The Best Kids Shows in Sydney This Year

Creativity inspires creativity. With this in mind, planning at least one or two theatre shows, musicals, or stage shows for kids across the year has been an important tradition for families. From enchanting fairy tales to interactive adventures, Sydney’s vibrant theatre scene offers a plethora of opportunities for children to experience the magic of live performance and ignite their imagination.

It will come as no surprise to hear that Sydney plays host to an array of theatre shows designed especially for kids each and every Sydney school holidays. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the Monkey Baa Theatre in Darling Harbour, Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre and Sydney University’s Seymour Centre you are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a location to head to during the break. Just make sure to book early – some of these shows book out in advance.

So what are the best kids’ shows to see this year? Fortunately, we have a diverse lineup of enchanting performances tailored for young audiences in Sydney. To make it easy, you can find shows by theatre or by month.

The Best Theatre Shows in Sydney for Kids

Table of Contents

Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is responsible for weaving a love of theatre into my children’s veins. It was the very first place we took them to introduce them to stage productions, and it has always sparked their curiosity and imagination. Of course, it’s iconic architecture and location doesn’t hurt! We also highly recommend booking a Sydney Opera House tour for families where you can explore behind the scenes and discover the inner sanctum!

Operation Ouch! Live : Quest for the Jurassic Fart

On 20 and 21 January 2025, a 2.7m T-Rex, (who does anatomically correct farts and has its own trailer), will be visiting the Sydney Opera House for Operation Ouch’s new school holiday show, Quest for the Jurassic Fart!

Here, TV’s favourite, Oxford University-trained doctors and identical twin brothers, Chris and Xand van Tulleken, will perform all-new crazy experiments and mind-blowing illusions from their BAFTA award-winning show, Operation Ouch!

Held in the Concert Hall for everyone aged 5+, the doctors explore the age of dinosaurs like never before, with all-new crazy experiments, on a quest to find the most important fart in history!

When: Monday 20 January & Tuesday 21 January
Where: Concert Hall
Ages: 5+
Tickets: Tickets from $49 + $8.95 booking fee
Duration: 80 minutes

Dungeons & Dragons: The Twenty-Sided Tavern

Dungeons & Dragons The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an interactive adventure live on stage. Control the quest as you journey through an ever-changing campaign set in the heart of the Forgotten Realms. Find a new home at the Tavern, where laughter flows like ale and your new best companion is beside you.

Every decision is yours, and no two stories are the same. Will your choices help restore the magic of the Forgotten Realms? Or will the world of your story crumble into chaos? Gather your party, roll for initiative, and become a hero in a theatrical experience like nothing else in the world.

When: Now until 9 March 2025
Where: In the Studio
Ages: Suitable for audiences aged 12+
Tickets: from $69.00
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes including a 20-minute interval.

Cinderella (Cendrillon)

You know the fairy tale, now feel the magic of Laurent Pelly’s whimsical production of Cinderella. After packed-out runs at the Metropolitan Opera of New York and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, this acclaimed staging of Cinderella makes a grand Australian debut.

Massenet’s classic opera has long delighted audiences with its sumptuous music and big heart. This production adds a delightful dash of humour with playful choreography and extravagant costumes in outrageous shapes and sizes. Barbara de Limburg’s extraordinary set is a pop-up storybook world inspired by an original illustrated edition of the fairy tale, complete with fold-out balcony and paper-cut carriage.

When: Now until 28 March 2025
Where: Joan Sutherland Theatre
Ages: Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied at all times.
Tickets: from $49.00
Duration: This performance will run for approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including one interval.

The Seymour Centre

Located in Chippendale, the Seymour Centre is the University of Sydney’s very own theatre and is committed to showcasing diverse and innovative productions making it an ideal venue for introducing children to the magic of theatre. If you are heading in by car, I recommend pre-booking your parking!

The 78 Storey Treehouse

Andy and Terry’s treehouse just keeps on growing. With yet another 13 levels, it’s now got a Scribbletorium, a high-security potato chip storage facility (guarded by one very angry duck!) and even an open-air movie theatre.

