northern end of Federation Square ACMI has two entrances, one entry on Flinders Street, and another within Fed Square. If visiting by car there are several parking lots as well as street parking options close by. For public transport, Flinders Street Station and tram stops are very close by.
A lovely shared memory
What makes this exhibition special is the shared nostalgia. Grandparents remember watching Play School decades ago, while their grandchildren are discovering it for the first time.
Standing beside the Rocket Clock together, it’s easy to realise that some things — stories, songs, imagination and play — never really go out of style.
And that’s exactly the magic that Play School has been creating for 60 years.
Quick facts
Play School: Come and Play!
Location: ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
Dates: 4 March – 12 July 2026
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily
Cost: Free (bookings required)
Best for: Ages 2–5
Visit time: 30 minutes
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