IAG Kids: LightPlay 2026

Step into a glowing world of creativity, curiosity and hands-on discovery at IAG Kids: LightPlay, the latest interactive children’s exhibition at Ipswich Art Gallery. Designed to spark imagination through light, colour and movement, this free experience invites children to experiment, explore and create in a playful environment where learning and fun go hand in hand.

Event details: LightPlay runs from Saturday 28 March to Sunday 12 July 2026, and is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Ipswich Art Gallery, d’Arcy Doyle Place, Ipswich. Entry is free, making it a fantastic family outing during weekends, school holidays and everyday adventures.

Event Overview

LightPlay transforms the Children’s Gallery into an immersive space where light becomes a tool for creativity and discovery. Young visitors can experiment with light boxes, overhead projectors, torches and translucent materials while exploring how light interacts with shapes, colours and textures. The exhibition encourages open-ended play, allowing children to create, investigate and learn through hands-on experiences.

What You’ll Discover

Light and colour exploration: Experiment with illuminated materials, colourful projections and kaleidoscopic effects that change and evolve with every movement. Children are encouraged to test ideas, solve problems and discover how light behaves in different environments.

Creative construction: Build and arrange objects using translucent materials to create glowing structures and unique visual effects. Every visit offers a different experience as children reshape and redesign their creations.

Shadow play and movement: Use your body to paint with light, create shadows and watch colours blend in surprising ways. These playful interactions help children understand cause and effect while encouraging imagination and self-expression.

Discovery-based learning: Inspired by the educational philosophies of Reggio Emilia and REmida, the exhibition promotes collaborative play, experimentation and curiosity-led learning through open-ended activities.

Family-Friendly Fun

Recommended for children aged 3 to 8 years, LightPlay welcomes visitors of all ages and provides an engaging experience for parents, grandparents and caregivers to enjoy alongside their children. The exhibition is designed to be accessible, interactive and suitable for repeat visits, with countless opportunities for creative exploration.

Families with younger children can also enjoy Toddler Time: LightPlay, held on selected Friday mornings, featuring songs, sensory activities and play-based learning experiences tailored to toddlers.

Visitor Information

The exhibition is located within Ipswich Art Gallery in the heart of the Nicholas Street Precinct, placing visitors within easy walking distance of cafés, restaurants and family-friendly attractions. While general admission is free and no booking is required for families, organised groups must arrange bookings in advance, with group bookings unavailable during school holiday periods.

Make Central Motel Ipswich Your Event Base

Planning a family getaway to experience LightPlay? Central Motel Ipswich provides a comfortable and convenient base just minutes from Ipswich Art Gallery and the Nicholas Street Precinct. With spacious accommodation, easy parking and a central location close to Ipswich’s major attractions, it’s the perfect place to stay while exploring the region’s family-friendly events and activities.