Speaking of movies, our friends are going to be famous! The legendary Mr Big Shot has arrived to make a Hollywood blockbuster! But when his first step is to fire Andy and replace him with a monkey – well, a gibbon named Mel Gibbon – the battle is on. Will the Treehouse Blockbuster ever get made? Who will win the battle of Andy and Terry? And why are those mysterious spy cows turning up everywhere?

When: 29 January – 2 February
Where: Seymour Centre
Ages: Recommended for ages 6+.
Tickets: $47.00
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes with no interval.

110% Ready

This brand-new show is all about the joys of the average morning routine: sleeping through the alarm, not having any milk, fishing dirty clothes out of the hamper, burning the toast, and then finding the front door is glued shut, the shower won’t switch off, and the house is filling with water.

When: 26 – 27 June
Where: Seymour Centre
Ages: Suitable for students in years K – 6
Tickets: $34.00
Duration: Approximately 55 minutes with no interval.

Imagine Live

Based on Australian author Alison Lester’s bestselling book, IMAGINE LIVE is a beautiful and interactive performance exploring themes around creativity, friendship and the natural world, inspiring audiences to see the world around them in new and surprising ways. At its heart, the show reminds us that creativity is a muscle that loves to be stretched – it helps us to become smart and resilient human beings, and we need this now more than ever.

When: 31 July – 1 August
Where: Seymour Centre
Ages: Suitable for students in years K – 4
Tickets: $34.00
Duration: Approximately 55 minutes with no interval.

Glen Street Theatre

The Glen Street Theatre, nestled in the picturesque Northern Beaches of Sydney, is renowned for its captivating family theatre offerings. With a focus on fostering creativity and imagination, Glen Street Theatre is a perfect destination for families looking to experience the enchantment of live theatre in a charming coastal setting.

Josephine Wants to Dance

A hilarious musical about the importance of believing in yourself and realising your dreams and… a dancing kangaroo! Based on the picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley, this delightful musical is a must-see!

Josephine is a kangaroo who loves to dance. Her little brother, Joey, tells her kangaroos don’t dance, they hop – but Josephine continues to point her toes and leap through the air. When a ballet troupe comes to the sleepy town of Shaggy Gully, Josephine desperately wants to dance like the ballerinas in pink tutus and silk ballet shoes. On the day of the first performance, the Ballet Company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle, and the understudy has a splinter in her toe.

Who can dance the lead role? Josephine’s talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she’s a kangaroo?

When: Friday 14 March – Wednesday 19 March 2025
Ages: Recommended for ages 4+
Tickets: $40.00. Family pass $150.00
Duration: 50 mins (no interval)

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

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. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the production features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets, including the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar – and an Australian cast who bring these beloved books to life on stage.

When: Friday 02 May – Sunday 04 May 2025
Ages: Recommended ages 18 months+
Tickets: $40.00. Family Pass $150.00
Duration: Approx. 60 minutes (no interval)

You Are a Doughnut!

Join biology teachers Oesoph A. Gus and Dewey Dean as they embark upon an utterly brilliant all-singing, all-dancing (and all-clowning!) exploration of every twisting tube and remarkable organ —with sketches, songs, and sensational science. Along the way you’ll encounter a frenzy of enzyme-powered ping pong balls, sing along with a rainbow collection of poop puppets, and witness the weirdest poetry performance you’ve ever seen.

When: Monday 26 May – Tuesday 27 May 2025
Ages: Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets: $40.00. Family pass $150.00
Duration: Approx 60 minutes no interval

Ratburger

Zoe lives with her dad and a stepmother who ignores her, the school bully makes her life a misery, and now, her pet hamster has died! When she befriends a loveable dancing rat named Dapper, things start looking up – but the evil Burt from Burt’s Burgers is cooking up an awful plan…

When: Thursday 05 June – Saturday 07 June 2025
Ages: Recommended ages 6+
Tickets: $40.00. Family pass $150.00
Duration: Approx 60 minutes no interval

Beetle by Legs On The Wall

An instant Australian classic, Beetle tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for his Family, the now elusive Christmas Beetle. The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood.

A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. Reminding us of the delicate balance of the natural world and that all things are connected.

This charming, nostalgic and uniquely Australian show invites children and families to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment.

