Looking for creative ways to keep the kids engaged during the school holidays this winter in Sydney? We’re featuring a range of arts-based activities happening around the city. From theatre performances and art workshops to gallery programs and music events, you’ll find a variety of options to help families explore and enjoy the arts together during the break.
On Stage
The Gruffalo’s Child
“Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in this magical musical adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved picture book.”
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 5 – 7 July
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $39+
The Twits
“Roald Dahl’s gruesome twosome The Twits return to our stage these school holidays to delight and disgust in equal measure. Unmissable fun for all the family packed with Dahlicious mischief, hilarious mayhem and big belly laughs!”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 5 – 19 July
Recommended Age: 5+
Tickets: $39.95 – $64.95
BullyBully
“Award-winning joyous physical theatre for children and families featuring hilarious quarrels, catchy songs and bickering banter.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 4 – 12 July
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $39
Mystique: A Journey Beyond Reality
“Internationally acclaimed illusionist and Australia’s Got Talent Finalist Michael Boyd brings his spectacular illusion show “Mystique” to The State Theatre. Featuring some of the world’s most impressive illusions, jaw-dropping escapes, levitations, transformations, special effects and mind blowing disappearances, Boyd’s incredible production will surprise and delight.”
Where: State Theatre
When: 11 July
Tickets: $59 – $69
Magic Beach
“Every year, an everyday family go on a beach holiday. This isn’t just any beach – it’s Magic Beach, where everything you can imagine becomes real. But this year is different. As the eldest child begins to grow up, does she have to leave the magic behind? Alison Lester AM’s classic book comes to life on stage in a wonderful world of text, song, light, shadow and movement for children aged 3-8 and their adults.” Read our review of the inaugural season of Magic Beach here.
Where: Seymour Centre
When: 11 – 13 July
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: $34.50 – $44
The Princess and the Pea (And the Brave Escape)
“This stunning theatrical production comes alive with classical music performed live by ACO musicians. It’s perfect for audiences of all ages who need a reminder that they can be brave, even if they feel scared of the unknown.”
Where: ACO on the Pier
When: 13 – 20 July
Recommended Age: 3 – 10 July
Tickets: $39
Josephine Wants to Dance
“This delightful stage adaptation, presented by Monkey Baa Theatre Company, brings to life the inspiring story of Josephine – a kangaroo who dreams of dancing. Despite what her brother Joey says – that kangaroos hop, not dance – Josephine pirouettes and pliés her way through Shaggy Gully, determined to follow her passion. When a visiting ballet troupe’s prima ballerina is injured just before curtain-up, Josephine leaps at the chance to prove her talent. But can a kangaroo really perform centre stage? And does it even matter what others expect of you, when you believe in yourself?” Read our review of the inaugural season of Josephine Wants to Dance here.
Recommended Age: 4 – 9
The Concourse (Chatswood) – 16 – 17 July
The Coliseum Theatre (Rooty Hill) – 19 July
A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings
” Showcasing the imaginative world of Gabriel García Márquez, this Australian premiere takes audiences 8+ on a journey of magic realism. Told through the perspective of two young people who share a fable about a very old man with enormous wings, this Irish production by Dan Colley and Riverbank Arts Centre uses music, puppetry and live video to unfold the story.”
Where: Sydney Opera House
When: 16 – 17 August
Recommended Age: 8+
Tickets: $39 – $45
Wolfgang in the Stars
“Join the boy-genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as he embarks on an interstellar journey to seek inspiration for his beloved early masterpiece Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. As he floats through the wonders of zero-gravity, he encounters a cast of quirky characters from dancing space dinosaurs to zany aliens – every moment is packed with laughter and excitement. “
Where: Riverside Theatres (Parramatta)
When: 17 – 19 July
Recommended Age: 3+
Tickets: From $29
Music
Peter and the Wolf
“One of the most popular children’s concerts of all time, Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf will enchant, entertain and educate audiences both young and old. Start the winter school holidays with an amazing musical journey along with Peter and his Grandfather, the Bird, Cat, Duck, the Hunters, and of course the big, bad, Wolf. Children will look, learn, see and hear each of the musical instruments that represent the different characters of this timeless story.”
Where: Petersham Town Hall
When: 5 – 6 July
Recommended Age: 6 months – 9 years
Tickets: $20+
The Mik Maks
“YouTube sensations and family band, The Mik Maks are performing at Club Central Menai. Brothers Al and Joel, Joel’s daughter Ava and lovable friend Drums the Panda perform their live shows all across the country. Chances are you’re one of their 7.7 million YouTube subscribers. However, the real magic still happens at a Mik Mak live show.”
Where: Club Central Menai
When: 15 July
Tickets: $18
Museums and Galleries
Art Gallery of NSW
Visit the Art Gallery of NSW over the school holidays to see the Archibald Prize (ticketed – kids under 12 are free), and be sure to see the amazing young artists in the Young Archies while you’re there.
Workshops and activities available include –
Workshop: Creative Cityscapes (paid, bookings required) – 15 – 16 July
NAIDOC Week Storytime for Under 5s (free, drop-in) – 11 and 18 July
Drop-in Workshop: Busy Bees (free, no bookings) – 5 – 20 July
Drop-in Workshop: Happy Birthday 2U2 (free, no bookings) – through 17 August
National Maritime Museum
In addition to big ships and underwarter exploration, the National Maritime Museum has some of the best maker spaces in town. Their Kids On Deck creative space runs daily during school holidays, as well as building in the Great Southern LEGO Reef. These activities are included with paid passes (details on the website).
Museum of Contemporary Art
Join us at the Museum these July school holidays and add your creativity to a supersized net weaving. Drop in any time between 10am–2pm to thread, loop and weave with a myriad of colours, inspired by Cerith Wyn Evans …. in light of the visible.
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art
When: 16 – 19 July
Free, no bookings required
Workshops
City of Wonder
“A collaborative workshop led by acclaimed Italian designer Raffaele Salvoldi in partnership with Sydney’s Kidwonder. In this immersive session, children and their families will co-create original cityscapes using over 30,000 planks made from 100% recycled plastic that was destined for landfill. Through play-based exploration, children will experiment and create while discovering how sustainability, teamwork and imagination can produce something bigger than themselves.”
Where: Sydney Opera House Centre for Creativity
When: 10 – 18 July
Recommended Age: Sessions for Families (4+) and Kids Only (10 – 14)
Tickets: $10
Collage Workshops at Museum of Sydney
“Join the Sydney Collage Society for a hands-on workshop inspired by Joan Ross’s immersive digital artwork Let’s Party Like It’s 1815, currently on display at the Museum of Sydney.”
Where: Museum of Sydney
When: 15 and 16 July
Entry fee: $15
Recommended Age: 8+
Libraries
State Library NSW
NAIDOC Week Activity Centre – “We’re celebrating NAIDOC Week with loads of fun activities in our beautiful Learning Centre. “
When: 7 – 11 July
Free, drop-in
Family Tours – “Join us for a tour of the beautiful Mitchell building these school holidays. “
When: 14 – 18 July, 11a.m.
Free, Meet in the Mitchell Library vestibule
Local Libraries
Be sure to check your local library for free and low cost activities during the school holidays.