The Autumn school holidays are nearly here, and it’s not just the Easter Bunny who is spreading joy this season. Sydney kids can get hopping to shows, workshops, galleries and more. Here is a round up of some of the best family arts activities around town these holidays.
On Stage
Alice in Wonderland
“Meet your favourite assortment of curious characters; the skittish, constantly late White Rabbit, the Dodo and other birds who love a sing-along, the Duchess and her crazy cook, the Cheshire Cat who will leave you with a grin and Humpty Dumpty on his way to meet Tweedledum and Tweedledee. You can’t miss the silliness as the Mad Hatter arrives with the March Hare and Dormouse to have a grand old time with Alice at the tea party. Come along and join the fun in this enchanting world of song, dance & interactive games that will have the whole family dizzy & giddy with nonsense.”
Where: Royal Botanic Garden
When: 12 – 27 April
Tickets: $25 – 30
Mimi’s Symphony
“Writer and narrator Justine Clarke alongside composer and conductor Georgie Ellis will introduce children aged 3+ to brass, string, woodwind and percussion sections of the orchestra through a joyous sing-along as they join Mimi, a little magpie, who, after being blown from her nest, finds herself on the edge of a suburban oval.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 12-13 April
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: From $35.95+ $8.95 Booking Fee
Dog Man: The Musical
“The global bestselling novel returns to the stage for a huge show filled with songs, laughs and beloved characters for audiences 8+. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman who fights crime (and chews on the furniture), Dog Man is an epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s bestselling book.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 11 – 27 April
Recommended Age: 8+
Tickets: $35+ $8.95 Booking Fee
The 91-Storey Treehouse
“Andy and Terry’s Treehouse has reached an amazing 91 Stories! It’s now more fantastically dangerous than ever, with a deserted desert island, a whirlpool, and a giant spider! But Andy, Terry and Jill have no idea they’re about to face their biggest challenge yet! Mr Big Nose has sent his grandchildren to the Treehouse, and they don’t want to just sit quietly. Can Andy, Terry & Jill master this extreme babysitting challenge? What does mysterious fortune teller Madam Know-It-All really want? And will the Big Red Button really destroy the world?” Read our review of a previous season of The 91-Storey Treehouse
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 10 – 13 April
Recommended Age: 6 – 12
Tickets: $39 – 49 plus $7 transaction fee
“The Magic Garden” – A Children’s Concert
The Beecroft Orchestra and The Vegetable Plot pair up for this children’s concert. “Playing music by The Vegetable Plot alongside classical favourites and work by Australian composers.”
Where: Cheltenham Girls High School
When: 13 April
Tickets: $20 – 40
You Are Here
“This delightful, sensory-rich production from Madam Bach in Denmark gently teaches toddlers aged 2+ about finding their way in the world – and within themselves. Nurturing their creativity with vivid imagery, enchanting soundscapes using live music from strings, drums and an accordion, and poetic storytelling, this piece of visual theatre has been designed to speak directly to their senses.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 19 – 24 April
Recommended Age: 2+
Tickets: $35+ $8.95 Booking Fee
Room on the Broom
“Adapted from the award winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler … The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick – until a stormy wind blows away the witch’s hat, bow and wand. A helpful dog, bird and frog find the witch’s lost things, and they all hop on the broom for a ride. But this broomstick’s not meant for five and – CRACK – the broom snaps in two! When a hungry dragon appears, who will save the poor witch? And will there ever be room on the broom for everyone?”
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 16 – 17 April
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $39
You’re an Instrument
“Step into a world where music, science and imagination collide in You’re An Instrument! This wildy fun and interactive show will take kids on a journey to discover that the most incredible musical instrument is themselves. Led by a team of dynamic performer-scientists, children will use their voices, bodies and minds to create sound in unexpected ways. With a mix of cutting-edge music technology, storytelling and hands-on participation, this unique experience will have young audiences singing, moving and making music together in a truly unforgettable way.”