When: Saturday 26 July – Saturday 26 July 2025
Ages: Recommended ages 6+
Tickets: $40.00. Family pass $150.00
Duration: Approx 50 minutes no interval

The Gruffalo’s Child

If you loved The Gruffalo, don’t miss the sequel, which returns following previous sell-out 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.

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the deep dark wood. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… does he?

When: Tuesday 19 August – Wednesday 20 August 2025
Ages: Recommended ages 3+
Tickets: $40.00. Family pass $150.00
Duration: Approx 55 minutes no interval

Parramatta Riverside Theatre

Located in Parramatta, the Riverside Theatre is a prominent destination for family-friendly theatre experiences in Sydney. Its central location in Western Sydney makes it easily accessible for families to enjoy a variety of captivating performances suitable for all ages. With a commitment to promoting cultural enrichment and entertainment, Riverside Theatre offers an ideal venue for introducing children to the enchanting world of live theatre while immersing them in the vibrant arts scene of Parramatta.

The Box Show

n the hands of Junkyard Beats, ordinary household items are transformed into extraordinary musical instruments and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways!

We follow four characters during their daily activities in a world made of cardboard boxes and junk. The contents of an abandoned kitchen and wheelie bins become the greatest drum set in the world: plastic bags are an amazing musical instrument and the human body becomes a unique sound machine.

Tag along for a day in the life of a bunch of musical misfits as they reinvigorate the junk that the world has forgotten.

Learn about sustainability with this high energy, imaginative music-in-education performance combining drumming, dance, theatre and comedy. With a language of gibberish and rhythm, this show is accessible to people of all ages!

When: 21 – 23 January 2024
Ages: Age recommendation 5+
Tickets: From $32.00
Duration: Approx. 1 hr 10 mins

You’re An Instrument

You’re in Instrument is an engaging performance for kids aged 5-12, featuring two scientists who take students on a wild interactive ride where every movement, thought and emotion becomes music.

Contrasting ancient acoustic sounds with the very latest electronic technological breakthroughs, this is a fun, magical (and sometimes scary!) performance where the audience shapes the story, shakes their bodies, and makes music together!

When: 16 – 17 April 2025
Ages: Age recommendations 5 to 12 years
Tickets: from $22.50
Duration: Approx. 45 mins

Mr Snotbottom

A hilariously disgusting 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 weird kids 5 and up and their even weirder parents! Mr Snotbottom will transport families on a roller-coaster of ridiculousness where they can howl, groan and roar with delight together!

When: 22 – 24 April 2025
Ages: Age recommendation 5 – 12 years
Tickets: from $26.00
Duration: Approx. 50 minutes plus a Meet & Greet

The Princess, The Pea, (and the Brave Escapee)

This stunning theatrical production comes alive with classical music performed live by ACO musicians.

Isabella was born with everything. Daughter of the grandest king, surrounded by the greatest wealth, held in the highest castle. Her life was big, bold and brash, but Isabella notices the small, beautiful things… from the way frogs hold their breath in the pond, to how sand feels between her toes at the beach. Her life is easy, but Isabella is not content, and dreams of escaping palace life.

One day, in the midst of a storm, when everyone is looking elsewhere, she finds her chance. With all the courage she can muster, she sets out to uncover the magic the world holds. Her amazing super senses guide her on a journey filled with daring feats and surprising friendships.

When: 30 April – 3 May 2025
Ages: Age Recommendation 3 -10
Tickets: from $32.00
Duration: Approx. 45 mins including Q & A

The Proudfoot and Friends

Join award-winning children’s performer Lucas Proudfoot on stage with his guitar, stomp box, didgeridoo and a cast of unforgettable characters on a non-stop musical adventure around Pelican Bay.

You’ll meet wise, respected elder Aunty May, cheeky best friends Ned and Sis’ and all their magical animal friends, like Hopa-tee-woo Kangaroo, Boompa-tee-moo Emu, Big-Gulp Pelican and everyone’s favourite Ruby the Frog! But watch out for Cane Toad Bill and Fruit Bat Charlie from Smelly Mud Swamp – those shady characters are always up to no good…

When: 20 – 21 May 2025
Ages: Recommended Ages 3-7 years
Tickets: from $32.00
Duration: Approx. 45 mins

Sydney Coliseum Theatre

The Sydney Coliseum Theatre, situated in Rooty Hill, is a premier destination for family-friendly theatre experiences. Its central location makes it easily accessible for families to enjoy a diverse range of captivating performances suitable for all ages. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to showcasing world-class entertainment, the Sydney Coliseum Theatre offers an ideal venue for introducing children to the magic of live theatre while immersing them in the dynamic cultural scene of Western Sydney.

