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!
A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
A magic-realist gem of theatre and storytelling for all ages from Ireland, using a combination of music, puppetry and live video projection. Inspired by the story by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
When: 16 – 17 August 2025
Where: In the Studio, Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 8+
Tickets: From $35.00
Duration: The duration of this event is 45 minutes.
Moss Piglet
Playful and thrilling, Moss Piglet is an epic new work for families about how even the tiniest of things can be the strongest. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the microscopic world of the tardigrade… perhaps you’ve heard of them?
When: 27 – 28 September 2025
Where: In the Studio, Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 5+
Tickets: From $31.00
Duration: The duration of this event is 45 minutes.
Murmur
For the first time in Australia, join Murmur’s visual circus and a multi-sensory acrobatic sound composition! This is an imaginative performance for everyone who sometimes longs to be more than just human.
Camiel is building a world full of sounds. A purring cat comes from a pocket, a swarm of bees flies through the air, and two arms create the sound of cars. Far away, you hear a finger squeaking on a window. Sea becomes wind becomes breath.
Surrounded by the audience, Camiel jumps, falls, rolls and flies in his attempt to compose the world. Suddenly, the audience’s backpacks start to buzz and everything and everyone becomes part of a swirl of sounds in a loudspeaker landscape.
When: 1 – 8 October 2025
Where: In the Studio, Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 4+
Tickets: From $38
Duration: This performance runs for approximately 50 minutes.
Mario the Maker Magician
Contagiously upbeat and full of heart, the ever-innovative Mario the Maker Magician leads you through an explosion of handmade art and robot magic for all ages. He’s “magic’s punk rock Peter Pan philosopher!” Do what you love, use what you have and have fun!
When: 2 – 12 October 2025
Where: In the Playhouse, Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 4+
Tickets: From $35.95
Duration: This performance runs for approximately 60 minutes.
What the Ocean Said
Join creativity and wellness for young children, with our specially commissioned 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.
When: 11 – 12 October 2025
Where: In the Centre for Creativity | Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 4+ |
Tickets: $25.00
Duration: The duration of this event is 60 minutes.
Where is the Green Sheep?
For the first time on the stage, Monkey Baa Theatre Company brings the theatrical adaptation of beloved Australian classic to life; Mem Fox’s and Judy Horacek’s Where is the Green Sheep?
When: 10 – 21 December 2025
Where: In the Playhouse | Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 1+
Tickets: From $25.00
Duration: This performance runs for approximately 45 minutes.
Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker
Share the joy of Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker, an interactive ballet experience for children aged three years and older.
With an enchanting score and charming story, this beloved ballet transports audiences into the traditional festive fairytale.
When: 18 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Where: Drama Theatre
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Tickets: from $65.00
Duration: 55 minutes
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!
When: 4 – 12 January 2026
Where: Playhouse
Ages: Suitable for 2+
Tickets: from $41.00
Duration: 60 minutes, no interval
Rothar
In the little bike shop at the end of town, a world of adventure awaits.
Miquel and Moisés arrive for work in a bicycle repair shop, which quickly becomes a workshop of their imagination. Adventures follow the two boys as they create scenarios, spark joy and transform everyday objects from their small bike shop to imaginatively travel to places they can only dream of.
Through Branar’s gorgeous design, brilliant physical comedy and the power of play, discover where creativity can take us.
When: 14 – 18 January 2026
Where: Playhouse
Ages: Suitable for 4+
Tickets: from $39.00
Duration: 45 minutes, no 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!
Dog Man the Musical
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??
When: 10 – 12 October, 2025
Ages: Recommended for ages 6+.
Tickets: from $44.00
Duration: Approximately 65 minutes with no interval.
Spot
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.
When: 10 – 12 October, 2025
Ages: Recommended for ages 18 months +.
Tickets: from $39.00
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes with no interval.
The 91 Storey Treehouse
Andy and Terry’s Treehouse has reached an amazing 91 Stories! It’s now more fantastically dangerous than ever, with a deserted desert island, a whirlpool, and a giant spider!
But Andy, Terry and Jill have no idea they’re about to face their biggest challenge yet! Mr Big Nose has sent his grandchildren to the Treehouse, and they don’t want to just sit quietly. Can Andy, Terry & Jill master this extreme babysitting challenge? What does mysterious fortune teller Madam Know-It-All really want? And will the Big Red Button really destroy the world?
When: 1 November 2025
Where: York Theatre, Seymour Centre
Ages: Recommended for ages 6+. Contains haze smoke.
Tickets: from $39.00
Duration: Approximately 58 minutes with no interval.
Teatro at the Italian Forum
TEATRO at the Italian Forum is a vibrant cultural hub celebrating the magic of live performance. This state-of-the-art theatre hosts a dynamic program of professional productions, community theatre, and educational workshops year-round, bringing creativity, culture, and connection to the heart of Sydney’s Inner West.
