We are hopping into the April vacation, and with a couple of holidays this month, the term break is extra long. Plenty of time for artsploring – and plenty of options around Sydney!
Perhaps that sneaky Easter Bunny will pop some tickets into the kids’ baskets this year!
On Sydney’s Stages
Possum Magic
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Mem Fox and Julie Vivas’ beloved classic, Possum Magic, has been adapted by Monkey Baa Theatre’s award-winning creative team using a clever, nuanced palette of live action, stage magic, an original soundscape, elements of puppetry and projected animation, bringing to life the whimsical world of the book to a live experience for audiences 3–8 years (and their families).
When: Tuesday 11 – Saturday 22 April
Where: Sydney Opera House – Playhouse
Tickets: Standard tickets from $29 + $8.50 Booking Fee
Emil and the Detectives
Young Emil catches a train to visit family in the big city. Something valuable is stolen. But the thief soon discovers Emil was not such an easy target. A group of quick-thinking and resourceful children rallies around. Can a bunch of kids work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal? This show at Monkey Baa is recommended for kids 8+.
When: 12 – 15 April
Where: ARA Darling Quarter Theatre
Tickets: $32 – $36
Saltbush
Children can immerse themselves in the stunning light design of Saltbush, an interactive journey through Australia’s First Nations culture told through projections, sensor and infrared cameras. Here, young audiences are allowed to interact, play and perform in the show, providing a unique experience for parents as they witness children become involved. Recommended for ages 4+.
When: Friday 14 – Monday 17 April
Where: Sydney Opera House, Studio
Tickets: Standard tickets from $35 + $8.50 Booking Fee
360 All Stars
Exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite in a supercharged urban circus. Featuring World Champion and World Record-holding athletes and artists, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of street culture that will leave audiences dizzy with excitement. (Read our review of a previous production of 360 All Stars here – note, some aspects may have changed).
These school holidays, you can see 360 All Stars at Riverside Theatres (Parramatta), Glen Street Theatre (Belrose) or The Concourse (Chatswood). Details and links:
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
When: 11 – 14 April
Tickets: $34 – 49. Details here
Where: Glen Street Theatre (Belrose)
When: 15 – 16 April
Tickets: $45 Details here
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 19 – 20 April
Tickets: $45.40 – 50.50. Details here
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
One of the most-read and famous children’s books of all time, The Very Hungry Caterpillar emerges off the page in a masterful theatrical experience for children 18 months+ and their adults.
Where: The Concourse (Chatswood)
When: 19 – 23 April
Tickets: $41 (tickets required for everyone over 12 months)
Alice in Wonderland
“Your favourite assortment of curious characters are all waiting for you… meet the skittish, constantly late White Rabbit, sing along with the Dodo and other birds in the Caucus race and meet the pepper-obsessed Duchess and her extremely crazy cook. The Cheshire Cat will leave you with a grin and you can’t fail to miss Humpty Dumpty on his way to meet Tweedledum and Tweedledee. And what might seem slightly silly, becomes downright absurd as the Mad Hatter arrives with the March Hare and Dormouse to have a grand old time with Alice at the tea party.”
Where: Royal Botanic Garden, Pioneer Garden
When: 8 – 23 April
Tickets: $25 – 30 plus $5.50 booking fee
Fantastic Mr Fox
“One of the biggest, brightest and bushiest characters in children’s literature comes to life in this audiovisual extravaganza. Straight from Roald Dahl’s classic children’s romp comes the indefatigable Mr Fox, a trickster who lives in his burrow with his wife and pup. To keep food on the table, he slips out every night to steal from his neighbours, the wicked farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean. When the trio, sick of being outsmarted, hatch a nefarious plan that puts his family and friends in grave danger, Mr Fox and a band of woodland revolutionaries must use every ounce of cunning and wit they have to set things right.” Recommended age: 5+
Where: Sydney Theatre Company, Roslyn Packer Theatre
When: 19 – 30 April
Tickets: $47 – 49 plus $8.50 booking fee
The Snail and the Whale
“Join an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father as they reimagine the story of a tiny snail’s incredible trip around the world, inspired by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book. Longing to see the world, a tiny sea snail hitches a lift on the tail of a great big, grey-blue humpback whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, brought vividly to life through live music, storytelling and lots of laughs – but when the whale gets beached, how will the snail save him?” Recommended age: 4+
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 21 – 23 April
Tickets: $41 plus $6 booking fee
Galleries and Museums
Art Gallery of NSW
Drop in for free art-making activities, join a storytime session in the children’s art library (for under 5s), book into a digital art-making workshop (for ages 9–12) or join a family-friendly awesome architecture tour. Plus, a full day of workshops for children living with addition needs on Wednesday 12 April. Full listing of events, times, and associated costs in the link above.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Taking inspiration from The National 4: Australian Art Now, this fun drop-in workshop invites families of all ages to reflect on themes of environmentalism and climate while learning about native Australian plants and getting messy with soil and seeds.
