Discover the vibrant world of arts and creativity for kids in Sydney this autumn 2024 school holidays. From live theatre to museum experiences, hands-on workshops and more, Sydney is serving up plenty of arts experiences these Autumn school holidays. There’s something for every artsplorer to enjoy during the school break. Explore our curated guide to the top family arts activities in Sydney, filling the break with creativity and fun.
Theatre
Potted Potter
“This gloriously irreverent, lovable romp takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real-life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favourite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic!”
Read our review here
When: 9 – 21 April
Where: Seymour Centre
Recommended Age: 6+
Tickets: $69.90 – $89.90
I Wish…
“I Wish… is an acrobatic adventure exploring all the things we could be. Through gravity-defying acrobatics, stunning visuals, and playful humour, explore our differences to reveal the magic of individuality.”
When: 12 – 14 April
Where: Sydney Opera House
Recommended Age: 4 – 8
Tickets: $25 – $39
Alice in Wonderland
“This school holiday, tumble down the rabbit hole as the Australian Shakespeare Company presents Lewis Carroll’s absurd & wickedly clever classic – Alice in Wonderland.”
When: 13 – 28 April
Where: Royal Botanic Garden
Tickets: $25 – 30
Tempo
“
Australia’s National Youth Circus, the Flying Fruit Fly Circus presents their latest awe-inspiring extravaganza, Tempo, featuring an extraordinary ensemble of young performers (aged 12 – 18 years) who will flip, juggle, balance and dive their way into audience’s heart.”
When: 16 – 17 April
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $38
360 All Stars
“A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar international cast of World Champion and World Record-holding athletes and artists, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of the extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture.”
360 All Stars wil be playing across Sydney over the school holidays. See it at:
Glen Street Theatre (Belrose) – 17 – 18 April
Riverside Theatres (Parramatta) – 19 – 22 April
The Concourse (Chatswood) – 23 – 25 April
Ratburger
“Things are not looking good for Zoe. Her stepmother Sheila is so lazy she gets Zoe to pick her nose for her. The school bully Tina Trotts makes her life a misery – mainly by spitting on her head. And now the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers is after her pet rat! And guess what he wants to do with it?
The clue is in the title…”
When: 17 – 28 April
Where: Sydney Opera House
Recommended Age: 6+
Ticket: $29 – $49
The Gruffalo’s Child
“If you loved The Gruffalo, don’t miss the sequel, which returns following previous sellout Australian tours – now in a new West End production! Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of the much-loved picture book.”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 19 – 21 April
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $30 – 46
Polar Bear and Penguin
“Direct from Ireland, this charming play for young audiences follows the tale of an unlikely encounter between a Polar Bear and a Penguin. This is the story of polar opposite characters meeting for the first time, getting to know one another and learning how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet…paws…flippers.”
When: 20 – 24 April
Where: Sydney Opera House
Recommended Age: 5+
Ticket: $35 – $45
The Alphabet of Awesome Science
“Join professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) for a thrilling voyage through the alphabet – where great big chewy sesquipedalian words inspire mind-blowing scientific surprises. Professor Lexi Con has curated a curious collection of her favourite words (one for every letter of the alphabet) with each word providing Professor Noel Edge with an inspirational jumping off point for 26 quirky scientific demonstrations – that squish and squirt, float and fly, erupt and explode.”
When: 22 – 24 April
Where: Glen Street Theatre
Tickets: $40
Room on the Broom
Adapted from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. “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: Seymour Centre
When: 26 – 28 April
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $45
Art Galleries
Art Gallery of NSW
Art Gallery of NSW’s program of children’s activities these school holidays includes guided tours for families, drop-in workshops, drop-in workshops, and an all-abilities workshop. Click the link above for the full schedule. Special exhibitions on include the Biennale of Sydney and the final days of Louise Bourgeois: Has the Day Invaded the Night or Has the Night Invaded the Day (read our review on Instagram)
Museum of Contemporary Art
“Head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia during the upcoming school holidays to imagine a world in the distant future. Inspired by the 24th Biennale of Sydney, families of all ages are invited to create objects of science fiction and space travel out of a variety of materials. Following the program, head to the galleries to check out the exhibition. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, visit during our sensory-friendly session on Thursday 18 April.”
When: 17 – 20 April, 10a.m. – 4p.m.
