Is it me, or does Term 3 always feel particularly loooong? We’ve nearly made it through, and now we can all relax a bit, preferably with some arts on the agenda. I’ve rounded up many family arts activities happening around Sydney these school holidays and, honestly, buckle in because there are A LOT!
Festivals, shows, music, art, books – they’re all here! And, if you have any NSW Parent vouchers left, this is the time to use them. They expire October 9, so put them to use at any of the arts events that accept them.
Grab your diary, and dive into the family arts activities offerings in and around Sydney these school holidays.
Festival Extravaganza!
WOW Festival at Casula Powerhouse
Casula Powerhouse‘s Way Out West (WOW) Festival is the stuff that kid’s art festival dreams are made of. A little bit funky, a little bit scrappy, stuff to do in every nook and cranny, and something for every age and taste. There are paid performances and workshops, and also a lot of free activities. Check out their program of events and plan a full day (or more!).
Sydney Fringe Festival – Kids Week at Monkey Baa Theatre
Perhaps when you think of Fringe festivals, images of racy Cabarets or bawdy comedy come to mind? That’s all well and good, but maybe not with the kids. Good news – Sydney Fringe has not forgotten the less mature set this year! They have a whole week of shows running at ARA Darling Quarter Theatre (aka – the home theatre of Monkey Baa). On the schedule is The Vegetable Plot, Emily Who, The Beanies, Kaleidoscope Show, Basketballman Can Fly, and Monski Mouse’s Baby Disco. Full lineup, times, and tickets on their website. And, to start the week on September 24, Darling Quarter is hosting a free day of “of theatre, book boogies, poetry in action, interactive photo booths, roving entertainment, silent discos and retail scavenger hunts.”
Spot On Children’s Festival at Riverside Theatres
Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres put on a fantastic time each year with their Spot On Children’s Festival. This year’s program features a fun-filled line-up of theatre, musical performances, physical comedy and circus acts, all guaranteed to keep children of all ages entertained throughout the school holidays. In addition to the range of shows, Playgroups NSW will be setting up a Play Yard in Riverside’s Courtyard for extra fun and creative play. The festival runs September 27 – October 1. Find the full lineup here.
At the Library
The State Library of NSW is hosting a lineup of bookish fun, both in person and online. In person, little bookworms can do things including craft, storytime, and an author event with Reece Carter. Be sure to stop into the exceptional “Imagine… The Wonder of Picture Books” exhibit. You can even take a tour. If the State Library isn’t convenient for you – or you want even more library activities, kids can Zoom into two author talks and a book quiz.
Be sure, also, to check with your local library. Many will run interesting (and often free!) activities during the school holidays.
Art Experiences
Creative Workshops at the Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art is running workshops these school holidays based on their large work, PPF (Past, Present and Future) by Vincent Namatjira. “Together we will dive into the ideas of past, present and future shared by the artist, followed by a creative making session in the Studio.” These sessions take place October 6 – 8, and are recommended for ages 5 – 12. Full details and booking information can be found here.
Drop in and Make (and more) at the Art Gallery of NSW
No need to book! The Art Gallery of NSW has a new, large scale installation – Wall drawing #955, Loopy Doopy (red and purple), conceived by Sol LeWitt. Kids are invited to drop in and see the work and then create their own art. Drop in takes place Monday–Friday, 26 September – 7 October and Sundays 4 September – 2 October 2022, 11am – 3.30pm.
Also available during school holidays, are free family tours, led by AGNSW volunteers. They take place Monday–Friday 26 September – 7 October 2022 (except Monday 3 October)/ Sundays 9 October – 11 December 2022 – 10.30am, 11.30am.
For kids who want to get their hands dirty, there are clay workshops for ages 5 – 8 and 9 – 12 on October 4 – 5. These are ticketed ($45), bookings required.
At the Theatre!
I don’t know about your, but we always try to see at least one theatre show during the school holidays. Good news for all us us – Sydney’s stages (and makeshift stages!) are full over the break. In addition to the festivals mentioned above, here is what else is on. There’s something for every age and taste.
