Murmuring backpacks, robot magic and an indestructible creature spring into the House these school holidays

We’ve put together a handy guide to help your kids’ creativity bloom this spring. Pick a show or workshop and you’ve planted the seed for a magical day out. And who knows, you might find yourself swept up in the wonder too.

Our pick of the season

Murmur

1 – 8 October 2025 | Ages 4+

All the senses will be engaged in this circus-meets-sound-theatre performance. As your kids don backpacks fitted with speakers, they’ll become a circle of sound that an acrobat in the centre of the stage reacts to – from bees in the air, a purring cat and everything in between.

On a bright green background is an animated creature. It is pink and round with eight logs and a round mouth with small teeth.

Moss Piglet

27 – 28 September 2025 | Ages 5+ 

Go inside the hidden world of the tardigrade, otherwise known as ‘Moss piglet’ or ‘Water bear’. These tiny creatures have outlasted volcanoes, ice ages and even the vacuum of space. On stage, they’ll spring to life through puppets, choreography, live video and green screen magic. From petri dishes to frozen glaciers to the surface of the moon, this is a family adventure that proves the smallest things can hold the greatest strength. Perfect for kids who are passionate about science.

Mario the Maker Magician

2 – 12 October 2025 | Ages 4+

He’s performed for Jimmy Fallon. He’s performed in New York. Now he’s coming to perform for you and the whole family. Mario is a magician unlike any other. He ditches human assistants for robots made from soup cans and animatronic monkeys. His props? DIY cardboard creations and a whole smorgasbord of magic inventions. Plus, his energy is infectious. Your kids (and you) are going to have a blast.

What the Ocean Said

James Brown, Alice Osborne and collaborators

11 – 12 October 2025 | Ages 8+ 

How do you secretly get your kids to meditate and practice mindfulness? This carefully thought-out experience uses digital projections, sound and story. Relax in a sea of pillows amidst a magical space of calm. Follow the journey of a humpback whale diving deep into the water and expanding into the reaches of the ocean itself. You’ll be introduced to mindfulness techniques wrapped up in a story time adventure.

Workshops

Make-Believe Masters: Putting on a show

7 October 2025 | Ages 12 - 16

A full-day theatre making workshop. What happens when kids take charge of the show? Pure magic. In this full-day workshop, your children will craft sets, costumes and more alongside theatre designer Isabel Hudson and other industry professionals. Plus, they'll peek behind the curtain with a special backstage tour at the Opera House.

Around the House

House Canteen and Opera Bar

Enjoy the best view of Sydney Harbour while tucking into a delicious feast, from dumplings to kids’ bento boxes, at our Asian-inspired restaurant House Canteen. Or head next door to Opera Bar for an equally stunning view. With great snacks, seafood, pizza and a dedicated kids menu, you’ll find something for everyone. Plus the adults can tuck into some cocktails underneath the sunshine.

Pick up a souvenir

Visit our shop at the Lower Concourse or Box Office (or jump online) to explore our range of gifts and souvenirs including our playful toys, games, backpacks, colouring-in books and much more.

Parking made easy

If you want to drive and park at the Opera House, book online and use the code KIDS for a $21 flat fee between 10am - 6pm, Mon - Fri.

Enjoy from home

If you’re staying in but still craving an Opera House fix, we've got some great ways for you to experience the magic from home.

Arty Farty A Podcast for Kids

Stream

Our online platform, Stream, is the best way to catch up on past shows and experiences at the Opera House. Entertain your kids with great family-friendly content including Polar Bear & PenguinTempo, Erth’s Prehistoric World and more. Check out the full collection.

Arty Farty Podcast

Why should only adults get to listen to podcasts? Our series Arty Farty – A Podcast for Kids has been created especially for your little one’s big imaginations. We’re excited to share special moments, insights, tips, tricks and more from kids themselves, and creative types who appear here at the House. Listen to Arty Farty