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School holidays survival guide: Spring edition

Our entire program on a page

Sydney Opera House

It’s September already. We’re puzzled at how fast the year is passing us by and it’s likely you’re as equally perplexed. But with another school holiday around the corner, a more pressing question is probably echoing in your mind, “What should I do with the family?”

Fear not. We have you covered. Our school holiday program offers something for every little one. From blockbuster shows and creative workshops to delicious food options, we’ll make your kids’ break from school truly unforgettable.

Shows

Illustration of an emu with its beak balancing a multicolored ball against a green background. The emu appears to be looking at the ball intensely.

Edward the Emu

27 September – 6 October 2024

Ages 4+

From $29

Perfect for… curious little animal lovers.

A story all about embracing who you are, based on the beloved picture books by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement. Being the only emu in the zoo, Edward the Emu is feeling a little bored. This leads him on an adventure of self-discovery as he jumps from enclosure to enclosure, exploring what it’s like to be a seal, lion, snake and more. Along the way, he makes a very special friend in Edwina the Emu.

Your kids will love seeing this beloved tale brought to life on stage, featuring exceptional puppetry, original music, and delightful storytelling.

Book tickets to Edward the Emu

Big Sky

28 September – 5 October 2024

All ages

From $39

Perfect for… kids who love a thrill.

The Flying Fruit Fly Circus brings you the premiere of their brand new show, Big Sky, an acrobatic adventure that follows a journey over one night. The story follows 13 unforgettable characters as they look forward to their futures, show off, get spooked, prank each other and get up to mischief. 

Your kids will love being up close to the action, as 12 remarkable young performers aged between 10 and 18 perform phenomenal circus skills.  

Book tickets to Big Sky 

Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle

9 – 10 October 2024

Ages 3+

From $25

Perfect for… brave little adventures. 

From Bangarra Dance Theatre comes Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle, their first dedicated work for children. Under the star-illuminated skies of the Torres Strait, a green turtle navigates her way back to the beach where she was born. A contemporary saltwater Lagaw Kazil (Island Children) story inspired by the totemic system of the green turtle, Waru is an interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance.

Book tickets to Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle

A toddler in a blue sweater and floral skirt dances on a red carpeted floor with people and musicians playing string instruments in the background.

Kids Music Playtime

20 September – 6 December 2024

Ages 0 - 2

From $25

Introduce your toddler to the wonders of live music. This monthly session sees imagination meet the magic of music. Experience a plethora of different musical styles from classical favourites, to folksy blues and new songs for everyone to sing. Toddlers are encouraged to dance and sing along in a relaxed and fun environment. 

Your little ones will love to dance and sing along.

Please note babies in arms under 1 year are admitted free and do not require a ticket. 

Book tickets to Kids Music Playtime

Workshops

Free Creative Play in the Western Foyers

28 Sep - 10 Oct

10am - 3pm

All Ages

Free

Perfect for… young creatives.

Make the most of your time at the House with a free, drop-in craft activity located in the Western Foyers. Kids will create their own turtle artwork all while learning about the Torres Strait Islands.

No booking or registration required, simply turn up.

Alien Rescue Mission

1 - 2 October 2024

Ages 6+

From $45

Perfect for… space lovers. 

Aliens have visited the Sydney Opera House for a fun interactive theatre play experience from theatre artist Alison Bennet. As part of the (very brave) Alien Rescue Team, your kids will have to find the baby alien left behind and return it to its family. As part of their search, they’ll weave their way throughout the Opera House, looking right and left for the lost alien.

Your kids will love learning a special alien language. 

Book tickets to Alien Rescue Mission

Edward the Emu Drama Workshop

3 - 4 October 2024

Ages 5 - 8

From $29

Perfect for… little ones who are ready for the stage. 

Join Monkey Baa Theatre for an engaging workshop session. Young dramatists will be taken on a journey of identity, self-belief, and belonging… through the eyes of an emu.

Book tickets to Edward the Emu Drama Workshop

Make Believe Masters: Young Theatre Designers

30 September 2024

Ages 12 - 16

From $65

Perfect for… set-designing superstars.

Take your teens behind the curtain with this interactive workshop. They’ll learn all about theatrical design and creative world building for the stage.

Book tickets to Make Believe Masters: Young Theatre Designers

While you’re here:

House Canteen and Opera Bar

If you have worked up an appetite don’t forget to visit… House Canteen or 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. As a bonus, there will be free school holiday entertainment so the fun never has to stop!

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.

'Sydney Opera Mouse' book with a mouse standing outside the Sydney Opera House.

Pick up a souvenir

If you would like to get a souvenir to remember your special day check out… the Sydney Opera House shop

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 need to drive to 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.

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 & Penguin, Tempo, Erth’s Prehistoric World and more.

Check out the full collection

Arty Farty Podcast

Our podcast series Arty Farty – A Podcast for Kids has been created especially for Kid Creatives. 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