We made it through the end of school term hustle. We made it through Christmas and New Years.
But now … how to entertain the kids through all of January? Luckily, Sydney is a summer city, but beyond beaches and picnics and backyard cricket, the arts roll out all the stops, too. From shows and experiences in the Sydney Festival to workshops and summer reading, I’ve rounded up plenty of options for creativity these January holidays in Sydney. And because, if you’re like me, you’ve done a pretty solid job of emptying your wallet for Christmas, I’ve included a section on FREE activities for getting artsy without going into debt.
Happy arts adventuring around town for the start of 2026!
On Stage
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
“This cheeky and chaotic family spectacle promises an hour of immersive fun, high-flying acrobatics, quirky characters and infectious laughter for the young and the young-at-heart.” Read our review on Instagram
Where: The Grand Electric (Surry Hills)
When: 3 – 25 January
Recommended Age: All ages
Tickets: $52 – 85
Pirates Love Underpants
“Ahoy, mateys! Set sail on a hilarious quest for the legendary Pants of Gold in Pirates Love Underpants, based on the bestselling book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. It’s a swashbuckling, underpants-loving adventure for the whole family!” Read our review on Instagram
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 4 – 12 January
Recommended Age: 2+
Tickets: $49 – 59
The Wind in the Willows
“Join Ratty, Mole, Badger, Otter, Portly, and, of course, Mr Toad as they bring Kenneth Grahame’s immortal story of life on the riverbank to the stage! Celebrating … 20 years in the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, The Wind in the Willows is Australia’s best-loved affordable family entertainment with plenty of songs, laughs and surprises for the whole family to enjoy. ” Read our review of a previous season here
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
When: 7 – 25 January
Tickets: $25 – 30
Garden of Sound
“Garden of Sound invites you to follow the antics of two loyal gardeners, Dag and Dug, who are trying to bring their garden of sound back to its lush and symphonic potential. Dag loves chaos. Dug loves control. They’re at a standoff and need the help of Young People (that’s you) to rediscover the sounds of the garden before they’re lost forever. … Part performance, part interactive playground, this one-of-a-kind experience that invites audiences of all ages to listen, move and fine-tune a wonderous world of sound.”
Where: PHIVE (Parramatta Square)
When: 7 – 11 January
Recommended Age: 4+
Tickets: $25
Duck Pond
For the older kids – “An inventive take on Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling that defies convention and genre, Duck Pond reinterprets both beloved tales as a spectacle of circus in this strictly limited Sydney debut season from Circa. Set to enthral lovers of ballet, fairy tales and circus alike, Duck Pond features Circa’s signature physicality and jaw-dropping acrobatics, laced with cheeky humour. Feats of strength and bravery are impeccably balanced with fluid moments of artistry and grace, a true showcase of the diverse skills that have earned Circa its ingenious reputation.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 9 – 12 January
Recommended Age: 10+
Tickets: $79 – 119 (family discount available)
Rothar
“Making its Australian premiere, a Branar production direct from Ireland, Rothar pedals into a world of imagination where two friends turn a simple bike repair shop into a place of play and wonder. Wheels spin into stories, handlebars become wings, and laughter powers the ride. Blending physical theatre, inventive design and playful humour, Rothar celebrates creativity, friendship and the joy of seeing where curiosity can take you.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 14 – 18 January
Recommended Age: 4+
Tickets: $39
The Bogong’s Song
“When a brother and sister turn out the lights for the night, they are swept into a world of imagination — a portal to their Dreaming. Seeking an elusive Bogong Moth, they journey into an extraordinary world where Country shares its secrets. In this place, the past speaks through stars, trees, and grasses. Healing begins in the silence between breaths. The Bogong’s Song is a rich blend of storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance, and song created especially for primary-aged children. As the children open their hearts to the stories of their ancestors, we are all invited to experience connection to Country and discover that even the smallest creatures have a vital role to play. “
Where: PHIVE (Parramatta Square)
When: 15 – 17 January
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $29
Mama Does Derby
For older kids (12+) – “Fresh from winning the 2024 Scotsman First Fringe Award for Outstanding New Writing for her play Cyrano, writer and actress Virginia Gay (Calamity Jane) returns with this heartwarming and boisterous story about what holds a family together. Conceived and directed by Windmill’s Clare Watson, this world premiere production turns the Sydney Town Hall into a full-scale roller derby track for an epic mother-daughter story where theatre, sport, live music and immersive spectacle collide. ”
Where: Sydney Town Hall
When: 15 – 22 January
Recommended Age: 12+ (enforced)
Tickets: $49 – 109
Back to the Future
“Take an electrifying ride back in time with London’s Olivier Award-winning best new musical, adapted for the stage by the creators of the original movie trilogy. … Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future.”
Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre
When: Through 25 January
Recommended Age: 6+
Tickets: $65+
Free and Fun!
