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

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!

Little Murmur

9 – 10 August 2024

Ages 7+

Little Murmur is a new international dance theatre performance featuring groundbreaking projections, an extraordinary soundscape and a blizzard of paper and confetti. Dance and humour combine to explores living with dyslexia and the warped and exaggerated realities of being in a world you struggle to process.

Edward the Emu

27 September – 6 October 2024

Ages 4+

Edward is bored with his lot. Being the only emu at the zoo has him feeling glum and thinking perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Is life more fun for the seals or the lions or the snakes? Join Edward on his grand adventure of self-discovery as he explores the world outside of his enclosure and makes a very special friend along the way, Edwina the Emu.

Big Sky

Flying Fruit Fly Circus

28 September – 5 October 2024

Ages 4+

Big Sky unfolds over a single night, from sunset to dawn and follows 12 unforgettable characters as they look forward to their futures, show off, get spooked, prank each other and get up to mischief. Featuring the phenomenal circus skills of the world-renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus in a show performed by kids, for kids.

WARU – Journey of the Small Turtle

Bangarra Dance Theatre

9 – 10 October 2024

Ages 3+

In Bangarra’s first dedicated work for children, join our heroine Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru – journey of the small turtle is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance for ages 3+.

What the Ocean Said

9 – 10 November 2024

Ages 4+

What The Ocean Said is a live experience for children aged 4+ and their grown-ups. A specially commissioned new storytelling and meditation experience with digital projections. This is a sensory world of vivid storytelling, dreamy electronic music, animation, and the wonder of our Sydney harbour.

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!

Spot

28 September – 1 October

Spot and his friends are off on a new adventure to visit Spot’s Dad on the farm and meet the farm animals. But when they arrive, all the animals are lost! Can Spot and his friends find them all? They might need a little help from their new friends in the audience…

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.

The Gruffalo

7 – 10 October

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?

Dog Man the Musical

11 – 13 October

With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture.

But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime??

Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters.

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.

ARC by Erth

31 August 2024

Ages 5+ years

Showcasing exquisite puppetry, an enigmatic host, audience interaction and a world of rare and exotic animals, ARC is a profound experience that embraces the natural world and the creatures that cohabit this place we call Earth. ARC presents intimate, magical encounters with rare and vulnerable species, raising important questions about our collective and individual relationship with nature and loss.

The Librarian

8 October – 9 October

At first glance, Paul-Émile Dumoulin seems like just a regular librarian. He is serious, proud and very orderly. Every book is in its place on his impeccable shelves. The only problem? As soon as Paul-Émile gets his nose in a book, reality disappears, giving way to the slightly crazy worlds he discovers between the pages. On his adventures, the very sensible librarian metamorphoses. He suddenly turns into strange and silly characters who perform acrobatics, balancing, juggling, breakdancing and beatboxing.

The Gruffalo

16 October – 19 October 2024

Ages 3+ and their adults

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.

Gold

15 – 17 August 2024

Age recommendation 6+

Told entirely through the dance form of ballet, Gold is a journey through Australia’s early migrant history and incorporates bush characters based on Indigenous flora and fauna, in an accessible, non-verbal mode of performance that will delight and engage.

Snow White

7 – 15 September 2024

Interactive and hilarious yet heartfelt and imaginative! This show ticks all of those boxes in style. It is good old-fashioned fun with a modern twist that will leave the whole family wanting more. The biggest difference between a panto and musical theatre is the audience participation. A Panto is known for its interactive style and humour that appeals to everyone from ages 3 — 103! You are encouraged to cheer as much as you are encouraged to Boo!

Imagine Live

25 September – 3 October 2024

Recommended age 5+

Alison Lester’s iconic best seller, brought to life. This show is a joyous celebration of the natural world that will follow you home and live in your heart for years to come. Beautiful, entertaining and meaningful, IMAGINE LIVE is a celebration of the profound transformative power of creativity. The show is a reminder that connection, imagination and play are essential ingredients for life! The environmental themes invite us to look beyond our backyards into a shared and richly beautiful world together.