Swan Lake on Ice

With Tchaikovsky’s glorious music, exhilarating new choreography from leading ice director Tony Mercer, and dazzling costumes, this innovative portrayal of the classic love story will take your breath away.

The 23 Olympic, World, European and National Championship level skaters, who between them hold more than 250 competition medals, take contemporary ice dance to a new level with their daring and graceful feats – some of which are so complex they haven’t yet been named – performed in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

When: Now until 19 January 2025
Ages: all ages
Tickets: from $69.90

The Wiggles Bouncing Balls Tour

Before they embark on their global tour, The Wiggles are bringing their brand new Bouncing Balls! show to the shores of Australia!

Experience the magic of this interactive and engaging live show experience set to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning through The Wiggles signature mix of entertainment and education.

Get ready to sing, dance & wiggle in this high energy musical extravaganza featuring all 8 Wiggles including OG Blue Wiggle Anthony, Simon, Lachy, Tsehay, John, Lucia, Caterina & Evie. Plus all our Wiggly friends including Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, Captain Feathersword and TikTok sensation The Tree of Wisdom!

When: 26 and 27 April 2025
Ages: all ages (but best suited to infants and preschoolers)
Tickets: $40.40

Peppa Pig Live! Peppa’s Fun Day Out

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party – it’s going to be an exciting and fun packed day. Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans, and a perfect introduction to theatre.

When: 17 – 18 May 2025
Tickets: from $36.90

Josephine Wants to Dance

On the day of the first performance, the Ballet Company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle, and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine’s talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she’s a kangaroo?

When: 19 July 2025
Tickets: from $34.00

The Concourse

The Concourse theatre is a prominent cultural hub that offers a wide range of family-friendly theatre experiences. Its location in Chatswood provides easy access for families to enjoy diverse and captivating performances suitable for all ages. With state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to showcasing top-notch entertainment, The Concourse is an ideal venue for introducing children to the world of live theatre.

Andy and the Odd Socks

20 January 2025

Featuring a host of popular songs from their much loved TV series “Andy and the Band”, children’s TV megastar Andy Day (Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures, Andy Safari Adventures) along with Moxy, Rio, Blu and Cousin Mac deliver a hilarious, uplifting, fun live performance that not only has songs for everyone to sing along to, but also has a positive message to be yourself and proud of who you are. Being an Odd Sock means digging your differences, bigging-up your bizarre bits, taking on the world AND helping everyone else in the world be whatever kind of Odd Sock they want to be too.

Josephine Wants to Dance

When: 16 – 17 July 2025
Ages: Recommended ages 4+
Tickets: from $38.00
Duration: 50 mins (no interval)

Pavilion Performing Arts Centre

The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland is a state-of-the-art venue with seating for 686 patrons. It serves as a hub for local performing arts companies and offers a diverse selection of Australian and international entertainment, highlighted by the exceptional design by architects CHROFI and NBRS Architecture.

The Mik Maks Big Show

Five years ago, brothers Joel and Al decided to write a kids song simply just to entertain their own children. Fast forward to 2024 and they are one of the most sought-after Australian kids’ bands, with over 3 million streams daily, and 7.7 million YouTube subscribers and 75k monthly Spotify listens. The real magic however will happen at the live show.

Join Al and Joel, Joel’s daughter Ava and loveable friend Drums the Panda for a 50-minute musical extravaganza that’s perfect for children aged 2-8 years, specifically written for their Sutherland-Shire fanbase.

When: 13 April 2025
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland
Tickets: $29.00. Family of 4 – $106
Duration: 50 minutes

Velveteen Rabbit

This is a show where the toys are in charge on stage and your own special guest toy is a VIP. One of those rare stories that dare to tease out complex themes of love, loss and change in a way that allows children to connect with them, Velveteen Rabbit is about a toy rabbit who becomes real…but how did it happen?