Creature
A free, drop-in experience. “The whole family is invited to adventure into the Australian bush through a 360-degree interactive play space. Created by Box of Birds, kids will be transported into a world of bounding kangaroos, playful wombats, and other native creatures that respond to you as you explore.” See our experience on Instagram
Selected dates/times through 10 January Dates/Times
Rhythm N Bubs
“Nurture your child’s love for music. Rhythm n Bubs is a FREE group activity tailored for little ones aged 0 to 5 years. … Explore the world of sound through playful activities, catchy tunes, and rhythmic adventures. From sing-alongs that spark imagination to hands-on percussion play, every session is crafted to inspire a love for music”
Where: Village Green, Darling Quarter
When: Wednesdays through 25 March
Recommended Age: 0-5
Free, drop-in
Waverider by Legs on the Wall
“Sydney physical theatre legends Legs On The Wall take surf culture to dizzying new heights, performing on a giant inflatable wave that rises and rolls with jaw-dropping acrobatics. From duck-dives, dumps and wipeouts to the joy of catching the perfect ride, WAVERIDER captures the classic moments that make summer at the beach unforgettable. Celebrating sun, sand, surf and the shimmering marine world beneath the breakers, this family-friendly adventure is the ultimate seaside spectacle. And the fun doesn’t stop when the performers take their final bow – the inflatable wave transforms into an enticing play zone, ready for everyone to enjoy.”
Where: Bondi Pavilion
When: 8 – 18 January
Playtime will follow each performance. Registrations for each play time session will be taken from 15 minutes prior to the start of each show.
Hive Festival – Art Gallery of NSW
“This summer, Hive Festival celebrates the power of play. Share in the fun of creativity with a range of art-making activities, music, storytelling and interactive tours across our campus. Featuring specially designed workshops and colourful activations by artist Kate Mitchell, you’ll find a surprise at every turn.”
When: 17 – 18 January
Free, drop in (see website for full schedule of events)
The Key’s Under the Mat
It’s a playground! It’s an art exhibit! Whatever it is, Mike Hewson’s “The Key’s Under the Mat” is a completely unique, free, drop-in experience at the Art Gallery of NSW’s Tank space. “Renowned for award-winning public projects that are at once artworks, play areas, and places to be, Hewson has reimagined the Tank as a combined park, playground, construction site, and commons – an anarchic and generous sculptural neighbourhood where visitors can meet, dwell, play, make, perform, explore and more.” More from our visit on Instagram
While you’re at the Art Gallery of NSW, other family-friendly exhibits include “It Takes a Village” (closing 18 January) and the participatory “The Patchwork Portal“. Plus, a stop into the Children’s Art Library is always a great idea.
Drop-in Craft and Tours at the State Library of NSW
Drop in to the John B Fairfax Learning Centre from 10a.m. – 3p.m. 12 January – 16 January for colour themed craft.
During the week of 19 January – 23 January, meet in the Mitchell Building Vestibule for family tours of the library. “Discover the transformation of the Macquarie Street Building and conclude with a visit to the Children’s Library.”
While at the State Library of NSW, be sure to stop into the exceptional The Curious World of Pamela Allen exhibition. (Our visit on Instagram)
Hands On Workshops
City of Wonder – Wildflower Edition
“An awe-inspiring, kid-built city blooming with preserved wildflower meadows and sensory spaces alive with colour and craft. Guided by Italian artist Raffaele Salvoldi, kids (and kids at heart) will transform 75,000 recycled-plastic planks into epic structures that spark creativity, teamwork, and sustainable design. From its sell-out Opera House debut to this bigger, brighter chapter, City of Wonder is where imagination takes shape.”
Where: Royal Botanic Garden
When: Through 31 January
Recommended Age: 3 – 12
Tickets: $25+
Create at the State Library of NSW
In addition to the free activities (above), families may book in for a couple of special workshops at the State Library of NSW.
Mirror frame making – ages 8 to 12 – 21 January
Mixing colour workshop – ages 6 to 10 – 22 January
Tickets: $10 (book via the links)
Celebrate Seaside living at the Maritime Museum
The Beach interactive space – “We invite you to The Beach – an exhibition and an all-ages play-and-chill-scape – for sun(less) summering where fun, art and, memory meet. Shimmering digital projections, a breezy soundscape, interactive rockpools and a soft, towering, sand(less) castle transforms the gallery into a summer world that is both recognisable and new. “
Kids on Deck Maker Space – Be inspired by all things beach culture this summer- as you enjoy art making and experiments with your family.
Tickets: Holiday period tickets to vessels, special exhibitions, play spaces and and permanent galleries – Adults: $40 / Children: $30 / Family: $99
Local Libraries
Local libraries are one of the best resources for summer artsploring! Summer reading challenge, anyone? Be sure to check out the offerings at your local library, which might include workshops, craft, reading activities – and, importantly, a nice and cool (and free!) place to escape the summer heat.
Happy summer artsploring, Sydney! We’ll be attending some of the events listed, so follow along on Instagram for reviews, as well as book ideas and more.
And, if you need some summer tunes, have a listen to our family playlist of Summer Songs on Spotify.