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!
City of Wonder : A sustainable city built by kids
City of Wonder is an interactive workshop for families and kids that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in an engaging and inclusive way.
When: 10 – 18 July 2025
Where: In the Centre for Creativity – Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 4+
Tickets: $10.00
Duration: The duration of this event is 60 minutes.
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!
When: 5 – 19 July 2025
Where: The Playhouse – Sydney Opera House
Ages: Ages 5+
Tickets: From $35.95
Duration: The duration of this event is 50 minutes.
The Princess, The Pea (and The Brave Escapee)
There is the fairytale you know and love… but what isn’t known is why our brave princess was out in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a night, at the end of an adventure. This is that story.
When: 13 – 20 July 2025
Where: ACO On The Pier | Suite 3/13A Hickson Road Dawes Point
Ages: $39.00
Tickets: Tickets are no longer on sale with Sydney Opera House but can be purchased with Australian Chamber Orchestra.
Duration: This event runs for approximately 45 minutes, including a post-show ‘meet the musicians’ session.
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.
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!
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
But there’s a catch. To share his enchanting song with the world, Wolfgang must navigate through cosmic chaos and find his way back to Earth. Will he conquer the challenges of the universe and return in time for his grand performance?
When: 17 – 19 July 2025 | Relaxed performance: Thursday 17 July 2025 at 12:30pm
Where: Riverside
Tickets: From $27.00
Duration: Approx. 45 mins
Wonderbox
Sensorium Theatre, Australia’s leading theatre company making work specifically designed for young audiences with disability and their friends, invites children to roll the dice and set out along a safe, exhilarating pathway into the unknown. Inside a giant puzzle-box of illusions, kooky-carnival friends with magic in their pockets lead audiences into an immersive multi-sensory wonderland of fantastical large-scale projections, strange tiny delights and infectious live music.
Every child’s curiosity is celebrated and rewarded with wondrous surprises. The discovery is the journey. As boxes reveal boxes within boxes each child is given the opportunity to find a magical version of themselves. Inside the Wonderbox micro-moments of whole worlds in a matchbox lead into macro universes where everyone, their face reflected in the stars of the Milky Way, is revealed as wonderful!
When: 25 – 27 September 2025
Where: Phive, Riverside Theatre
Ages: Recommended for ages 8+
Tickets: From $24.00
Duration: Approx. 60 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.
Josephine Wants to Dance
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: 19 July, 10:30AM & 12:30PM
Where: Sydney Coliseum Theatre
Ages: Ages 4-9 and their families.
Tickets: From $34.00
Duration: 50 minutes, no interval
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.
Josephine Wants to Dance
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: 16 – 17 July 2025
Ages: Recommended ages 4+
Tickets: from $38.00
Duration: 50 mins (no interval)
Mini Maestros – Willoughby Symphony Orchestra
Introduce your little ones to the joy of music. Featuring trombone superstar Jonathan Ramsay – a Sydney boy who grew up to play with the greatest orchestra in the world, the Berlin Philharmonic. Alongside Nino Rota’s Trombone Concerto with Dr. Nicholas Milton AM and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra, Jonathan Ramsay will engage young minds by revealing the inner workings of his instrument and demonstrating how brass instruments make their remarkable sounds. Don’t miss this unique opportunity for children to experience the magic of music firsthand with a true superstar!
When: Saturday, 02 August 2025 02:00 PM
Where: The Concourse
Tickets: $35.00
Duration: 60 minutes
Teeny Tiny Stevies
Bring the whole family because this is the most wholesome live gig there is! Teeny Tiny Stevies will absolutely delight the littlies AND bring the LOL’s for parents. The old feel young, the young feel like grown-ups, and everyone meets in the middle for a rocking good time.
Playing all their biggest hits, along with new tunes from their brand new album ‘Brain Fart’, get ready for dancing, sing-alongs and a ridiculous level of collective joy. Core memories – we got you!
When: Saturday, 23 August 2025 10:00 AM
Where: The Concourse
Ages: Babies aged 12 months of age & under are permitted free entry in parents Arms/Laps with a paying Adult ticket
Tickets: from $39.70
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
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 Gruffalo’s Child
The Gruffalo said that no gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…
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: 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
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: 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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Madagascar: The Musical
Get ready for a wild ride as our talented cast delivers an unforgettable performance, combining vibrant costumes, pulsating rhythms, and hilarious antics. The stage comes alive with infectious tunes that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. It’s a high-energy adventure for the whole family! Whether you’re a fan of the animated movie or new to the Madagascar magic, this musical extravaganza promises an experience like no other.
When: 18 – 19 July, 2025
Where: Darling Harbour Theatre | ICC
Ages: All Ages.
Tickets: from $55.00
Duration: 75 Minutes
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.