Winter School holidays are the *perfect* time to do some artsploring. Get inside with a theatre show or an art gallery while the temperature is low.
Here are all sorts of options for family arts activities around Sydney these Winter school holidays!
See A Theatre Show
Creation Creation
“A comedy for young and old about life’s most burning questions… Based on real-life interviews with people aged 8 – 102, this hilarious theatre work turns cardboard boxes into battleships and ping pong balls into planets in an explosion of art, sculpture, and puppetry. “
Creation Creation runs July 1 – 4 at the Sydney Opera House. Recommended age: 10+
The Twits
Roald “Dahl’s gruesome twosome The Twits, live on stage in a visually-spectacular, delightfully-disgusting, revoltingly-funny production for the whole family.”
The Twits runs 2 – 17 July at the Sydney Opera House. The recommended age is 5+.
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. … Enjoy 55 minutes of songs, laughs and scary fun, perfect for kids 3+ and their adults.”
The Gruffalo runs July 2 – 4 at The Seymour Centre.
Tempo
“Come join the Circus! When the orchestra hasn’t shown up and the audience is waiting, call the Flying Fruit Fly Circus! Witness the incredible talents of these young performers in this all-clowning musical variety show.”
Tempo runs July 10 – 16 at the Sydney Opera House. The recommended age is 6+.
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers
“All around the world Roald Dahl’s words are disappearing not only from books but children’s minds too! Now only a Secret Organisation known as The Ancient Guild of Taletenders can save the stories and they need your help…”
Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers runs July 4 – 7 at Riverside Theatres (Parramatta). It is also at The Concourse (Chatswood) July 15 – 16. It is recommended for ages 6+.
Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus
“Straight from the score and onto the stage, the man known as Mozart appears amid a storm of powder, tumbling and twirling, as musical mayhem and movement fuse in this family show with a circus twist.” Read our review of a previous run of Wolfgan’s Magical Musical Circus here.
Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus runs July 13 – 16 at Monkey Baa Theatre. The recommended age is 3+.
The Owl and the Pussycat
“The Owl and the Pussycat is an enchanting and intimate theatrical experience for families, based on Edward Lear’s beloved childhood poem. Created by a national team of award-winning artists for children 4-10 years, be swept away in this all-new opera, featuring stunning vocals, interactive theatre, puppetry and a one-man-Puffin-band.”
The Owl and the Pussycat runs July 15 – 16 at Riverside Theatres (Parramatta). The recommended age is 4 – 10.
Music for Little Ears
Peter and the Wolf Cushion Concert
Young people have the opportunity to experience the instruments in a classical symphony orchestra in The Metropolitan Orchestra’s Cushion Concerts. “One of the most popular children’s classical concerts of all time, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf will enchant, entertain and educate audiences both young and old. Take your children on this amazing musical journey with Peter and his Grandfather, the Bird, Cat, Duck, the Hunters, and of course the big, bad, Wolf. During this interactive Babies Proms performance, children are introduced to each of the musical instruments that represent the different characters of this timeless story.”
The Metropolitan Orcehstra’s Peter and the Wolf Cushion concerts take place at on July 2 and 3 at 11a.m., 1p.m., and 3p.m. at the Petersham Town Hall. The recommended age is 6 months to 8 years.
Willoughby Symphony in the Park
While not specifically a “kid’s” event, this would make a fantastic and free family day out. “Guy Noble conducts the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra in highlights from ‘The Phantom of the Opera’, Verdi’s ‘Rigoletto’ and more…. Bring a picnic rug or folding chairs to relax on the grass for a captivating afternoon of classical music.”
The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra performs in Willoughby Park on July 4 from 2-4p.m. Full details here.
Electronic Sound Workshops
Sydney Living Museums is hosting workshops by Melbourne Electronic Sounds Studio at the Hyde Park Barracks these school holidays. “This workshop will investigate the science of sound through interactive experiments using synthesisers. Create wild sounds and make your own beats while you learn the basics of synthesis.”
MESS workshops take place July 9 and 10 at the Hyde Park Barracks. They are suitable for kids aged 8 – 12. $15 – bookings required. An accompanying parent is required to stay.
Museum Kids
Drop In and Make at the Art Gallery of NSW
Have you taken your artsplorers to see the Archibald Prize, yet? If you go to the Art Gallery of NSW on a weekday (or Sunday 10-31 July) during the school holidays, kids can also take part free drop-in and make art workshops in the lobby. “Be inspired by the different styles used by this year’s artists to capture the personalities of the people they have painted, and try your hand at a double portrait with a twist.” Also, make sure to drop in and see the amazing youth artists featured in the Young Archies.
Drop and and Make at the Art Gallery of NSW Monday to Friday 11–15 July and Sundays 10–31 July 2022 11am – 3.30pm. Free, no bookings required. The Archibald Prize is a ticketed show.
Ice Cream and Street Art Tour
In one of the most clever pairings I’ve heard, Local Sauce Tours is running family tours of Newtown street art – ice cream stops included.
Ice Cream and Street Art Tour details can be found here. They are small group tours, recommended for ages 4-15.
Library Lovers
Authors and Activities at the State Library of NSW
Online: The State Library of NSW offers online author events with Nathan Luff (July 4) and Tristan Bancks (July 6).
Do a squiggle drawing art workshop to create a fun character. Recommended for ages 5 – 15.
In person: On July 5, kids aged 8 – 14 can make their own board game at the State Library ($10 – bookings required).
The whole family is invited to craft a house on July 7 ($10 – bookings required).
Local Libraries
Be sure to check your local library for school holidays events. Many host fantastically fun (and free!) sessions for kids.
NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC AT Rouse Hill
“Celebrate NAIDOC Week by connecting to First Nations culture, through Storytelling with Uncle Wes Marne. Experience a corroboree by Nulungu Dreaming and enjoy performances by Gumaroy Newman. Connect with country by weaving and painting.”
Sydney Living Museums celebrates NAIDOC on July 10 at Rouse Hill Estate from 10a.m. – 3p.m. Free – bookings required.
Aboriginal Dance Workshops at Barangaroo
Jannawi Dance Clan hosts dance workshops for children ages 5 – 13 at Barangaroo. “participants in this 90 minute program will enjoy:
- a cultural clap stick dance warm up,
- traditional footstep techniques,
- 2 traditional songs in Darug language; and
- the accompanying dances to the songs.”
Jannawi Dance Clan workshops run July 4 – 7 at Barangaroo. They are ticketed and bookings are required.
Drop In and Make at Art Gallery of NSW
Celebrate NAIDOC Week these school holidays with a free art-making activity for families. Be inspired by Daniel Boyd’s art practice and create a multilayered artwork that explores memory and the different ways we look at the world.
Drop in anytime between 11am and 3.30pm. July 3 – 8.
What will you and your artsplorers be doing doing these school holidays?