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 ACO On The Pier, 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 tablet for an hour or two.
The best kids shows in Sydney for 2025
1. Peter and the Wolf
The classic tale of a young boy who sets out deep into the forest to catch a wolf is one of the best known children’s tales of our time. It’s especially recognised for its mysterious soundtrack, which has been enchanting kids for generations. Here, Sydney Opera House will host a faithful recreation of the story by a full symphony orchestra, bringing powerful orchestral sounds to Prokofiev’s classic so kids of all ages can enjoy the work of flutes, oboes, strings, horns, bassoons, kettle drums, clarinets and more.
It’s a great way to expose kids to the wonderfully diverse world of music beyond The Wiggles and Bluey. There are two shows on the Saturday, with the first at 10:30am and the second at 1pm.
Where: Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: Saturday, August 23
Price: $45 for adults, $37 for kids
Age Limit: All ages
2. Moss Piglet
Sometimes the biggest things are accomplished by the littlest of things. That’s the idea behind Moss Piglet, a brand new show at the Sydney Opera House that’s great for families with kids. An entire microscopic world of little, petri dish-sized critters is fully fleshed with the use of puppetry, choreography, live video and green screen technology.
It’s a great way to encourage a sense of confidence in kids, helping them find their own voice through edutainment.
Where: Studio, Sydney Opera House; Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
When: September 27-28
Price: $39 for adults
Age Limit: 4+
3. Where to Hide a Star
The Australian Chamber Orchestra continue their delightful family series in October with Where to Hide a Star, a sequel to Oliver Jeffers’ inspired How to Catch a Star. Kids will be taken on a movie adventure about the values of imagination, courage and empathy, all baked into a 30-minute performance following by a chance to meet and greet with the musicians who bring it all to life.
The show runs for 10 days at ACO On The Pier, which also has a free creative play area so kids can keep themselves entertained before and after the show.
Where: The Neilson, 13A Hickson Road, Dawes Point
When: October 1 – 11 (no performance on Sunday)
Price: $39 . Children under 2 see the show free.
Age Limit: all ages
4. The Bogong’s Song: a Call to Country
The Bogong’s Song is a brilliant new way for kids to engage with and learn about First Nations storytelling while deepening their understanding of, and connection to, where they live. Produced by the Bangarra Dance Theatre, this new stage show is a heart-warming burst of storytelling, shadow puppetry, dance and song that pulls together stories of creation for young theatre lovers aged 7 to 12 and their families.
Where: The Studio Theatre at Bangarra, Wharf 4/5, 15 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
When: Wednesday, October 8 – 19
Price: $45
Age Limit: 7+
5. The Giant Balloon Show
What happens when an award-winning entertainer sets out on a noble quest to discover everything there is to know about balloons? You get an evening of feverous balloon sculptures, high-energy comic performances and some giant, behemoth balloons, combining gags, tricks and great music. The Fringe Kids-favourite is back, fresh off sold-out performances at the likes of Brighton, Perth and Adelaide, slotting into a massive family-friendly lineup at Fool’s Paradise in the Entertainment Quarter.
Where: Fool’s Paradise at The Entertainment Quarter
When: August 30 – October 12
Price: $26
Age Limit: All Ages
6. Lah-Lah Meets Sydney Youth Orchestra
The stars of ABC kids joins a full orchestra to turn Ultimo’s Turner Hall into a massive, hilariously wicked celebration of live music. The toe-tapping Lah-Lah Meets Sydney tells the story of a stripy-socked singing sensation who joins forces with the likes of Buzz the Bandleader, Lola the Dancing Double Bass, Mister Saxophone, Squeezy Sneezy and more. Kids will be able to follow Lola and she meets all these different instruments, soundtracked by the great Sydney Youth Orchestra.
Where: 19 Mary Ann St, Ultimo 2007
When: Saturday, September 27
Price: $30
Age Limit: 2+
7. Journal of the Forest
Journal of the Forest is a circus cabaret show drawing its mesmerising concept from a series of juggling genies and faerie ariels, designed as a nomadic ode to adventure. It’s a show not to miss, and the dynamic nature of it means each night will be slightly different from the one before it.
Where: Fool’s Paradise at The Entertainment Quarter
When: September 27 – October 12
Price: $25
Age Limit: All ages
8. Bubba Licious
Colour, sound, light and movement come together for Bubba Licious, one of several Fringe Kids shows playing at Darling Quarter Theatre. The multi-genre show incorporates puppetry, clowning, bubbles, shadow play and more to build the perfect show for younger children, arriving in Sydney after sold out seasons in Edinburgh, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.
Where: 3/1-25 Harbour St, Sydney
When: 3/1-25 Harbour St, Sydney
Price: $16
Age Limit: All ages
9. Snails and Rocks
The story of Snail and Rocks will take over The Living Room at Erskineville Town Hall, telling the story of what happens when a human becomes a forest gremlin and a snail attempts to climb the corporate ladder. Layered with subtext, the production encourages kids to dream big, presenting a grand adventure of what it takes to find your own identity as a snail with a heart of gold sets out to become human.
Where: The Living Room at Erskineville Town Hall
When: September 13-27
Price: $25
Age Limit: All ages
10. Bee Story
A Bee Story is one of the many Fringe Kids shows at The Entertainment Quarter this year, designed as a multi-genre adventure with circus, acrobatics, dance and live music worked into a story of Queen Bee and Worker Bee. Both must work together to re-build their hive after it is destroyed by a bushfire, presenting an award-winning tale built on the themes of hard work, dedication, the ability to adapt, and the importance of sustainability.
Where: Fool’s Paradise at The Entertainment Quarter
When: October 4-12
Price: $29
Age Limit: All ages
Where can I find shows for kids in Sydney
There are always kids shows playing at Sydney Opera House and you can also wait for seasonal programs like Fringe Kids.
Does Sydney Opera House do family-friendly shows?
Yes. Sydney Opera House has an entire program for kids-friendly shows throughout the years.
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