It is the chilly season, so if you’re not lucky enough to be dashing off on a tropical holiday these school holidays, the next best place to be is inside a comfy theatre or gallery. The great news, Sydney, is that there is so much on to choose from – theatre, music, dance, art and literary fun is all on offer. Grab your diary and start planning some artsy fun for the family these winter school holidays.
On Stage
James and the Giant Peach
“Climb aboard the world’s juiciest fruit as Roald Dahl’s James & The Giant Peach rolls off the page and onto the stage in Shake & Stir’s most delicious adventure yet. “
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 5 – 21 July
Recommended Age: 6+
Tickets: $39 – 59
The 13-Storey Treehouse
“Andy Griffiths’ & Terry Denton’s best-selling book comes to life on stage for children 6-12 and their adults!”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 6 – 8 July
Recommended Age: 6- 12
Tickets: $46
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
“One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for children 18 months+ and their adults.”
The Concourse (Chatswood), 7 – 9 July
Seymour Centre, 19 – 21 July
Recommended Age: 18 months+
Children Are Stinky
“Children are Stinky is an exciting award-winning children’s comedy by Circus Trick Tease. Still buzzing from sell-out seasons across the globe, this show is building momentum and continuing to captivate adults and children alike.”
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
When: 11 – 13 July
Recommended Age: 3-12
Tickets: $33
The Gagliardies – Our Family is a Circus
“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live with the circus? Imagine a home where the daily routine is anything but ordinary—where the tricks are performed for pocket money. Come take your seats for The Gagliardies – Our Family is a Circus! This all-ages show is a laugh-out-loud extravaganza of comedy, circus silliness, and clowning mischief.”
Where: Sydney Spiegeltent
When: 11 – 21 July
Tickets: $29 – 39
The Gruffalo’s Child
“Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book.”
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 12 – 14 July
Tickets: $44
Possum Magic Plus Magic Workshop
“Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved picture book Possum Magic has enchanted children for over 40 years. Seen by over 150,000 young people across Australia, Monkey Baa’s delightful adaptation returns to the stage. Possum Magic takes us on a fantastical journey to cities around Australia to find the food that makes Hush visible again.
For the first time ever, the Coliseum Theatre and Monkey Baa have partnered with magic and illusion designer Adam Mada. Adam has created all the magic in the show and will present workshops showcasing the magic. Young people and their families can register for the workshops, and they will come away with a deeper understanding of the magic and illusion used in live theatre shows.”
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre (Rooty Hill)
When: 12 – 13 July
Recommended Age: 3 – 8
Tickets: $39.55 – 49.50
A Forest in the City
“Create an imaginary city through projections and play! This interactive performance uses full scale colourful projections, digital technology and dance, and comes direct to Sydney Opera House from Italy. Children are invited join two dancers onstage and step inside a magical green city and help to create an exciting new world, where insects appear, the seasons change, and the city gets bigger, busier, and more complex.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 16 – 19 July
Recommended Age: 4+
Tickets: $35 – 39
ERTH’s Dinosaur Zoo
“Delight in an interactive performance where you’ll encounter insects and dinosaurs that once roamed the Earth, including the Australovenator, a carnivorous theropod discovered in QLD, Australia. With its charming Aussie humor, this show brings prehistoric creatures to life, engaging and educating audiences of all ages about the science of palaeontology. Children and the young-at-heart can watch in awe from a safe distance or dare to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.”
Where: Carriageworks
When: 16 – 20 July
Tickets: $20 – 30
The Bugalugs Bum Thief
“Adapted for the stage by Tim McGarry, Eva Di Cesare & Sandra Eldridge, and directed by Jessica Arthur, The Bugalugs Bum Thief joins Skeeta, Mick and Bill as they take on an investigation to try and find the missing bums of Bugalugs. The show is a hilarious, entertaining and inclusive celebration of friendship and adventure that promises to leave audiences of all ages with smiles and hearts full of joy.”
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
When: 17 – 21 July
Tickets: $38
Guruwin: The Sharks of Sydney Harbour by ERTH
“Plunge into the mysterious underwater world of the sharks of Sydney harbour in Guruwin (Shark) an unmissable new experience by world-renowned visual theatre makers and puppeteers ERTH Visual and Physical Inc. Encounter bull sharks, grey nurses and the majestic great white. Come face to face with an array of spectacular sea life that has existed from deep within our prehistoric past to the rich biodiversity that now calls Sydney Harbour home.”
Where: National Maritime Museum
When: 17 – 21 July
Tickets: $12 (member) – $20 (general)
Mada’s Magic
“Step into the world of Australia’s own Mr. Magic, master performer, illusion designer, and magic coach known for his work on Australia’s Got Talent, Possum Magic, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child Parts 1 & 2, and N.I.D.A (The National Institute Of Dramatic Art). Get ready for a hilarious and fast-paced interactive family show.”
