While Sydney is packed year-round with some of the world’s most in-demand musicals, don’t forget that the little ones deserve some culture too.
In our rolling live list of the best kid shows in Sydney right now, we’ll be rounding up the musicals, plays, festivals and theatre productions that are kid-friendly and fun for the whole family. From Sydney Opera House to Riverside Theatres, you’ll see there are plenty of reasons for your kid to direct their attention towards some of the city’s best stages. These shows are also just a great way to get your kid to put down the iPad for an hour or two!
The best kids shows in Sydney right now
1. Edward the Emu
Edward. the only emu at the zoo, is feeling glum and quite bored. Perhaps the grass is greener on the other side of the fence? He daydreams constantly about whether or not life is more fun for the seals or the lions or the snakes. One day, Edward the emu sets off on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the world outside of his enclosure and even meeting a special someone along the way.
Note that on October 3 and 4, Monkey Baa Theatre will host dance and drama workshops for young dramatists who want to recreate the magic of Edward the Emu.
Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: September 27 – October 6, 2024
Price: $29 – $49
Age Limit: 4+
2. Big Sky: Flying Fruit Fly Circus
Conceived as a show that unfolds from sunset to dawn, Big Sky follows 12 unique characters in a brilliant coming-of-age story as they express their goals, show off, get spooked, prank each other and enjoy life. The world-renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus ensures the story has plenty of theatrics, offering a spectacular show performed by kids, for kids.
Where: The Studio, Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: September 28 – October 5
Price: $35 – $49
Age Limit: all ages
3. There’s A Sea In My Bedroom
The Australian Chamber Orchestra is adapting a 1984 children’s book written by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Jane Tanner into a deeply immersive performance. Much like the book, the production has been designed to capture the magic of a child’s fantasy world while also introducing the little ones to live classical music.
Where: The Nielsen, Pier 2/3; Suite 3/13A Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000
When: September 28 – October 4
Price: $39
Age Limit: 2 – 8 years
4. Snow White: A Pantomime Fairytale
The gorgeous Riverside Theatres in Parramatta gear up to host a brand new production of Snow White, playing for a very limited season from Australia’s biggest family musical panto producer, Bonnie Lythgoe Productions. The big, spectacular blend of song, dance, fairy tale entertainment and all-ages fun is suited for ages 3 and up, with viewers encouraged to participate in the show’s interactive elements.
Sydney theatre legend Debora Krizak slinks into the role as the wicked queen, supported by Eliza Sunderland as Snow White, Tim Maddren as Prince Sebastian, and Barry Pearl as Chambers, the Queen’s confidant and servant.
Where: Riverside Theatres; Corner Market &, Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
When: September 13 – 21
Price: $89
Age Limit: 3+
5. Spot On: Children’s Festival
Get ready for a huge festival celebrating all things kid-friendly, packed with theatre and musical performances, comedy sessions, interactive adventures, and a whole host of entertaining shows for the whole family. The festival will make full use of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres, with free courtyard activities as well as a special Mini Music Makers series between October 1-9 with cushion concerts and karaoke disco parties.
Where: Riverside Theatres; Corner Market &, Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150
When: September 28 – October 20
Price: Free entry (some events ticketed)
Age Limit: All ages
6. Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle
Set under the twinkly skies of the Torres Strait, a single green turtle makes her way back to the beach where she was born, attempting to make it just in time for a new generation of hatchlings. This production, resting on incredible costumes and a great sense of adventure, follows Migi as she undertakes a journey of discovery and survival, spun into an homage to an old Lagaw Kazil story about the totemic system of the green turtle.
Where: The Playhouse, Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: October 9 – 10
Price: $22 – $35
Age Limit: 3+
7. Spot
If you’re kids can’t get enough of Spot the dog then they’ll love following him as him and his friends set off on a new adventure. This time, the goal is to spend time with Spot’s dad on their farm and meet the farm animals. The only problem is, when they arrive, all the animals are missing. Can Spot and his friends find them all? They might need some help from their new friends in the audience too so between all that hilarious puppetry and melodic show tunes, your little one might end up being part of the show.
Where: Seymour Centre; Cnr City Road &, Cleveland St, Chippendale NSW 2008
When: September 28 – October 1
Price: $46
Age Limit: 18 months – 7 years
8. Tinkerbell & The Dream Fairies
Take your little ones to the Royal Botanic Garden because Tinkerbell and the Dream Fairies are back for more. The popular children’s play makes the perfect afternoon picnic in Sydney’s most beautiful gardens, as Tinkerbell joins up with the Dream Fairies from A Midnight Summer Night’s Dream. Together the must search for Tinkerbell’s missing sings, spurring them on a daring mission full of twists, turns and fun for all ages.
Where: The Pioneer Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Sydney NSW 2000
When: September 28 – October 13
Price: $25 – $30
Age Limit: All ages (free for children under 12 months)
9. Dog Man the Musical
Dog man strikes again! With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, this precocious pub loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture, in equal measure. Can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of beasty buildings? That’s not the only antagonist, however. Dog Man also needs to deal with Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to enact revenge amongst his furry nemesis.
Where: Seymour Centre; Cnr City Road &, Cleveland St, Chippendale NSW 2008
When: October 11 – 13
Price: $52
Age Limit: 6+
