It seems like staying home is the new going away these holidays (thanks fuel prices). Thankfully for Sydney families, there are no shortage of artsty options to make you feel like you’ve tumbled down a rabbit hole, back to the dinosaur age, into an underwater world or wherever your imagination can take you. The Sydney Comedy Festival is offering funny stuff all over town – the perfect antidote to … *gestures broadly* … some laughter never goes amiss. So, if you’re staying home or making a little dash into Sydney over these Autumn school holidays, here are lots of options for connecting with creativity.
On Stage
Alice in Wonderland
“Join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland and experience an adventure like no other. This school holiday, tumble down the rabbit hole as the Australian Shakespeare Company presents Lewis Carroll’s absurd & wickedly clever classic – Alice in Wonderland. ” Read our review of a previous production here.
Where: Royal Botanic Garden
When: 4 – 19 April
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $25 – 30
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. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? Songs, laughs and scary fun!”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 4 – 12 April
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $35 – 55
Erth’s Dinosaurs
“Dinosaurs are stomping their way back to the Sydney Opera House with a brand new show. From the visionaries who’ve been redefining live dinosaur performance for over 35 years, Erth’s Dinosaurs is a pulse-pounding adventure for the whole family. Blending astonishing puppetry with powerful storytelling, this larger-than-life show brings you face-to-face with prehistoric giants. Guided by expert dino wranglers, you’ll discover fascinating facts, encounter unforgettable creatures, and experience the thrill of seeing dinosaurs come roaring back to life.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 8 – 19 April
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $45 – 55
Spot: Live on Stage
“Eric Hill’s beloved puppy comes to life on stage in a show that’s fun for the whole family, with puppetry, songs, and puzzles for children aged 18 months to 7 and their adults.”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 16 – 19 April
Recommended Age: 18 months to 7 years
Tickets: $35 – 52
Funny Business
Comedy Gala for Kids
“Mixing comedy, clowning, live music and ooooooodles of audience interaction, this is a big variety show made especially for little legends (and their grown-ups too)! Hosted by award-winning comedian Susie Youssef, featuring an all-star line-up from every angle, from Brandon Van Oosten of Kookies N Kream flipping and spinning with jaw-dropping hip-hop moves, to Kay Proudlove’s catchy, heartfelt songs that have everyone singing along, and the wonderfully silly, multi award-winning clown Rae, from raeandwill, serving up playful chaos and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s music, movements and mischief rolled into one joyful, high-energy show that everyone will enjoy.”
Where: PHIVE Parramatta
When: 9 – 11 April
Recommended Age: 6+
Tickets: $29
The Vegetable Plot’s Pineapple People
“Get ready for a freshly sliced serving of musical comedy with Pineapple People, the brand new live show from award-winning children’s band The Vegetable Plot! Bursting with juicy songs, funky flavours and tropi-cool puppetry, this delightfully zingy production is a fruitastic family adventure that’s guaranteed to leave audiences smiling from the inside out. Starring Aspara Gus, Ru Barb, Sir Paul McCarrotney and Avo Kaydo.”
Where: PHIVE
When: 14 – 15 April
Recommended Age: 4+
Tickets: $29
Splash Test Dummies
“With dazzling acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunt work and brilliant juggling, the Dummies dive headfirst into a rollicking hour of family fun that will leave audiences gasping for breath – from laughter as much as excitement. Packed with stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and slapstick comedy, this award-winning troupe guarantees an hour of fun, laughter, and lots of splashy surprises. “
Where: Bondi Pavilion
When: 16 – 18 April
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $25
Mr Snotbottom
“A hilariously deeeesgusting kids comedian brimming with all the oooey, gooey, yucky things kids love! Like a cross between Shrek and Mr Bean, you can expect snot-loads of gross-tastic gags, slimy songs and just wrong routines perfect for kids 5 years and up…and their families! Mr Snotbottom will transport families on a roller-coaster of ridiculousness where they can howl, groan and roar with delight together!”