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
When: 16 – 17 April
Recommended Age: 5 – 12 years (loud noises)
Tickets: From $24
Circus of Illusion
“Celebrate the Easter weekend with acclaimed illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent finalist Michael Boyd when he returns to Sydney’s State Theatre … This is your chance to escape into a world where sawdust and sequins join cutting edge illusions and spectacular magic to create Circus of Illusion, a show that features death defying escapes, mind-blowing illusions, mime and magic, as well as incredible costumes and world-class artists who will keep you on the edge of your seat.”
Where: State Theatre
When: 19 April
Tickets: $59 – $69 plus handling charges
Mr Snotbottom
“For kids who love a good giggle, Mr Snotbottom is the ultimate school holiday comedy treat. Featuring outrageous jokes, ridiculous rhymes, and plenty of icky, sticky fun, Mr Snotbottom has been making audiences laugh (and squirm!) across the country. Perfect for fans of the weird, wacky and wonderfully gross, Mr Snotbottom will have children roaring with laughter and squealing with delight. “
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
When: 22 – 24 April
Recommended Age: 5 – 12
Tickets: From $26
Annie
“It’s one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time. With its iconic score, featuring classics like: It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street and Tomorrow, Annie is truly a timeless musical masterpiece.”
Where: Capitol Theatre
When: Currently playing
Recommended Age: 6+
Tickets: $95+
Arts and Craft Around Town
Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW is always a good idea. Over the school holidays, there are a few special things on for kids including the below. Plus, don’t forget to visit the Children’s Library in the South Building.
Guided Tours
Drop in Workshops (Sculptural Reliefs)
Drop in Workshops (Autumnal Wreaths)
Museum of Contemporary Art
“Looking for fun and creative things to do with the kids in Sydney these school holidays? We offer hands-on art activities, family-friendly tours, and interactive experiences for kids and families. With free gallery entry for children and Australian students, it’s a great way to spend time together and engage with contemporary art. We’re open every day of the school holidays except Tuesdays, and you’ll find us at Circular Quay, a short walk from trains, ferries and buses.”
Activities include:
Help build a cardboard cityscape
Drop in Drawing
Hope Garden Workshops at Hyde Park Barracks
“Join us for a series of drop-in facilitated workshops that will see participants create intricate, nature-inspired blooms from upcycled textiles and other materials that will be added to an evolving, immersive garden installation. … No experience is required, and our friendly facilitators will guide you through the flower-making process. Suitable for all ages; adult supervision is required for participating children.”
Where: Hyde Park Barracks
When: 12 – 14 April
Kids On Deck at the National Maritime Museum
You may think seafaring vessels when you think about the National Maritime Museum, but beyond that, they also have one of the best makers spaces for kids in town. The Kids on Deck Makers Space runs for most of the school holidays and is accessible with museum entry (full details here)
Get Moving
Move, Groove, Darling
“From chilling out with meditation, getting bendy with yoga or getting crazy with parkour – this year’s Move, Groove Darling Festival has something for the whole family. … From zen moments in our yoga and meditation zone to high-flying adventures at Parkoursome, there’s something for every kid (and kid at heart!). And don’t miss our epic Saturday night School (holiday) Disco – a throwback party the whole family will love! So, dust off your dancing shoes and join us for a celebration of movement and pure joy!”
Where: Darling Harbour
When: 18 – 20 April
Libraries and More
Macquarie Street Adventure
“The Macquarie Street Adventure is a full day of activities held along Macquarie Street, bringing together the NSW Parliament, Museums of History NSW with the State Library of NSW. Spend the day visiting all three destinations and enjoy a range of activities designed for 5–12-year-olds.”
When: 15 April
Creating a Band With Spaghetti Confetti
“Join us for a collaborative workshop where kids become performers, learn to read simple music and rock out together as a group. They will learn to play, sing, dance and perform in their own band. Proudly presented by Sydney local performers, Spaghetti Confetti. At the end of the workshop, parents are invited to watch the performances by our little rock stars as they put to practice all the skills learnt from the session.”
When: 14 April
Where: Ryde Library
Tickets: $10
Local Libraries
Be sure to check with your local library to see what activities they have on over the school holidays! Your library is often a great place for free and low cost creative fun.
Happy artsploring, Sydney families. You can check any time for creative activities on the Artsplorers Calender of Events.