Sydney Opera House
It’s an iconic experience, seeing a show at our Sydney Opera House. Now, with their Centre for Creativity, they are offering even more experiences for kids. Here’s what you can choose from for a day out at the Opera House!
- ARC by Erth – “ARC is an extraordinary story of self-discovery and wonder told with theatrical magic and animal puppets. An intimate tale about our love of the natural world and the awe it evokes, ARC invites young people to get up close and personal with snow leopards, hammerhead sharks, microbats, elephants, and more and imagine their worlds. Created by Sydney-based Erth Visual & Physical Inc (creators of Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo™ and Erth’s Prehistoric World, and Erth’s Dinosaur Picnic). ” Saturday 24 Sept – Friday 7 October. Recommended for ages 5+. Livestream tickets also available.
READ OUR REVIEW OF ARC BY ERTH HERE
- ZOOOM – “Combining old school whimsy, creativity and state of the art technology, ZOOOM is an enchanting story of a child alone in her bedroom who, unable to sleep, befriends a lost star. Inspired by iconic children’s book Harold and The Purple Crayon, ZOOOM channels the same philosophy; a child who makes sense of their world through art. Presented by Patch Theatre one of Australia’s preeminent children’s theatre companies comes an immersive journey with original music, lasers and spectacular projections.
Before the show, visit our free artist-led Creative Play in the Playhouse foyer where children can join in the art-making by creating a “piece of the dark” to take into the show. Or, stay and make some special art to take home.” Saturday 24 September – Wednesday 5 October. Recommended for ages 3+.
- After the Flood – “What does the future hold in store? How will climate change affect life as we know it? Close your eyes and immerse yourselves in a hopeful tale from the children of a very distant time. After the Flood is a dreamlike audio installation and workshop for children and their adults. Everyone will enjoy this calm, magical place and be inspired by the restorative power of story, courage, change, and the sea. Told by a group of children living far into the future, they tell us about their life on the water and the tending of the great kelp forests of the sea. Following the personal audio experience, children and adults are invited to draw, make sea creatures and write together using their imaginations, conversations, and reflections.” Saturday 24 September – Sunday 2 October. Recommended for ages 3+.
READ OUR REVIEW OF AFTER THE FLOOD HERE
- Workshops – In addition to the shows and experiences, there are a few unique workshops on offer at the Centre for Creativity.
- Shadow Puppets – “Jumaadi takes children and young people on a journey to make performances using household materials. From storyboarding, paper puppet making and shadow play, this workshop will introduce kids to one of the oldest forms of theatre-making in the world – the traditional art of wayang kulit or shadow puppetry from Indonesia.” $125 per participant. Tuesday 4 October. For children aged 9-12 years old.
- Alien Invasion – “Children leave their parents behind to join the Alien Rescue Team (led by theatre maker Alison Bennett) for some imaginative theatre play and an interactive adventure where we explore how an alien landed upon the Sydney Opera House…” $50 per participant. Wednesday 5 October. For children 5-9 years old.
- Dancer for a Day – “Ever dreamt of dancing on one of Sydney Opera House’s world-renowned stages? Make a young dancer’s dreams come true with our special School Holiday dance experience where ballet, contemporary and hip hop collide in a beautiful dance explosion!” $60 per participant. Thursday 6 October. For children aged 9-11 years old.
Bangarra Dance Theatre
Oh, this is exciting! Bangarra Dance Theatre has created its first ever work specifically for young people. “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 kids ages 3 and up and their families.” Waru – journey of the small turtle runs September 24 – October 9 at the Studio Theatre at Bangarra.
Cutter and Coota
Written by Bruce Pascoe, Cutter and Coota is presented by Moogahlin Performing Arts at the Hyde Park Barracks. “Experience the unlikely bond of Cutter, an ambitious Rat, and Coota, a compassionate Bandicoot, as they find freedom and friendship and shed light on the colonial history of the Hyde Park Barracks.” Cutter and Coota runs October 6 – 8. Schedule and tickets here.
The Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
May Gibbs’ gumnut babies and other characters come to life in the new outdoor adaptation, The Tales of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. “May Gibbs’ quintessentially Australian classics have fascinated and delighted generations of children and families, introducing them to the wonder and magic of the Australian bush.” Produced by The Eaton Gorge Theatre Company, the show runs at Centennial Parklands September 24 – 30. Tickets and information here.
Alice in Wonderland
It’s curiouser and curiouser when The Australian Shakespeare Company brings their production of Alice in Wonderland to the Royal Botanic Garden. “This enchanting world of song, dance & interactive games will have the whole family dizzy & giddy with nonsense!” Fall down the rabbit hole September 23 – October 9.
Room on the Broom
Your kids probably know and love the Julia Donaldson book, and will love seeing the witch, the cat, the dog, and the whole crew on stage. “…songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3 and up – and their grown-ups…” Room on the Broom plays at The Concourse (Chatswood) September 24 – 26.
The Box Show
We have never walked out of a Junkyard Beats performance without huge smiles on our faces. “Get ready for the most sustainable fun you’ve ever had. In the hands of Junkyard Beats, ordinary household items are transformed into extraordinary musical instruments and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways. ” The Box Show runs at The Concourse (Chatswood) October 7 – 8.
Mary Poppins
Have you seen the practically perfect nanny and her supercalifragilistic show, yet? Mary Poppins may be the most delightful family musical event in Sydney this year and, after a long run, it is flying out of the Lyric Theatre on October 9. There are a few deals on, including one on bookings of 4 tickets and the Mary Poppins online lottery. Step in time if you want to see this one – school holidays are your last chance! Times and tickets here.
Get Musical
If music is your jam, I have good news for you. There are a number of new shows and productions aimed at kids over these school holidays. (In addition to these listed below, check the lineups at the Festivals from above, as many of our best children’s artists will be performing at them).
The Metropolitan Orchestra
The Metropolitan Orchestra’s Cushion concerts are the perfect chance to introduce young people to classical music. The next in their 2022 series is Tubby the Tuba. “In this playful, interactive cushion concert, children will follow the engaging story of Tubby while also discovering the different instruments of the orchestra through a collection of entertaining music created by Australian Composer Sean O’Boyle AM.” Tubby the Tuba will be at Balmain Town Hall October 8 – 8.
Australian Chamber Orchestra
This one has me starry eyed! The Australian Chamber Orchestra premiers their adaptation of Oliver Jeffers’ picture book How to Catch a Star. “How to Catch a Star is a brand new ACO production which will take you on a journey from awe and wonder, through to perseverance and triumph.” It is recommended for ages 2 – 8, and runs September 28 – October 8 at Pier 2/3.
Disney’s Fantasia in Concert
“The Willoughby Symphony Orchestra presents highlights from two of Disney’s most extraordinary and ground-breaking animated features, “Fantasia” and its sequel, “Fantasia 2000″ in concert live to film. Conducted by George Ellis, scenes from each of the two iconic films will be projected in high definition on a large screen above the orchestra as they perform classical selections by Beethoven, Debussy, Elgar, among others. ” This is an all ages show, but be mindful that the run time is 120 minutes, which may be long for littler music lovers. Fantasia in Concert takes place on October 22 at The Concourse (Chatswood).
Teeny Tiny Stevies
If you’re ready to rock, but want to be home for naptime, the ARIA award winning Teeny Tiny Stevies are where it’s at. “Join the merriment and sing along as they perform songs from their brand new album How to Be Creative along with a range of fan favourites.” If you’re not fully immersed in the world of the Stevies, read our review of their album Helpful Songs for Little People here to see why they are a solid favourite with my artsplorers. Teeny Tiny Stevies (respectfully) storm the Sydney Opera House October 8 – 9.
Happy artsploring, Sydney families!