When: 12 – 15 April, 10a.m. – 4p.m.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, Level 3
Bookings: Drop in – no bookings required
Museum of Sydney
Museum of Sydney’s current interactive exhibition is PlayScapes. “In 2023 Museums of History NSW will be celebrating a season of play by transforming the Museum of Sydney into a physical and digital playground. Activations will push your imagination, encourage creativity, innovation and problem-solving, and explore the possibilities of play.” Entry to the Museum of Sydney is free (book ahead online). PlayScapes runs through June 4 (closed Good Friday). We shared our visit over on Instagram – click over to see more about our experience.
Hyde Park Barracks
Hyde Park Barracks is currently home to art installation Murmurations. “Murmurations is a digital artwork by First Nations artist Tony Albert and Sāmoan–Australian artist Angela Tiatia, commissioned specifically for the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Hyde Park Barracks. The work brings together First Nations perspectives from Australia and the Pacific to explore the history of the Barracks as a site of migration.” During the school holidays, kids can take part in a workshop to make their own leis using recycled materials (recommended for ages 8+).
Where: Hyde Park Barracks courtyard (closed Good Friday)
When: Make Your Own Lei workshop – 12 – 13 April
Tickets: The workshop is free, but bookings are required
Libraries
State Library of NSW
The State Library of NSW has several activities on for kids, including author workshops (online and in-person), tours of their Imagine: The Wonder of Picture Books exhibit, drop-in activities, and art and in-language story times. Find the full schedule and booking information (as needed) in the link above.
Local Libraries
Be sure to check out what’s happening at your local library over the holidays! Many Council libraries will have something on offer for kids – usually for free! Libraries are a great way to get some creative activity in without breaking the bank.
Creative Performance Workshops
Get hands on at performance workshops for kids. These may be eligible activities for using your Creative Kid voucher, as well.
Sydney Opera House’s Centre for Creativity
Alien Invasion: Join us for a day of imaginative theatre play where we explore how an alien landed upon the Sydney Opera House…
You might witness alien sightings, learn an alien language or even review some hilarious ‘alien security footage’, all in the search for our alien friend. Together, we will find the best ways to draw out our shy little aliens and return them to their alien families. 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! These workhsops are recommended for kids aged 5 – 9.
When: 12 – 13 April. Workshops run approximately 3 hours
Tickets: $50 plus $8.50 booking fee
Saltbush Dance Workshop: Inspired by the performance of Saltbush, join Gamilaroi and Mandandanji dancer Nathan Leslie for sixty minutes of dance and cultural knowledge, in a playful workshop for children and their carers. In this workshop, children will learn traditional dance moves as Nathan responds and reflects on the internationally acclaimed performance Saltbush. This is a once-off opportunity to dance, play and learn alongside one of Australia’s most experienced First Nations dancers and develop a deeper connection with this enduring piece of dance. The workshops are recommended for kids ages 4 – 9.
When: 14 – 15 April. Workshops run approximately 1 hour.
Tickets: $25 plus $8.95 booking fee
Possum Magic Workshop: Join Grandma Poss and Hush on their adventures with fun games and interactive activities in this fun Possum Magic inspired School Holiday workshop. Children build confidence and explore their creativity in an experience they will never forget, exploring the themes and world of Possum Magic. Created and facilitated by the Monkey Baa Theatre Company team, the workshop is an excellent way for children to experience the magic of theatre in a hands-on environment. These workshops are suitable for kids aged 5 – 9.
When: 18 – 19 April. Workshops run for approximateliy 1 hour.
Tickets: $25 plus $8.50 booking fee
Monkey Baa Theatre
Monkey Baa Theatre is offering workshops suitable for ages 4 – 7 and 8 – 12.
Ages 4 – 7: For the younger ones, they can play drama games and do activities based on Edward the Emu and/or Josephine Wants to Dance.
When: April 20 (indivual sessions are 2 hours each)
Tickets: Individual sessions, $40 or a full day with both sessions, $75. Info and booking here.
Ages 8 – 12: Older kids can choose from several sessions related to playmaking, including Improvisation, Stage Design, Puppetry and more.
When: 17, 18, 19, and 21 April (individual sessions are 2 hours each)
Tickets: Individual sessions, $40 or a full day with both sessions, $75. Info and booking here.
For more Sydney family arts ideas, follow us on Instagram for “What’s On Wednesday” each week in Stories.