Where: Sydney Spiegeltent
When: 17 – 21 July
Tickets: $29 – 35
Music
Mini Maestros
“Get your rumble on with Maestro George Ellis and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra for a ‘rex-cellent’ musical performance these winter school holidays. “
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 6 July
Tickets: $30
How to Catch a Star
“Based on the internationally bestselling children’s book by acclaimed artist, author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers, this heartwarming production about reaching for dreams will take you on a journey from awe and wonder, through perseverance to triumph. In this stunning adaptation, Jeffers’ magical tale is brought to life on stage through storytelling and exquisite music performed by an ACO string quartet.”
Where: Australian Chamber Orchestra (Pier 2/3)
When: 6 – 11 July
Recommended Age: 3 – 8
Tickets: $39
Teeny Tiny Stevies
“Playing all the Teeny Tiny Stevies favourites along with some sparkly new ones from their most recent offering, The Green Album, Byll, Beth and their band create a snug atmosphere with much delight! Even the most serious adults will find themselves singing, laughing and potentially even moving their bodies in a way that resembles… dancing.”
Where: Sydney Spiegeltent
When: 10 July, 10:30a.m.
Tickets: $41.95
Whistle & Trick
“Whistle and Trick is a Melbourne based children’s band made up of childhood friends Esther Holt and Maddy Kelly, who are always ready to sing, dance, and cause a bit of mischief. Having shared the stage back in their goody-goody, high school choir days, this dynamic duo have now reunited and joined forces to bring their newest love of children’s music to life.”
Where: The Comedy Store
When: 13 July
Tickets: $25
The Magic Garden Workshop with The Vegetable Plot
“Join Ru Barb, Aspara Gus and Sir Paul McCarrotney for a berry wonderful music-making songwriting workshop.”
Where: Sydney Opera House Centre for Creativity
When: 17 – 18 July
Recommended Age: 4+
Tickets: $25
Dance
Club Origami at Sydney Dance Company
“Dive into the magical world of Club Origami, an immersive and interactive dance show inviting family audiences to create, imagine and explore whole new ways of thinking, playing and moving.”
Where: Sydney Dance Company
When: 10 – 13 July and 19 – 20 July
Recommended Age: 5 and Under
Tickets: $38
The Symphonic World of Dance
“The Symphonic World of Dance is the perfect way to introduce children to the exciting world of classical music in a relaxed setting. In this lively and energetic 45 minute concert, you and the kids will experience music inspired by dance from around the world. From Eastern European folk dances to the can-can, everyone will be dancing in their seats!”
Where: Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall
When: 20 July – 10am & 12.15pm
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $35
Art Museums
Museum of Contemporary Art
Drop into the MCA Creative Studios 17 – 20 July for a free activity. “During the school holidays, add to an ever-growing tapestry of moments at the Museum. Families of all ages are invited to participate in this interactive installation, experimenting with soft materials such as string, yarn and fabric.”
Art Gallery of NSW
School holidays is a great time to visit the Art Gallery of NSW to catch the Archibald Prize and, our favorite, the Young Archies. Also on special exhibit is Alphonse Mucha: Spirit of Art Nouveau.
During the school holidays, drop in to the North building to make paper head pieces inspired by Alphonse Mucha (8 -19 July – 11a.m. – 3:30p.m.)
Guided tours for families will be held Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday at 11:30a.m. during the holidays.
Also, stop by the Children’s Library in the South Building on your visit. (Paid entry for the Archibald and Alphonse Mucha. General musuem entry, including Young Archies, tours, drop-in workshops and Children’s Library, is free. Confirm all dates and times via AGNSW website before attending.)
Libraries and Literature
State Library of NSW Activities and Tours
The State Library of NSW’s school holidays program includes a carnival themed drop-in centre, a circus workshop, library tours, and drawing in the gallery. While there, you can also drop into the newly refurbished Children’s Library. (Link to dates and details in title, above)
Art of Place Poetry Workshop
“Discover the power of words and unleash your creativity in this poetry workshop where you are invited to consider and write about your own interpretation of ‘the art of place’. Led by Lucy Norton, this workshop for kids will explore the nature, uses and practice of poetry through poetic language, forms and conventions.”
Where: Museum of Sydney
When: 9 – 10 July
Recommended Age: 8+
Tickets: $12 (member) – 15 (general)
Local Libraries
Check out the programs at your local library. Many offer free or low cost activities through the school holidays.
Happy artsploring these school holidays, Sydney!