Sydney Family Arts Activities – School Holidays, Spring 2024

Posted on by Cristin

The school holidays in Sydney are the perfect time to engage with the city’s cultural offerings. The city’s stages are full of shows for all tastes and there is plenty to explore in the galleries, libraries and beyond. Be sure to check out the festival listings for some more out of the ordinary, fun offerings.

Theatre

Cicada

Adapted from CICADA by Shaun Tan. “A small story of epic proportions, Cicada is an allegory of difference, resilience and the light we all have inside ourselves. Children and adults will love this enchanting tale about finding one’s place in the world.”
Where: Sydney Theatre Company
When: 21 September – 13 October
Recommended Age: 8+
Tickets: $49

Edward the Emu

“Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has him feeling glum and thinking perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Is life more fun for the seals or the lions or the snakes? Join Edward on his grand adventure of self-discovery as he explores the world outside of his enclosure and makes a very special friend along the way, Edwina the emu. On their heartwarming and hilarious journey, our feathered friends learn that the true secret to happiness is embracing who you are. ”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 27 September – 6 October
Recommended Age: 4+
Tickets: $29 – $49

Edward the Emu drama workshop: “Join Monkey Baa Theatre for an engaging workshop session! Young dramatists will be taken on a journey of identity, self-belief, and belonging… through the eyes of an emu.” (3 – 4 October, Centre for Creativity. Recommended for ages 5 – 8. Bookings: $29)

Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies

“This Spring school holidays, join in an enchanting world of song and dance as the adventurous Tinkerbell flies into the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney from Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October. Along the way, she’ll meet up with some fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom, who will help Tinkerbell on a magical quest to find her lost wings.
The audience is invited to join in the fun and come along in their favourite fancy dress such as fairies, elves, Jedis, pirates or superheroes.
Why not pack a picnic, pack the kids and make a day of it at the Garden?”
Where: Royal Botanic Garden
When: 28 September – 13 October
Tickets: $25 – 30

Big Sky – Flying Fruit Circus

“Big Sky unfolds over a single night, from sunset to dawn and follows 12 unforgettable characters as they look forward to their futures, show off, get spooked, prank each other and get up to mischief. Featuring the phenomenal circus skills of the world-renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus in a show performed by kids, for kids.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 25 September, 28 – 30 September, 2 – 5 October
Recommended for all ages
Tickets: $39 – 49

There’s a Sea in My Bedroom

There's a Sea in My Bedroom at the Sydney Opera House

“This immersive and theatrical performance, adapted and directed by Tim McGarry, weaves together captivating storytelling with an original score from Australian composer Paul Stanhope, performed live by an ACO string quintet. This enchanting production, perfect for young audiences, touches on themes of joy, sadness and fear, while promising laughter.” Read our review of the inaugural season here.
Where: The Neilson, Pier 2/3
When: 28 September – 4 October
Recommended Age: 2 – 8
Tickets: $39

Carnival of the Animals

“Carnival of the Animals whisks you away on a thrilling circus escapade inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns delightful salute to feathers, fur and fins. Bringing this classical music suite to life for a whole new generation of circus, music and animal lovers, Carnival of the Animals captivates with whimsical tales of creatures of the land and sea with Circa’s world-famous acrobats who tumble, fly, leap and spin their way through the many wondrous worlds of the animal kingdom.”
Where: Carriageworks
When: 1 – 6 October
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $25 – 40

Room on the Broom

“Room on the Broom, adapted from the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Following sell-out seasons across Australia, the team behind The Gruffalo and The Gruffalo’s Child return with songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up – and their grown-ups…”
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 1 – 2 October
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $45

The Gruffalo

“Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in this magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 7 – 10 October
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $46

The Librarian

“At first glance, Paul-Émile Dumoulin seems like just a regular librarian. He is serious, proud and very orderly. Every book is in its place on his impeccable shelves. The only problem? As soon as Paul-Émile gets his nose in a book, reality disappears, giving way to the slightly crazy worlds he discovers between the pages. On his adventures, the very sensible librarian metamorphoses. He suddenly turns into strange and silly characters who perform acrobatics, balancing, juggling, breakdancing and beatboxing. “
Recommended Age: 5 – 12

See The Librarian as part of the Riverside Theatres Spot On! Festival (1 – 3 October) and at Glen Street Theatre (8 – 9 October).

Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle

“In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for ages 3+. ” Read our review of the inaugural season of Waru here.
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 9 – 10 October
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $25 – 35

Dog Man The Musical

“With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime??Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 11 – 13 October
Recommended Age: 6+
Tickets: $44 – 52

Festivals

Sydney Fringe Kids

“Get ready for Fringe Kids at Darling Quarter this September and a dedicated week in October. Enjoy sensory displays, interactive music, bubble magic, mad science, and more at the Village Green Festival Garden. Family fun awaits!” Shows during the school holidays include:

Spot On Children’s Festival – Riverside Theatres

“This spring school holidays, Riverside Theatres will once again host the annual Spot On Children’s Festival, offering an expanded and thrilling program of children’s entertainment and activities. Running from 28th September to 20th October, the festival promises three weeks of jam-packed fun, featuring an exciting array of theatre, musical performances, physical comedy, engaging workshops, and circus acts to delight children of all ages.” The festival program includes:

Music

Spider Man: Into the Spider Verse – Live in Concert

“Experience the original Spider-Verse movie like never before with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert!  Watch the full movie on a massive HD screen, accompanied by a fusion of a 32-piece live orchestra, conducted by Vanessa Scammell, percussion, and scratch DJ Total Eclipse. Feel the power of the iconic hip-hop infused film score that made the original Spider-Verse story a global sensation.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 13 – 14 October
Tickets: $79.90 – 149

Art Galleries

Art Gallery of NSW

The Art Gallery of NSW will host several free drop-in workshops during the school holidays. Also, be sure to drop into the Children’s Library (South Building).

Museum of Contemporary Art

MCA is hosting events based on their current exhibit Hiroshi Sugimoto: Time Machine (read our review of this exhibit on Instagram).

  • Family Space: Light Lab (30 Sep–11 Oct) – Families of all ages are invited to immerse themselves in a light studio and ‘paint with photons’, inspired by artist Hiroshi Sugimoto’s Opticks photographic series. 
  • Hiroshi Sugimoto – Family Day (5 October) – In-gallery and across two floors of the Museum, you’re invited to join art-making, in-gallery activations, a silent disco, a special performance by magician Adam Mada and tours tailored to suit all ages, inspired by Hiroshi Sugimoto’s playful inquiry into our understanding of time and memory. 

The Rocks Discovery Museum

“These Spring School Holidays, immerse your family in the rich traditions of First Nations weaving at The Rocks Discovery Museum. These FREE engaging workshops are perfect for all ages and offer a unique opportunity to explore Aboriginal culture and history while creating your very own woven art.” Weekdays
11am – 1pm, 30 Sep – 11 Oct (excluding 7 Oct) 

Book Lovers

State Library of NSW

The State Library of NSW has a bookish lineup for school holidays. Included in the schedule:

Local Libraries

Be sure to check the listings at your local library for free and low cost school holidays activities!

Love Your Bookshop Day

Saturday 12 October is Love Your Bookshop Day. Bookshops around Australia will be hosting various activities and events to celebrate. Drop in to celebrate and support our brilliant bookshops!

Happy artsploring these school holidays, Sydney!