Pevan and Sarah

11 November 2024

This 50-minute adventure will delight with music, laughter, and pure joy as the big friendly tiger and his spirited sidekick ignite the stage. Audiences will sing, learn, and giggle their way through the spectacle, as their little minds are blown by seeing this dynamic duo in the flesh (and fur)!

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.

Shows to come

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.

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.

Emma Memma Boop & Twirl Tour

13 October

ARIA award-winning children’s musical spectacular, Emma Memma is heading back out on her big, bright, orange Butterfly Bus to tour around the country bringing the Boop and Twirl Tour to Aussie families far and wide. Children across Australia will get to sing, dance and sign with Emma Memma, Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly, Waffles the Wombat and more!

Families will be treated to a sprinkling of Emma Memma’s classic songs on the Boop and Twirl Tour as well as new favourites like ‘Pasta Necklace’, ‘Twirl Twirl with Emma’ and ‘Boop on the Nose’ that are all featured on Emma Memma’s YouTube Channel here and the new ‘Twirly Tunes’ album.

Qudos Bank Arena

Qudos Bank Arena is a world-class venue known for its state-of-the-art facilities and large seating capacity, accommodating up to 21,000 patrons. Located at Edwin Flack Avenue in Sydney Olympic Park, it hosts a wide range of events, including concerts, sports matches, and family-friendly shows, making it a popular destination for entertainment enthusiasts of all ages.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party

3 – 4 August 2024

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live™ Glow Party™ presented by BIG W brings audiences the only opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster truck toys in the DARK Mega Wrex™, Tiger Shark™, Demo Derby™, Bone Shaker™, Bigfoot®, Gunkster™, and the brand new HW 5-Alarm™, the fire truck hero of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up the floor in outrageous monster trucks competitions and battles.

Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney

Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens provides a stunning natural backdrop for outdoor theatre, offering a serene and picturesque setting that enhances the theatrical experience for families. The gardens’ lush greenery, open spaces, and tranquil ambience create a magical atmosphere, ideal for immersing audiences of all ages in the beauty of nature while enjoying live performances.

Tinkerbell and Dream Fairies

28 September – 13 October 2024

Step into a world of wonder with the magical fairies on their thrilling musical journey!

Join the adventurous Tinkerbell as she teams up with the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Together with the mischievous Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, brave Cobweb, and sweet Peaseblossom, they embark on a dazzling quest to find Tinkerbell’s lost wings.

Bring your family for an unforgettable experience where everyone is invited to dress up and join the fun! Whether you come as a fairy, an elf, a Jedi, a pirate, or even a superhero, there’s a sparkling adventure waiting for you. Don’t miss the special visit to ‘Bubble Land’ and help Tinkerbell and her fairy friends on their magical mission!

ICC Theatre

With its central location in Darling Harbour, the ICC theatre attracts a diverse range of audiences and offers a dynamic space for various performances, conferences, and events, making it a premier destination for entertainment in Sydney.

PAW Patrol Live!

10 – 11 August

When Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found on the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race, the PAW Patrol come to the rescue. Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma, and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and to run the race in her place.

Featuring a cast of everybody’s favourite PAW Patrol characters and presented by TEG Life Like Touring, VStar Entertainment Group, and Nickelodeon, PAW Patrol Live! shows that ‘no job is too big, no pup is too small’ and shares lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills, and problem-solving as the characters each use their unique skills and teamwork. Join Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma, Skye, and Everest, as they take to the stage across Australia in 2024.

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!

Hamilton

from July 2024

HAMILTON is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honour, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

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.

Sister Act

August – September 2024

Disco diva Deloris’ life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a murder. Placed under protective custody she is hidden in the one place she shouldn’t be found – a convent! Encouraged to help the struggling choir, she helps her fellow sisters find their true voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own.