Where: Glen Street Theatre
When: 16 April
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $40
Great Laugh in the Park
“Hosted by fan favourite Jimmy Rees, this vibrant outdoor event brings together live comedy, performances, interactive fun and plenty of surprises designed especially for kids. Plus, kicking off the day is a special appearance from Bluey and Bingo in the Bluey Live Interactive Experience. “
When: Sunday 19 April
Where: Darling Harbour Tumbalong Park
Tickets: From $12
Dance Party
School Holidays Disco
“On Easter Saturday, bring the whole family to Darling Harbour’s School (Holiday) Disco — the ultimate throwback celebration where movement takes centre stage. There’s something for every little body (and maybe even a grown‑up or two!), from K-Pop dance classes and a parents’ dance competition to a tumble zone featuring hula hoops, elastics games, cartwheels and more! We’ve even arranged for the Easter Bunny to hop by! Check out our awesome line-up.”
Where: Darling Harbour, Tumbalong Park
When: 4 April – 3p.m. – 7p.m.
Drop-in, no bookings required
Art Around Town
Art Gallery of NSW
“Enjoy interactive exhibitions Mike Hewson: The Key’s Under the Mat and Mechelle Bounpraseuth: ສູ້ສູ້ Sou Sou, art-making workshops, gallery tours for kids, a screening of Babe (1995) at Cinémathèque Junior, and more.” Program details, dates and times here.
Biennale of Sydney
The 25th Biennale of Sydney is on until 14 June. White Bay Power Station is a major event hub and there are also exhibitions at the Art Gallery of NSW, Cambelltown Arts Centre, Chau Chak Wing Museum at the University of Sydney, and Lewers: Penrith Regional Gallery. Drop in during open hours. For additional family activities, the Biennale is hosting –
Family Day – Saturday 4 April (free entry) at White Bay Power Station
Hyde Park Barracks
As part of the Macquarie Street Adventure, “Enjoy drop-in activities held in the courtyard of the Hyde Park Barracks, once home to thousands of convicts. Learn the historical art of knot-tying with macramé artist Carol Taylor from May and Myrtle, make and take home a decorative key chain featuring a crown knot. Make yourself a convict love token, build a paper replica of the Hyde Park Barracks designed by artist James Gulliver Hancock and try your hand at a bricklaying activity.”
When: 17 April
Free. Bookings for free courtyard experience are encouraged
Australian National Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum brims with creative play. These school holidays, kids can –
“-Get hands-on with creative artmaking and experiments in our Kids on Deck maker space inside the Aquatic Imaginarium
-Relax with books and learn to create woven fish or fabulous florals inspired by Brian Robinson’s art in the Bamal Gallery Book Nook
-Fin-tastic Fridays – our dress up and face-painting disco days
and more.”
Library Love
Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt
“In this whirlwind of storytelling, R.A. Spratt will perform a brand-new story for her popular podcast Bedtime Stories with R.A. Spratt. Be part of the live audience — every cheer, laugh and hacking cough will be recorded and broadcast around the world for thousands (perhaps millions) to hear. … This is a fun family show for audiences of all ages. Kids will laugh out loud, parents will snortle (snort laugh), and even the grumpiest grandparent will have a giggle. “
Where: State Library of NSW
When: 17 April
Tickets: $10 for participating child. Bookings required
State Library Open Day
Celebrate the State Library of NSW’s 200th year on Open Day. For families: “We will have many hands-on activities across the Library — creative play in the JB Fairfax Learning Centre and Children’s Library, and interactive experiences designed for young visitors. Fans of Pamela Allen can meet beloved characters from her picture books, including Mr McGee and Alexander. And there will be a special performance by the incredible Lah-Lah band — including singalongs.”
Where: State Library of NSW
When: 19 April
Bookings: Free. Bookings are required for Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band – 11am / Mick Elliott and The Greatest Stories in the Galaxy – 2pm
Your Local Library
Be sure to check your local library for free and low cost activities happening during the school holidays!
Happy artsploring, Sydney families! Join us on Instagram for our artsy adventures around town.