Cover Image: 360 All Stars, appearing at the Sydney Opera House
“How is it almost school holidays, already?” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this from fellow parents, heading into this break. The year may be flying, but thankfully we Sydney families have some creative activities to look forward to over the April holidays. With Easter and Anzac Day all falling in the second week, I think you’ll find that a lot of the activities and classes are scheduled for the first week of the break this time, so you may want to get your diary out to make sure you can fit in everything you want to do and see!
Here’s your guide to getting artsy these school holidays in Sydney.
See a Show
Possum Magic – Monkey Baa Theatre brings their brand new production to the Sydney Opera House 15 – 28 April. Share in the timeless story of friendship and magic in a much-loved Australian classic with all the little Mem Fox fans in your life!. Recommended for ages 3+.
360 ALLSTARS – Recommended for ages 7+, 360 All Stars is an “urban circus that explores all forms of rotation.” Boasting a stellar international cast, including a two time World Champion BMX Flatlander, two world renowned breakdancers, an internationally acclaimed basketball freestyler and a World Record holding cyr wheel artist. Runs 13 – 28 April at the Sydney Opera House.
Junk – youth circus, The Flying Fruit Circus brings its with its multi award-winning show, Junk to Riverside Theatres (Parramatta) 17 – 18 April.
Propelled by a cast of talented young performers, this vibrant take on childhood tumbles headfirst into a world of play and imagination through circus skills, acrobatics and beautiful shadow puppetry creating a sense of nostalgia for a time when young people were encouraged to take risks and weren’t wrapped in cotton wool.
Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies – In an enchanting world of song and dance, the adventurous Tinkerbell meets up with the fairies from Midsummer Night’s Dream. Together, the cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom go on a magical quest with Tinkerbell. Taking place in the Royal Botanic Garden 13 – 28 April, audience members are invited to join the fun by dressing up. Recommended for ages 3 – 8.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The splashy musical continues its sweet run at the Capitol Theatre through June, with dates throughout the April school holidays.
Museum Fun
Museum of Contemporary Art – Looking at The National 2019 exhibit, this Contemporary Kids School Holiday Program focuses on the many artists in the exhibition who use sound to express their ideas. Kids ages 4+ are invited to explore the exhibit and then make a collaborative soundscape of their own. The program runs 14 – 18 April.
The MCA is now a Creative Kids provider – more information on their website about accessing their Family Bundle with your voucher. (Read more about the NSW Creative Kids voucher).
Art Gallery of NSW – Drop into the main foyer to make a creation inspired by the current exhibits. 15 – 18 April – Contemporary Creations. 21 – 26 April – Heavenly Treasures. This is a free activity.
In addition to the free drop-in workshops, the Gallery is also offering the paidvDecorative Dishes terracotta platter workshop for children 5- 8. 15 – 16 April (bookings essential).
Library Kids
State Library of NSW – Drop into the State Library’s learning space 15 – 18 April for some classic games (book online to drop in during the day – 10a.m. to 3p.m.) and free kid’s tours of the library (11a.m. – 12p.m.).
For budding writers, the library will host a writing workshop with Belinda Murrell, author of Pippa’s Island and Lulu Bell’s BFF on April 16. Bookings essential.
Make sure to also check your local library for their school holiday activities!
Take a Tour
Maybe you’ve seen shows at the Sydney Opera House, but have your kids ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? Junior Adventure Tours in the school holidays are a fast-paced look at our most iconic building, perfect for primary aged kids and their adults. Available 13 – 28 April.
Do a Workshop
Kids can get hands on with their favorite activity or try something completely new during school holidays workshops. Some of the creative businesses in our Directory of Sydney Arts Classes are sharing what workshops they are offering. They’d love to have your kids join them!
Applause Musical Theatre Academy
(East Lindfield and Cammeray)
This holidays Applause Musical Theatre Academy and Maker’s Loft are collaborating again to offer your children, not one but TWO possible musical movies to explore over three fun, action-packed days! The musicals are THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (held in East Lindfield) and MARY POPPINS RETURNS (held in Cammeray)!
Your children will sing, dance and act (learning songs from these movies and playing drama games too) plus make their own costumes, props and backdrop through innovative craft activities. Then on the last day of the workshop, the children will astound you with a polished performance of what they have learnt! Last holidays these workshops booked out within a few weeks, so book now!
FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE WORKSHOP NEXT HOLIDAYS, PUT “ARTSPLORERS” IN THE “ADD PROMO CODE” WHEN BOOKING.
To get $100 back off the workshop fees, send us your Creative Kids voucher details after payment.)
Oh Creative Day – Eric Carle READ + CREATE
(Drummoyne and Rose Bay)
The Very Hungry Caterpillar turns 50 this year!
Celebrate with this special school holiday workshop. We will read (some) of the books of Eric Carle and we will explore (and try!) the painting and collage technique that Eric Carle uses to create the illustrations for his books. Mini makers will take home a mobile inspired by the animals of Eric Carle.
There will be a 9.30 – 10.30 class, best suited to preschoolers.
Drummoyne – 15 April
Rose Bay – 17 April
The 11 -12 class is best suited to Kindy kids.
Drummoyne – 15 April
Rose Bay – 17 April
Little Ginger Studio
(Randwick)
Choose from a range of fun, messy & creative art workshops at our beautiful Children’s Art Studio. Half or full day care available also post care. All classes taught by qualified teachers.
Birdy Collage Workshop Mon 15th & Tue 23rd –Create fabulous colourful “birdy” collages inspired by the trendy work of artist Pete Cromer.
Clay Elephant Workshop Wed 17th – Explore handbuilding and create a cute pinch pot Indian Elephant. Decorate your unfired clay sculpture with rhinestones, sequins & feathers!
Funky Weaving Workshop Mon 15th & Tue 23rd –Relax and enjoy the calming craft of weaving to create a beautiful handmade wall hanging.
Cardboard Architecture Workshop Tue 16th & Fri 26th –Create little dwellings out of cardboard any style you can imagine, make a giant collaborative cardboard “city” sculpture up the wall of studio (kids take home their own work).
God’s Eyes & Pom Poms Tue 16th & Fri 26th –Be inspired my Mexican Art and make your own gorgeous yarn “God’s eyes”! Learn to make pompoms too!
Twig Teepee Workshop Wed 17th –Make a gorgeous nature-inspired teepee out of twigs, twine, yarn, cardboard, feathers, shells & other natural found objects. Beautiful!
Small Worlds Clay Workshop Thur 18th & Wed 24th –Make your own imaginary world using clay – fill it with tiny houses, trees, toadstools, flowers anything you wish. Decorate your small world with a range of colourful craft materials.
OTT Paper Lanterns Thur 18th & Wed 24th – Decorate Chinese paper lanterns any way you wish as long as it’s over-the-top! We’ll be adding tissue paper shapes, fake flowers, watercolour paint, streamers, ribbons, sequins, glitter, you name it!
All bookings via website.
Les Petits Painters
(Chatswood)
Dates: April 15, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 25; 9:45am – 11:15am
Art rocks… and so do school holidays when workshops spark that wonderful creative light inside little artists! Kids will explore, create and participate in activities that that range from Easter themed projects to jungle flower pot painting. From clay art to 3D paper art to designing their own bedroom lamp, they’ll even travel through their imagination and paint what they see. While there are themed projects for each day, kids are free to express their interests. Kids will be amazed at the different materials they can use to expand their imagination and create unique masterpieces they can take home with pride.
Numbers are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Contact Teresa at 0428 880 378 or email admin@lespetitspainters.com.au
More information on the website.
Happy arts adventuring, Sydneysiders!