The Addams Family
The Tony Award®-nominated The Addams Family Musical arrives in Sydney from 3 October at TEATRO, Italian Forum. Join Morticia, Gomez, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, Lurch and Thing for a hilariously spooky night of musical theatre.
With a spectacular score by Andrew Lippa and a witty book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice (Jersey Boys), this smash-hit show brings Charles Addams’ beloved characters to life.
When Wednesday Addams falls for a “normal” boy, chaos ensues as the two families meet for the first time. Brought to life by Australia’s newest musical theatre stars from the acclaimed THEatreBRIDGE program.
When: 3 – 26 October 2025
Where: Italian Forum, Leichhardt
Ages: Suitable for all ages and best enjoyed by ages 10 and up.
Tickets: From $50.00
Duration: Approximately 2 hours & 30 minutes, including a 15-minute interval.
The Prom
Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves.
The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together.
When: March 2026
Where: Italian Forum, Leichhardt
More details to come
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.
The Ultimate Magic Show – with Illusionist Jonas Jost
A highly popular action packed family show, featuring hilarious comedy and mind-blowing magic for kids and adults alike. This show is highly interactive, getting the kids involved in all the action onstage and isn’t just funny for the kids but the parents will have a good laugh too!
When: 8 October 2025
Where: Glen Street Theatre
Tickets: $39.90
Duration: 60 minutes (no interval)
9 to 5 The Musical
Get ready to clock in for a riotous ride with 9 to 5: The Musical — the smash-hit show inspired by the iconic Dolly Parton film! Bursting with high-energy songs, outrageous comedy, and a whole lot of heart, this feel-good musical is a celebration of friendship, female empowerment, and fighting back against the boss from hell.
Follow three unlikely allies as they take control of their workplace, turning the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. With a soundtrack by the legendary Dolly Parton, this show is packed with toe-tapping tunes, big laughs, and a whole lot of sass.
When: Sat 07 Feb – Sun 15 Feb 2026
Where: Glen Street Theatre
Ages: Suitable for all ages
Tickets: From $53.00
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes (includes interval)
The Enmore Theatre
The Enmore Theatre, Sydney’s oldest and longest-running live theatre, has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life since 1912. Originally built in 1908 as a photo-play theatre, it continues to host an eclectic mix of live music, comedy, and performance, celebrating over a century of entertainment history.
Andy and The Odd Socks
Stars of the incredibly popular and much loved ABC 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.
When: 18 January 2026
Where: Enmore Theatre, Enmore
Ages: all ages
Tickets: from $50.90
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.
& Juliet
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet didn’t end it all for Romeo? What if she got a second chance at life, love, and her own happily-ever-after?
What would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love, her way. The brilliance of the narrative is matched by a joyous soundtrack, weaving iconic pop songs you know and love from artists like Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Celine Dion, and The Backstreet Boys.
This is more than a musical; it’s a celebration of self-discovery and second chances that creates a mind-blowing, concert-like atmosphere. The only thing tragic is missing it.
When: 3 – 19 October 2025
Where: Riverside Theatre
Ages: Suitable for ages 8+ (be mindful of the length of the production)
Tickets: from $71.50
Duration: 2 hrs 30 mins (with Interval)
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.
No family events listed
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.
Emma Memma
Empowering the next generation through movement, creativity, inclusiveness, and friendship, Emma Memma with her love of dance, sign language, and music, brings visual communication to the forefront of the children’s media space and fans will get to immerse themselves in this joyful experience on Emma Memma’s Dance Island Party tour. Emma will be joined by her friends including Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly, Waffles the Wombat, and her Memma Mates who will be swimming, twirling, signing, and certainly playing at the dance island.
When: Wednesday, 08 October 2025 10:00 AM
Where: Concert Hall, The Concourse
Tickets: $38.25
Duration: 45 Minutes
Zindzi & the Zillionaires
Zindzi & the Zillionaires are on the road again this Spring taking their joyful, infectious tunes across the country – the stunning hybrid of joyful R&B musical grooves performed by the much-loved Play School regular delivers songs and themes that every child can love. And of course, good vibes for the parents too!
When: Saturday, 18 October 2025 11:00 AM
Where:The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood
Tickets: from $29.50
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.
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
A Shire Christmas Special
This magical concert is bursting with Christmas cheer for the whole family, featuring all your favourite carols and festive hits, reimagined with heart and humour, ensuring you leave with a smile in your heart, ready to embrace the holiday season.
Sing along with your favourite Christmas songs. Laugh out loud with our delightful performers. Sparkle with the holiday spirit!
When: 6 – 7 December 2025
Where: Sutherland Arts Theatre
Ages: all ages
Tickets: from $22.00
Duration: 75 Minutes (No interval)
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show
Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.
Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.
When: 29 – 30 August 2026
Where: Sutherland Arts Theatre
Ages: all ages
Tickets: tickets on sale in 2026
Duration: 50 Minutes (no interval)
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.
Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies
In an enchanting world of song and dance, the adventurous Tinkerbell meets up with the fairies from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Together, the cheeky Mustardseed, fluttery Moth, daring Cobweb and sweet Peaseblossom go on a magical quest with Tinkerbell.
The audience is invited to dress up and join in the fun! Come as a fairy, an elf, a Jedi, a pirate or even a superhero! Everyone is welcome to join this sparkling adventure with a special visit to ‘Bubble Land’ to help Tinkerbell and her new fairy friends find her lost wings.
When: 27 September – 12 October 2025
Where: Royal Botanic Garden Sydney – Pioneer Garden
Ages: all ages
Tickets: from $20.00
Duration: 1 Hour 15 Mins
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
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.
When: Lyric Theatre (Star City)
Where: From September 2025
Ages: Suitable for a general audience aged 6 and up.
Tickets: from $65.00
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes in length (including a 20 minute interval)
Read our review and discover if Back to the Future: the Musical is one for your family.
Anastasia
This dazzling production, by the Tony Award winning team Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Ahrens and Darko Tresnjak, transports you from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. ANASTASIA follows a brave young woman on a journey to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
When: Arriving April 2026
Where: Lyric Theatre (Star City)
Ages: ANASTASIA is recommended for ages 8 years and older. All persons under 16 years must be accompanied and sit alongside the accompanying adult.
Tickets: from $69.90
Duration: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
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.
The Nutcracker
Journey to the magical Land of Sweets this festive season and indulge in the spirit of Christmas tradition. Be mesmerised by the breathtaking snowflakes and the exquisite Sugar Plum Fairy as they perform with dazzling costumes and exquisite sets.
Every moment will captivate you and your family’s imagination. Fill your hearts with the Christmas spirit this December with BIG Live’s iconic production of The Nutcracker!
When: 29 November – 3 December 2025
Where: The State Theatre
Ages: All ages
Tickets: Tickets from: $69.90
Duration: Each performance runs for approximately 2 hours, including a 20-minute interval.
The Christmas Spectacular
Come and experience the most magical holiday event of the season! The Christmas Spectacular is an extravaganza of music, circus, dance and magic that celebrates the joy and excitement of Christmas.
Let your senses ignite with a kaleidoscope of Christmas Songs, dances and world class variety performers as they light up the stage in a show that pays tribute to the Radio City Rocketts, The Nutcracker and much more.
When: 19 December 2025
Where: The State Theatre
Ages: All Ages
Tickets: from $49.00
Duration: 45 Minutes – ACT ONE | 20 Minutes – Interval | 45 Minutes – ACT TWO
A Celtic Christmas
Immerse yourself in a traditional Celtic landscape and let the magic of an Irish Christmas transport you to a world filled with excitement and wonder, where vibrant music and dance embody the heartbeat of the festive season. Experience the magic as world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, acapella tap battles, and heartwarming storytelling in one truly unforgettable performance.
When: Monday 22 December 2025
Where: The State Theatre
Ages: All ages
Tickets: from $59.90
Duration: from 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm with an interval
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.
The Lion King
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to Sydney!
When: Opens April 2026
We will update information as it is released to the public.
ICC Sydney
With its central location in Darling Harbour, the ICC theatre attracts a diverse range of audiences. It offers a dynamic space for various performances, conferences, and events, making it a premier destination for entertainment in Sydney.
The Wiggles Tree of Wisdom
Set to be our biggest and brightest show yet, travelling across the country bringing their live-show phenomenon to a city near you.
In a concert filled with arena-sized surprises, this high-energy extravaganza is set to have the whole family singing, dancing and Wiggling from start to end!
As your favourites take to the stage, get ready for a dazzling array of surprises from bubbles, lights, DJ Dorothy dance parties and Big Red Utes! You’ll be sure to make memories that last a lifetime.
When: 20 December, 2025
Ages: 12 months plus
Tickets: via ticketek
Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play!
In an Australian first, Ginny and Bitsy from “SuperKitties” and Team Spidey from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” will head down under to join other fan-favorite Disney Jr. characters, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and Ariel the Little Mermaid, and the Puppy Dog Pals, to delight audiences in this fully immersive live show featuring singing, dancing, dazzling 3D visuals, and exciting acrobatics.
When: 17 & 18 January 2026 (10.00 am 1:30 pm)
Where: ICC Sydney
Ages: all ages
Tickets: from $34.00
Duration: Act One is 45 min, 15 min Intermission and 30 min Act Two
Other things to do in Sydney with kids
Head to one of Sydney’s museums
Visit one of Sydney’s best wildlife parks or zoos.