When: 17 April 2025
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland
Tickets: $29.00. Family of 4 – $106
Duration: 60 minutes

You Are a Doughnut

A biological-musical-comedy-adventure – that explores the ins and outs of the human digestive system! Wait, we thought this was about doughnuts!?

It’s true, you ARE a doughnut! Join biology teachers Oesoph A. Gus and Dewey Dean as they take kids on an utterly brilliant, singing and dancing exploration of the human body, with silly sketches, songs and sensational science!

Along the way, you’ll encounter a frenzy of enzyme-powered ping pong balls, sing along with a rainbow collection of poop puppets, and witness the weirdest poetry performance you’ve ever seen.

When: 3 June 2025
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland
Tickets: $29.00.
Duration: 1 hour

The Gruffalo’s Child

The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…

When: 25 – 26 July 2025
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland
Tickets: $39.00. Family of 4 – $136
Duration: 55 minutes

Josephine Wants to Dance

On the day of the first performance the Ballet Company is in trouble. The prima ballerina twists her ankle and the understudy has a splinter in her toe. Who can dance the lead role? Josephine’s talents are called upon to help save the day. Can she do it, and more importantly, does it matter that she’s a kangaroo?

When: 2 September 2025
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland
Ages: Recommended for ages 4 – 9
Tickets: $39.00. Family of 4 – $136
Duration: 50 minutes

Cirque Nouvelle

This world-class line up of circus performers have combined their acrobatic, juggling, aerial and balancing talents to create a show like no other. Led by a quirky ringmaster struggling with a fear common among us all, change, Cirque Nouvelle explores the elemental theme of old versus new and how circus has changed over the years from the classic ‘Big Top’ featuring performing animals to the now modern day circus’ headlining in state of the art theatres

around the world with extravagant technology, lighting and costuming.

When: 11 October 2025
Where: The Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland
Ages: May contain strobing, flashing lights, smoke, haze and fog effects.
Tickets: $45.00 child. $65.00 adult. Family of 4 – $210
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Australian Shakespeare Company

The company began its journey in 1987 under the name Shakespeare Under the Stars, founded by Glenn Elston, a visionary who brought outdoor theatre to Australia. As Artistic Director and Producer of the Australian Shakespeare Company (ASC) since 1998, Glenn has grown the organization into the largest independent theatre company in Australia. Over the past three decades, Glenn’s award-winning outdoor productions of Shakespeare’s plays and The Wind in the Willows have captivated over a million people across the country.

The Wind in the Willows

Celebrating over 35 years in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and 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.

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!

When: Now until 25 January 2025
Where: The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Tickets: $30.00 each. Family of 4 $110.00
Duration: Approximately 1 Hour 30 Mins (No interval).

Alice in Wonderland

Tumble down the rabbit hole and join Alice on her amazing journey through Wonderland!

Experience an adventure like no other this school holidays as Lewis Carroll’s absurd & wickedly clever classic is stunningly stunningly lifted right from the pages. Your favourite assortment of curious characters are all waiting for you… So come along to this enchanting world of song, dance & interactive games that will have the whole family dizzy & giddy with nonsense!

When: 12 – 27 April 2025
Where: The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
Tickets: $30.00 each. Family of 4 $110.00

Sydney Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre is located within the iconic Star Entertainment complex in Pyrmont, the theatre’s opulent design and advanced technical capabilities create an immersive and captivating experience for audiences, making it a prominent destination for top-notch entertainment in the city. We also grab an icecream at Messina before we head inside!

Back to the Future

Details coming soon

State Theatre

The State Theatre Sydney is an iconic performance theatre renowned for its grandeur and historic charm, hosting a wide range of world-class productions including musicals, concerts, and ballet performances. Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the theatre’s opulent design, including its famous Grand Staircase and intricate decorations, creates a captivating and immersive atmosphere for audiences, making it a prestigious destination for top-notch entertainment in the city.

No current shows for kids

Capitol Theatre

With its ornate architecture and central location in Haymarket, the Capitol Theatre provides an immersive setting for acclaimed performances, making it a cherished destination for diverse and captivating entertainment in the city.