Bookings: Free, no bookings required
Biennale of Sydney
While not specifically for children, the Biennale of Sydney is one of the city’s most significant arts events, and is accessible for all ages. “The 24th Biennale of Sydney, titled Ten Thousand Suns, ignites its transformative power of art across six iconic Sydney locations. ” This includes the Heritage Listed White Bay Power Station. (Read our review of White Bay Power Station on Instagram)
Libraries
State Library of NSW
Over the school holidays, the State Library of NSW is offering pop-up crafting sessions, family library tours, drawing in the galleries, and a diorama making session. See times dates and booking information for all at the link above.
Local Libraries
Be sure to check your local libraries. Many will be offering a variety of activities for the school holidays – often for free or low cost!
Creative Play
Centre for Creativity – Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House’s Centre for Creativity is the home to some unique hands-on experiences.
The Magic Garden
“The Centre for Creativity has been turned into a magical singing veggie patch for a limited time only, with the berry amazing super singing food group The Vegetable Plot.”
When: 18 – 19 April
Session 1: 11am – 12:30pm children 4 – 6 yrs (must be accompanied by a parent)
Session 2: 1:30pm – 3:00pm children 7 – 9 (kid-only session)
Bookings: $25
Alien Invasion
“Children will join the Alien Rescue Team in a fun, interactive adventure that weaves its way throughout the Opera House. Keep your eye out though, the alien might be right behind you!” Workshops run 3 hours.
When: 22 – 23 April
Recommended Age: 6 – 9 (kids only)
Bookings: $50
Shadow Puppets
“Learn how to draw and design your very own characters and backdrops! Using different paper cutting methods, cast your drawings into animated shadows using various light sources and surfaces.”
When: 24 April
Recommended Age: 12 – 16
Bookings: $25
Bondi Pavilion
Bondi Pavilion has several creative sessions for kids these school holidays.
Cape Making with Dennis Golding
“Do you have a secret Super Power? Be inspired by the sea of superhero capes in the exhibition, Dennis Golding: POWER The Future is Here. Visit the exhibition with the artist before creating a unique superhero design. Participants will create their cape with a distinctive superhero logo.”
When: 16 April 10a.m. – 12p.m. and 1p.m. – 3p.m.
Recommended Age: 4 – 8
Bookings: $15
Creative Planet with Legs on the Wall
“Join Legs on The Wall’s specialised trainers at Bondi Pavilion for Creative Planet, two days of workshops to learn skills in silks (aerial acrobatics), parkour, and softs (mat work). The Pav’s sprawling concrete space will transform into a pop-up acrobatic space for participants from 6 to 25 yrs, to learn new skills with help from some of Australia’s best acrobats and parkour artists. Each workshop will explore creative physicality, using crash mats, ropes, climbing frames and more to learn how to leap, climb and explore in a safe way.”
When: 20 – 21 April (see link for times of sessions based on age)
Recommended Age: Sessions available for ages 6 – 25
Bookings: $15 – $25
Sun Runners
“Plunge headfirst into an interactive audio space adventure. With a pair of headphones and a mobile device, become one of the Sun Runners, hurtling across the farthest reaches of the solar system in the race of your life. Audioplay combines technology with imagination, inviting you to explore a whole new planet with your team. Built to be played in teams of four, it is a fun journey to embark on with your siblings, parents or friends, uncovering this imaginative world together. You can also come along and team up with some new friends on your quest through the intergalactic universe!”
When: 23 – 27 April
Recommended Age: 6 – 12
Bookings: $10
Darling Quarter
Rhythm N Bubs
“Nurture your child’s love for music with Rhythm n Bubs, a free group activity tailored for little ones aged 1 to 5 years. Nestled in the heart of Darling Harbour at Playground Lawn behind the Children’s Playground, this weekly experience is led by a team of passionate music educators, including Angie Who, Nyssa Milligan and more. Rhythm n Bubs the perfect opportunity for parents and carers to bond with their little maestros in a vibrant and interactive setting.”
Where: Darling Quarter Playground Lawn
When: Wednesdays 11a.m.
Recommended Age: 1 – 5
Free, no bookings required
Parkoursome
“Calling all parents seeking an unforgettable adventure for their little daredevils! Get ready for an exhilarating experience as we bring you a FREE kids parkour workshop. ”
Where: Pier Street Underpass, Darling Quarter
When: Sunday 14 April – meet at 9:30 – 11:30
(Also 5 May and 2 June)
Recommended Age: 8 – 15
Bookings: Free, no bookings. First come, served
Happy artsploring these school holidays, Sydney kids!