The April school holidays are creeping right up, and now that I have a school kid, I get it! 2 weeks to entertain her?! We’re staying home this break, and I definitely want to get some arts adventuring in, so I’ve compiled this list of some of our Sydney family arts options for these school holidays.
Keep an eye on the Artsplorers calendar of events, and let me know what you’ll be artsploring!
(Cover image via Big Wild Imagination)
See a Show
There’s an abundance on for all school ages at the Sydney Opera House over the break.
Trapper – Four performers battle each other inside giant sculptural machines, hoping to discover the proof of free will. Part dance, part poetry with inventive design and technology. (Ages 14+)
Driftwood – Prepare to be mesmerised as Casus return to Sydney with a sensational new circus show. Packed with spellbinding movement and high physicality, their extraordinary choreography explores the innate need for human contact. (Ages 12+)
Kaleidoscope – Discover a joyous, uplifting circus experience with 13-year-old Ethan Hugh. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at four, Ethan’s kaleidoscopic world view is brought to life in this visually stunning experience filled with acrobatics, slapstick, music and movement. As part of the cast, Ethan’s authenticity makes this a truly memorable, moving celebration of life viewed differently. (Ages 4+)
Billionaire Boy – In this world premiere Australian adaptation, Joe faces up to the bully at his new school, his Dad’s girlfriend, and the world’s worst canteen, to discover that money might buy you a lot in Raj’s shop, but it can’t buy you everything. (Ages 6+) Read our Review
And, over at Monkey Baa in Darling Harbour, their production of Josephine Wants to Dance, based on the children’s book, is sure to be a delight (recommended for ages 4 – 9). Read our Review
Make Something At the Museum
The Museum of Contemporary Art is running its popular Contemporary Kids School Holiday program. These drop in workshops run from 17 – 21 April. A family ticket is $18, and lets you attend as many times as you like.
Over at the Art Gallery of NSW, there are free “drop in and make sessions” each weekday, with themes related to The Lady the the Unicorn exhibit. Week 1 is “weave your magic,” and Week 2 is the magical “rainbows and unicorns” theme.
Art Gallery NSW is also offering two paid workshops exploring the work of Australian Modernists.
Bounce Around
Performance art troupe Legs on the Wall is taking over the Cutaway at Barangaroo for 5 days over the school holidays, offering 2 hour workshops that creatively explores techniques of parkour and acrobatics. (Ages 6 – 16)
The Biennale
School holidays are the perfect time to get to the Biennale of Sydney. Over 70 artists across 7 locations are included in this bi-annual art extravaganza. I think Cockatoo Island is a particularly great space for families – you can read my review and tips here.
Get Into Your Community
Are there any local art galleries in your neighborhood that you’ve been meaning to pop into? Or, find the “galleries” that exist right on the street by planning an afternoon looking at street art (here are some great tips for exploring street art with your kids).
And, make sure to see if your local library has anything on offer during the school holidays. Libraries are a treasure trove of affordable family fun.
Take a Workshop
Plenty of arts oganisations will be running workshops for school aged kids over one or several days. A few of the schools from the Artsplorers Directory told us about what they’ll be offering:
- Big Wild Imagination – On Friday 27th April, we’ll be over at the studio space at Kidsxpress in Macquarie Park, where we will spend the day engaging in various open-ended creative experiences. Utilising a wide range of art mediums and creative resources, children will be encouraged to problem solve, persevere, build, imagine and experiment in a social and engaging environment.
Book via Eventbrite
Website /E-mail: hello@bigwildimagination.com.au
- 4Cats Arts Studio (North Sydney and Lindfield) – Our camps are designed to put kids in charge of creating their own art adventure. Throughout the camp, kids are given the opportunity to choose their own projects from a variety of mediums, which encourages a love of learning, independence, creativity and artistic flow. Artists are encouraged to follow their own interests! Earn and collect badges throughout the adventure.
Website - Little Ginger Studios – Randwick Literary Institute (60 Clovelly Rd, Randwick)
Drop your kids off at Little Ginger Studio’s super-creative kids art workshops.
The 2.5 hr workshops are a wonderful antidote to too much screen-time and nurture your child’s creativity. Perfect for crafty siblings ages 4-10. 9.30am-12pm. $55 per session/ $50 for multiple tickets
MASK-MAKING – Thursday 26 April
Get your mask on at the fabulous mask-making workshop. Kids will create wild and colourful masks from a large variety of good quality art supplies.
SCRIBBLE BOTS – Friday 27 April
Join our exciting “scribble-bot” making workshop and design & decorate your very own “drawing” robot!
Will you be arts exploring these school holidays? If you’re on Instragram, make sure to tag your photos #weareartsplorers – I’d love to share your adventures!